50 Exciting Things You Can Do at 18

Turning 18 is a major milestone in a teen’s life. At 18, teens are legally considered adults and gain a host of new freedoms and responsibilities overnight.

While excited teens may want to rush into all of these newly available options, it’s important to carefully consider each choice. Just because you can legally do something at 18 doesn’t always mean you should. Think through decisions thoroughly and rely on support from parents, mentors and other trusted adults for guidance.

From Teen to Adult: Things You Can Do at 18 and Explore

Below are 50+ things teens gain the legal right to do when they become adults at 18:

Voting & Civic Duties

Register to vote and participate in elections
Serve on a jury and participate in jury duty
Run for public office such as city council or mayor
Sign/circulate petitions for a cause

Military & Firearms

Enlist in the armed forces without parental consent
Own and operate firearms (restrictions vary by state)

Finance & Gambling

Open credit cards and take out loans
Accumulate debt and declare bankruptcy
Invest in the stock market and real estate
Play state lottery and visit casinos for gambling

Housing

Rent an apartment without a cosigner
Check into a hotel alone

Relationships

Get married without parental or court consent
Divorce spouse without restrictions
Adopt a child

Healthcare

Make medical decisions without parental input
Access medical records confidentially
Donate blood and plasma

Contracts

Sign legally binding contracts

Transportation & Travel

Rent/buy property for housing
Book hotels and accommodations
Fly domestically without ID
Rent a car (charges may apply for underage)
Drive for Uber, Lyft or delivery

Technology Use

Sign up for and manage your own phone plan
Download any apps and access any websites

Social Media & Internet

Sign up for all social media accounts
Post content online without censorship
Purchase cryptocurrency

Entertainment & Media

Attend casinos and gambling facilities
Purchase lottery tickets
Attend adult-only concerts and events
Appear in media such as reality shows

Employment

Work unlimited hours
Join the police academy and law enforcement
Apply for any job regardless of hazards/conditions
Drop out of school (not recommended)

Purchases

Buy M-rated video games
Purchase tobacco, vape products and paraphernalia
Buy groceries, household items, cars
Open your own PO box to receive mail confidentially

Substances & Vices

Purchase and consume alcohol and cannabis (where legal)
Get tattoos and body piercings without parental consent
Buy spray paint, glue, and other hazardous items

Education

Take out private student loans and apply for grants
Apply for colleges and universities solo

Criminal Acts & Punishment

Jailed with adults if arrested
Tried and sentenced as an adult for crimes
Death penalty eligibility for serious offenses

Financial Aid

Apply for financial aid and scholarships solo
Take full responsibility for student loan debt

While many of these new privileges are exciting, not all activities are wise for an 18-year-old to engage in. Some have serious risks associated with them if not thoroughly considered. Teens should maintain open conversations with caring adults to make the soundest choices. Though legally an adult, mentors can provide invaluable guidance as you navigate this new phase of independence.

Turning 18 is an opportunity to demonstrate maturity and personal responsibility. Welcoming these new freedoms thoughtfully and weighing them against your values will set you on the right track to adulthood. Stay focused on your goals and surround yourself with positive role models. The choices you make at 18 can impact the rest of your life, so use your best judgment!