What can you legally do at 18 in Illinois?
Asked by: Adaline Krajcik IV | Last update: February 12, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (25 votes)
At 18 in Illinois, you become a legal adult with rights like voting, signing contracts, marrying without parental consent, making your own medical/financial decisions, and serving on juries, but still face restrictions like the 21+ age for tobacco/vaping and needing to register for Selective Service (if male). You gain independence in areas like healthcare, employment, and legal matters, while also taking on adult responsibilities like financial accountability and potential jury duty.
When I'm 18 can I do whatever I want?
What Can You Do at 18 Legally?
- Vote. ...
- Join the Military. ...
- Donate Blood and Become an Organ Donor. ...
- Work Full Time. ...
- Play the Lottery. ...
- Obtain Special Driving Permits. ...
- Purchase and Use Tobacco Products (in Some States) ...
- Drive Late at Night.
What rights do parents have over 18 year olds still in school?
Under certain circumstances, the parent or guardian of an 18 year-old student may no longer receive notice of absences or other official communications from the school without the specific authorization of the student. California Education Code 46012 states: "For purposes of any procedure for verification of absences ...
What becomes legal when you're 18?
Buy or sell property, including real estate and stock. Marry without the written consent of a parent (or guardian) and a judge. Sue or be sued in their own names. Compromise, settle or arbitrate a claim.
Is 18 considered an adult in Illinois?
Most people know that in Illinois the age of majority is 18, but it is not always clear exactly what becoming a legal adult really means. In fact, it means that you are both permitted to do more and more is expected of you.
♡ GIRL TALK: What Really Happens When You Turn 18...
Can you legally move out at 18 in Illinois?
Emancipation is a legal term describing a child's release from the custody and control of their parents or guardians. Emancipation occurs by law at 18. A special emancipation order can be issued for minors who are 16 or 17. This order allows children to live independently from their parents.
What are the benefits of turning 18?
You can register to vote before you turn 18 as long as you will be 18 when you vote for the first time.
- Serve on a jury. ...
- Run for office.
- Get drafted. ...
- Take on new financial responsibilities.
- Change your name. ...
- Make your own healthcare decisions.
- Control access to your educational information. ...
- Get married.
What can 18 year olds not do?
- buy tobacco.
- Enlist in the military.
- Be a porn star.
- Register to vote.
- Donate blood or organs.
- Drive later at night.
- Work a full time job.
- Register to vote.
What privileges do you have at 18?
Turning 18 makes you a legal adult, granting privileges like voting, signing contracts, joining the military, and making independent medical/financial decisions, but also brings responsibilities like registering for Selective Service (for males) and full tax liability, while specific activities (like buying alcohol or tobacco) vary by state law. You can also marry without parental consent, live independently, work full-time, play the lottery, and manage your own housing and finances.
Can my parents legally tell me what to do at 18?
As an adult, your child is allowed to make whatever choices he or she chooses, even if those choices are bad, or not ones you would necessarily agree with. You can't control the choices your child makes, now or at any other time, but you can control how you choose to respond to those choices.
Can my parents force me to do anything after 18?
It's true that when your child reaches the age of 18, they are legally seen as an adult and are legally responsible for their own behavior instead of their parents. They can't break laws, of course – being 18 just means you can be tried as an adult, not that you're free to do anything you please.
What is the 7 7 7 rule in parenting?
The 7-7-7 rule of parenting offers two main interpretations: a daily connection strategy and a developmental approach, both aiming to build strong bonds, with the daily version involving 7 minutes in the morning, 7 after school/work, and 7 before bed for focused attention, while the developmental rule suggests phases of playing (0-7), teaching (7-14), and guiding (14-21), emphasizing intentional presence and age-appropriate involvement to raise confident children.
What can I do once I turn 18?
Turning 18 means you become a legal adult, gaining rights to vote, sign contracts, work full-time, serve on juries, and make your own medical/financial decisions, but also taking on full legal responsibility, including potential military enlistment, paying taxes, and being held accountable in court for your actions. You can also do fun things like buy lottery tickets, get tattoos/piercings, marry without parental consent, and rent apartments.
What do you legally have to do when you turn 18?
Legally, this transition has profound implications that parents need to understand. When a person turns 18, they are recognized as a legal adult, gaining various rights such as the ability to make contracts, vote, purchase property, and independently make medical decisions.
What age can my parents stop telling me what to do?
In most states, parental obligations typically end when a child reaches the age of majority, 18 years old. But, check the laws of your state, as the age of majority can be different from one state to the next. Many parents support their children after the age of majority, such as while the child attends college.
Can you buy a car at 18?
Buying a vehicle involves a lot of paperwork, including a sales contract, which you typically need to be at least 18 to sign. If you need financing, they may have to co-sign the loan for you. Dealers also handle your vehicle registration, and you need to be at least 18 to register a vehicle in most states.
What actually changes when you turn 18?
When your teen reaches the age of 18, even though you may still think of them as children, under the law they have now achieved adult status. That status allows them to vote, serve in the military, serve on a jury, sign a contract, and get married without your consent.
Can you buy property at 18?
You can legally buy property when you reach the age of majority, which in most states is 18 years old. There are only three exceptions: In Alabama and Nebraska the age of majority is 19, and in Mississippi, it's 21. Before you reach the age of majority, you are legally considered a minor.
What do you gain access to when you turn 18?
When I reach age 18, am I automatically given all the rights of an “adult”?
- To vote in state and local elections.
- To serve on a jury in court.
- To marry without parental consent.
- To make a will.
- To work for pay.
- To obtain a driver's license.
- To be able to examine your credit record.
What is considered an illegal activity?
The term illegal means any action which is against or not authorized by the law or statute. Also called illicit or unlawful. It can refer to an action that is in violation of criminal law, like assault, arson, or murder.
What items are 18 age restricted?
General
- Tobacco and vapes. ...
- Online sales of age-restricted products. ...
- Aerosol spray paints. ...
- Alcohol: age restrictions. ...
- Cigarette lighter refills. ...
- Crossbows, air weapons and imitation firearms. ...
- Fireworks: age restrictions. ...
- Knives, other bladed items and corrosive substances.
What are the cons of turning 18?
It can be hard to be responsible for your own home or apartment, keep track of your money and spend responsibly, or afford necessities. On top of that, they also must balance their studies, work, and social lives. Doing all of these things for the first time can be overwhelming for many young adults.
Do my parents have any legal rights after I turn 18?
It's natural for parents to get sentimental and nostalgic for their childhood when their kids turn 18, but with this milestone also come new legal rights that will change your relationship. Want to see your 18-year-old's medical records, grades, or bank statements? No can do—unless your child formally agrees, that is.
What's the hardest teenage year?
Peak teen: Are the teen years 14-16 the hardest part? Many parents say that the toughest teen years are around 14 to 16. This is when a child can appear to be rebelling against you and may seem actively hostile.
What freedoms do you get at 18?
At age 18, you become a “legal adult.” This means you have new rights like being able to vote, get married, and much more. But, you also need to think about where you will live, who you will live with, how you will spend your time, and if you will need support.