California Legal Ages
The key age-based rights and duties in California, with the law or official source behind each one: driving, work, school, tattoos, marriage, voting, jury service and more. Add a birth date to see which ages are reached and what comes next. It runs in your browser; nothing is stored.
Sources checked on October 21, 2026.
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Legal ages in California
Age 2
Rear-facing car seat age requirement ends
The law requires a rear-facing seat until age 2; after that a child may ride forward-facing.
Earlier if the child weighs 40 pounds or more or is 40 inches or taller.
California law · Cal. Veh. Code § 27360(b)
Age 6
Must be enrolled in school
California requires children to attend school, or approved private or home instruction, from age 6.
California law · Cal. Educ. Code §§ 48200, 48400, 48412
Age 8
Car seat or booster age requirement ends
The child car seat or booster requirement ends at age 8; after that a seat belt can be used.
Earlier once the child is 4 feet 9 inches tall.
California law · Cal. Veh. Code § 27360(a); § 27363(d)
Age 14
Can work limited hours in non-hazardous jobs (federal rule)
Federal law lets 14- and 15-year-olds work in permitted non-hazardous jobs, outside school hours and within weekly hour limits.
Limits: no more than 3 hours on a school day and 18 hours in a school week; 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week when school is out; only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day) (29 C.F.R. 570.35).
Federal rule, applies in every state · 29 CFR 570.2(a)(1)
Can work (state minimum age)
California lets 14- and 15-year-olds work outside school hours on a school-issued permit during the school year.
A permit for work only on school holidays and vacations may be issued to a minor "over the age of 12 years" (Educ. Code § 49111).
California law · Cal. Educ. Code § 49112(a)
Court emancipation (adult status) can be sought
A minor can petition a court to be declared emancipated starting at age 14.
California law · Cal. Fam. Code § 7120(b)(1)
Age 15 and 6 months
Can get a learner's permit
California issues an instruction permit at 15 and 6 months after driver education.
California law · Cal. Veh. Code § 12509(a)
Age 16
Can work any non-hazardous job (federal rule)
At 16, the general federal minimum working age applies: any job except those the Labor Department declares hazardous.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 29 CFR 570.2(a)(1)
Can get a first license to drive alone
A provisional license for driving alone is available at 16 after six months with a permit.
Requires holding the permit at least six months and 50 hours of supervised practice, 10 at night.
California law · Cal. Veh. Code § 12814.6(a)
Can pre-register to vote
California lets eligible residents pre-register to vote at 16; they can vote once they turn 18.
California law · Cal. Elec. Code § 2102(d)
Age 18
Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends)
California's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 18th birthday.
From 16, a student not otherwise exempt may attend continuation classes instead of full-time school, or leave early by passing the state proficiency exam (Ed. Code §§ 48400, 48412).
California law · Cal. Educ. Code §§ 48200, 48400, 48412
No work permit needed
Employers in California need a school-issued permit to employ anyone under 18.
Some workers are exempt, including high school graduates.
California law · Cal. Educ. Code § 49160
Can work in jobs federal law calls hazardous
At 18, the federal bar on jobs the Labor Department declares hazardous for minors ends for non-farm work.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 29 CFR 570.2(a)(1)
Teen license limits end (varies, see rule)
The license stays provisional until 18; its night and passenger limits apply for the first 12 months.
The 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. and under-20 passenger limits end 12 months after the provisional license is issued, as early as 17.
California law · Cal. Veh. Code § 12814.6(a), (b)
Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent
Tattooing is allowed from 18; the ban on tattooing minors ends at that age.
California law · Cal. Penal Code § 653
Becomes a legal adult (age of majority)
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18.
California law · Cal. Fam. Code § 6500
Can make a will
A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18.
California law · Cal. Prob. Code 6100
Can marry without a parent's consent
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18.
California law · Cal. Fam. Code 301, 302, 303, 304(a)-(c)
Can vote
The U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to vote at 18 in every federal, state and local election.
Federal rule, applies in every state · U.S. Const. amend. XXVI, § 1
Must register with Selective Service (men)
Men 18 through 25 who are U.S. citizens or live in the United States must register with the Selective Service System.
Men admitted on a nonimmigrant visa are exempt while they keep that status (50 U.S.C. 3802(a)).
Federal rule, applies in every state · 50 U.S.C. § 3802(a)
Can be called for state jury service
A person can be called for state jury service from age 18.
California law · Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 203(a)(2)
Can be called for federal jury service
Federal courts may call U.S. citizens 18 or older who have lived in the judicial district for a year.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 28 U.S.C. § 1865(b)(1)
Charged as an adult by default (juvenile court age ends)
California tries people charged with a crime in adult court by default from age 18; younger defendants start in juvenile court.
A juvenile court can transfer 16- and 17-year-olds (and some 14- and 15-year-olds) to adult court after a hearing.
California law · Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code § 602(a)
Can buy a lottery ticket
State law bars selling lottery tickets to anyone under 18.
California law · Cal. Gov. Code § 8880.52(a)
Age 21
Can drive a commercial truck across state lines
Federal rules require drivers of commercial vehicles in interstate commerce to be at least 21.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 49 C.F.R. § 391.11(b)(1)
Can buy tobacco or vapes
Federal law bars any retailer from selling cigarettes, vapes or other tobacco products to anyone under 21, in every state.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 21 U.S.C. § 387f(d)(5)
Can buy alcohol
Federal highway funding law withholds funds from any state that lets anyone under 21 buy alcohol or possess it in public, so every state sets 21.
Federal rules let states exempt possession (not purchase) for a religious purpose, with a parent, spouse or legal guardian 21 or older, for medical use, in private clubs, or in lawful employment (23 C.F.R. 1208.3).
Federal rule, applies in every state · 23 U.S.C. § 158(a)
Under-21 credit card limits end (no cosigner or independent income needed)
Under 21, a card issuer may open a credit card only with a cosigner or proof that you can repay on your own.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 15 U.S.C. § 1637(c)(8)
Age 25
Can serve in the U.S. House
The Constitution sets 25 as the minimum age for the U.S. House of Representatives.
Federal rule, applies in every state · U.S. Const. art. I, § 2, cl. 2
Age 30
Can serve in the U.S. Senate
The Constitution sets 30 as the minimum age for the U.S. Senate.
Federal rule, applies in every state · U.S. Const. art. I, § 3, cl. 3
Age 35
Can serve as President
The Constitution sets 35 as the minimum age for President.
Federal rule, applies in every state · U.S. Const. art. II, § 1, cl. 5
Age 62
Can start Social Security retirement benefits (reduced)
Social Security retirement benefits can start at 62, permanently reduced.
Federal rule, applies in every state · SSA, Retirement Benefits: Benefit reduction for early retirement
Age 65
Eligible for Medicare by age
Medicare hospital insurance by age begins at 65 for people entitled, or who would be entitled, to Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 42 U.S.C. § 426(a)
Age 67
Full Social Security retirement age (born 1960 or later)
Full Social Security retirement age is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later.
Federal rule, applies in every state · SSA, Full Retirement and Age 62 Benefit By Year Of Birth
Age 73
Retirement-account minimum withdrawals begin
Required minimum distributions from traditional retirement accounts begin at 73 for people who turn 72 after 2022.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 26 U.S.C. § 401(a)(9)(C)(v)
Rules with no set age in California
- Can get a tattoo with a parent's consent: State law bars tattooing anyone under 18, even with a parent's consent. Cal. Penal Code § 653
- Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent: With a court order and a parent's consent, state law sets no minimum age. Cal. Fam. Code §§ 302, 304
- Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate: The original birth certificate is released only by court order; reaching an age gives no automatic access. Cal. Health & Safety Code 102705
- Can vote in a primary if 18 by the general election: Voters must be 18 on primary day; 17-year-olds cannot vote in primaries. Cal. Const. art. II, § 2(a)
- Can serve as governor: California's constitution sets no minimum age for governor; the governor must be an elector (a voter, so at least 18). Cal. Const. art. V, § 2
- Can ask to be excused from jury service because of age: State law sets no age at which a person can be excused from jury service for age alone. Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 204; Cal. Rules of Court, rule 2.1008(d)(5)
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Legal ages in California, rule by rule
Each row is one rule, the age it sets in California, and the law it comes from. Federal rules apply in every state and are marked as federal.
Childhood
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Rear-facing car seat age requirement ends The law requires a rear-facing seat until age 2; after that a child may ride forward-facing.Earlier if the child weighs 40 pounds or more or is 40 inches or taller. | 2 | Cal. Veh. Code § 27360(b) |
| Car seat or booster age requirement ends The child car seat or booster requirement ends at age 8; after that a seat belt can be used.Earlier once the child is 4 feet 9 inches tall.Law change: From January 1, 2027 (AB 435, Stats. 2025, ch. 434), a child 8 or older riding in a seat belt alone must fit it by the 5-Step test; otherwise a child restraint such as a booster is still required. | 8 | Cal. Veh. Code § 27360(a); § 27363(d) |
School
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Must be enrolled in school California requires children to attend school, or approved private or home instruction, from age 6. | 6 | Cal. Educ. Code §§ 48200, 48400, 48412 |
| Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends) California's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 18th birthday.From 16, a student not otherwise exempt may attend continuation classes instead of full-time school, or leave early by passing the state proficiency exam (Ed. Code §§ 48400, 48412). | 18 | Cal. Educ. Code §§ 48200, 48400, 48412 |
Work
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can work limited hours in non-hazardous jobs (federal rule) Federal law lets 14- and 15-year-olds work in permitted non-hazardous jobs, outside school hours and within weekly hour limits.Limits: no more than 3 hours on a school day and 18 hours in a school week; 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week when school is out; only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day) (29 C.F.R. 570.35). | 14 | 29 CFR 570.2(a)(1)Federal, all states |
| Can work (state minimum age) California lets 14- and 15-year-olds work outside school hours on a school-issued permit during the school year.A permit for work only on school holidays and vacations may be issued to a minor "over the age of 12 years" (Educ. Code § 49111). | 14 | Cal. Educ. Code § 49112(a) |
| No work permit needed Employers in California need a school-issued permit to employ anyone under 18.Some workers are exempt, including high school graduates. | 18 | Cal. Educ. Code § 49160 |
| Can work any non-hazardous job (federal rule) At 16, the general federal minimum working age applies: any job except those the Labor Department declares hazardous. | 16 | 29 CFR 570.2(a)(1)Federal, all states |
| Can work in jobs federal law calls hazardous At 18, the federal bar on jobs the Labor Department declares hazardous for minors ends for non-farm work. | 18 | 29 CFR 570.2(a)(1)Federal, all states |
Driving
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can get a learner's permit California issues an instruction permit at 15 and 6 months after driver education. | 15 and 6 months | Cal. Veh. Code § 12509(a) |
| Can get a first license to drive alone A provisional license for driving alone is available at 16 after six months with a permit.Requires holding the permit at least six months and 50 hours of supervised practice, 10 at night. | 16 | Cal. Veh. Code § 12814.6(a) |
| Teen license limits end (varies, see rule) The license stays provisional until 18; its night and passenger limits apply for the first 12 months.The 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. and under-20 passenger limits end 12 months after the provisional license is issued, as early as 17. | 18 | Cal. Veh. Code § 12814.6(a), (b) |
| Can drive a commercial truck across state lines Federal rules require drivers of commercial vehicles in interstate commerce to be at least 21. | 21 | 49 C.F.R. § 391.11(b)(1)Federal, all states |
Tattoos
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can get a tattoo with a parent's consent State law bars tattooing anyone under 18, even with a parent's consent.Only a licensed healing-arts practitioner acting in the course of practice is outside the ban. | Not allowed for minors | Cal. Penal Code § 653 |
| Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent Tattooing is allowed from 18; the ban on tattooing minors ends at that age. | 18 | Cal. Penal Code § 653 |
Adulthood and family
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Court emancipation (adult status) can be sought A minor can petition a court to be declared emancipated starting at age 14. | 14 | Cal. Fam. Code § 7120(b)(1) |
| Becomes a legal adult (age of majority) State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18. | 18 | Cal. Fam. Code § 6500 |
| Can make a will A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18. | 18 | Cal. Prob. Code 6100 |
| Can marry without a parent's consent A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. | 18 | Cal. Fam. Code 301, 302, 303, 304(a)-(c) |
| Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent With a court order and a parent's consent, state law sets no minimum age.A minor needs a court order granting permission and the written consent of a parent or guardian.Law change: From January 1, 2027, AB 1267 (Stats. 2026, ch. 850) repeals the court-order route, so no one under 18 can marry in California. | No minimum age | Cal. Fam. Code §§ 302, 304 |
| Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate The original birth certificate is released only by court order; reaching an age gives no automatic access. | No automatic access at any age | Cal. Health & Safety Code 102705 |
Voting, juries and office
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can pre-register to vote California lets eligible residents pre-register to vote at 16; they can vote once they turn 18. | 16 | Cal. Elec. Code § 2102(d) |
| Can vote in a primary if 18 by the general election Voters must be 18 on primary day; 17-year-olds cannot vote in primaries. | Must be 18 to vote | Cal. Const. art. II, § 2(a) |
| Can vote The U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to vote at 18 in every federal, state and local election. | 18 | U.S. Const. amend. XXVI, § 1Federal, all states |
| Must register with Selective Service (men) Men 18 through 25 who are U.S. citizens or live in the United States must register with the Selective Service System.Men admitted on a nonimmigrant visa are exempt while they keep that status (50 U.S.C. 3802(a)).Law change: The FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (signed December 18, 2025) makes registration automatic; the Selective Service System says it will implement the change by December 2026. | 18 | 50 U.S.C. § 3802(a)Federal, all states |
| Can be called for state jury service A person can be called for state jury service from age 18. | 18 | Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 203(a)(2) |
| Can be called for federal jury service Federal courts may call U.S. citizens 18 or older who have lived in the judicial district for a year. | 18 | 28 U.S.C. § 1865(b)(1)Federal, all states |
| Can serve in the U.S. House The Constitution sets 25 as the minimum age for the U.S. House of Representatives. | 25 | U.S. Const. art. I, § 2, cl. 2Federal, all states |
| Can serve as governor California's constitution sets no minimum age for governor; the governor must be an elector (a voter, so at least 18). | No minimum age set | Cal. Const. art. V, § 2 |
| Can serve in the U.S. Senate The Constitution sets 30 as the minimum age for the U.S. Senate. | 30 | U.S. Const. art. I, § 3, cl. 3Federal, all states |
| Can serve as President The Constitution sets 35 as the minimum age for President. | 35 | U.S. Const. art. II, § 1, cl. 5Federal, all states |
Criminal court
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Charged as an adult by default (juvenile court age ends) California tries people charged with a crime in adult court by default from age 18; younger defendants start in juvenile court.A juvenile court can transfer 16- and 17-year-olds (and some 14- and 15-year-olds) to adult court after a hearing. | 18 | Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code § 602(a) |
Age-restricted purchases
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can buy tobacco or vapes Federal law bars any retailer from selling cigarettes, vapes or other tobacco products to anyone under 21, in every state. | 21 | 21 U.S.C. § 387f(d)(5)Federal, all states |
| Can buy alcohol Federal highway funding law withholds funds from any state that lets anyone under 21 buy alcohol or possess it in public, so every state sets 21.Federal rules let states exempt possession (not purchase) for a religious purpose, with a parent, spouse or legal guardian 21 or older, for medical use, in private clubs, or in lawful employment (23 C.F.R. 1208.3). | 21 | 23 U.S.C. § 158(a)Federal, all states |
| Can buy a lottery ticket State law bars selling lottery tickets to anyone under 18. | 18 | Cal. Gov. Code § 8880.52(a) |
Money
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Under-21 credit card limits end (no cosigner or independent income needed) Under 21, a card issuer may open a credit card only with a cosigner or proof that you can repay on your own. | 21 | 15 U.S.C. § 1637(c)(8)Federal, all states |
Later life
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can start Social Security retirement benefits (reduced) Social Security retirement benefits can start at 62, permanently reduced. | 62 | SSA, Retirement Benefits: Benefit reduction for early retirementFederal, all states |
| Eligible for Medicare by age Medicare hospital insurance by age begins at 65 for people entitled, or who would be entitled, to Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits. | 65 | 42 U.S.C. § 426(a)Federal, all states |
| Full Social Security retirement age (born 1960 or later) Full Social Security retirement age is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later. | 67 | SSA, Full Retirement and Age 62 Benefit By Year Of BirthFederal, all states |
| Can ask to be excused from jury service because of age State law sets no age at which a person can be excused from jury service for age alone.At 70 or older, a person claiming a disability excuse does not have to give medical proof.Law change: Starting January 1, 2028 (AB 1359), a person 80 or older can get a permanent excuse for a medical impairment without a provider's note. | No state age excuse | Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 204; Cal. Rules of Court, rule 2.1008(d)(5) |
| Retirement-account minimum withdrawals begin Required minimum distributions from traditional retirement accounts begin at 73 for people who turn 72 after 2022.Law change: Rises to 75 for people who turn 74 after December 31, 2032. | 73 | 26 U.S.C. § 401(a)(9)(C)(v)Federal, all states |
How California sets these ages
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18. Some rights arrive before that age and some after it, and several rules below give minors a path that needs a parent's consent or a court's approval.
For work, federal child-labor law does not excuse an employer from a California rule with a higher standard (29 U.S.C. § 218(a)), so the stricter rule applies to employers covered by both. A row without an age says why, for example: no permit is required, the law sets no minimum age, or the state has no rule of that kind.
The age of consent
The age of consent is not a milestone and is not part of this ladder. See age of consent laws by state for California's law and its legal context.
What this tool does not do
- It does not give legal advice or say whether a specific person may do something. Many rules have conditions (a parent present, a course passed, a court order) that the rule line names but the tool cannot check.
- It does not cover city or county rules (curfews, local tattoo or business ordinances) or private policies such as rental-car age minimums.
- It does not track pending bills. A rule changes on this page only after it is enacted and we confirm it at an official source.
- It does not show the age of consent. That is covered, with its legal context, on our age of consent page.
- It does not cover every age rule. Firearms, cannabis, casino gambling, the minimum age to adopt and curfews are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age of majority in California?
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18. (Cal. Fam. Code § 6500)
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in California?
California issues an instruction permit at 15 and 6 months after driver education. (Cal. Veh. Code § 12509(a))
How old do you have to be to drive alone in California?
A provisional license for driving alone is available at 16 after six months with a permit. Requires holding the permit at least six months and 50 hours of supervised practice, 10 at night. (Cal. Veh. Code § 12814.6(a))
How old do you have to be to work in California?
California lets 14- and 15-year-olds work outside school hours on a school-issued permit during the school year. A permit for work only on school holidays and vacations may be issued to a minor "over the age of 12 years" (Educ. Code § 49111). (Cal. Educ. Code § 49112(a))
Do minors need a work permit in California?
Employers in California need a school-issued permit to employ anyone under 18. Some workers are exempt, including high school graduates. (Cal. Educ. Code § 49160)
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in California?
Tattooing is allowed from 18; the ban on tattooing minors ends at that age. State law bars tattooing anyone under 18, even with a parent's consent. Only a licensed healing-arts practitioner acting in the course of practice is outside the ban. (Cal. Penal Code § 653)
How old do you have to be to get married in California?
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. With a court order and a parent's consent, state law sets no minimum age. A minor needs a court order granting permission and the written consent of a parent or guardian. (Cal. Fam. Code 301, 302, 303, 304(a)-(c); Cal. Fam. Code §§ 302, 304)
At what age can you leave school in California?
California's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 18th birthday. From 16, a student not otherwise exempt may attend continuation classes instead of full-time school, or leave early by passing the state proficiency exam (Ed. Code §§ 48400, 48412). (Cal. Educ. Code §§ 48200, 48400, 48412)
How old do you have to be to buy a lottery ticket in California?
State law bars selling lottery tickets to anyone under 18. (Cal. Gov. Code § 8880.52(a))
Sources
- Cal. Elec. Code § 2102(d)
- Cal. Const. art. II, § 2(a)
- Cal. Const. art. V, § 2
- Cal. Fam. Code § 6500
- Cal. Fam. Code § 7120(b)(1)
- Cal. Prob. Code 6100
- Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 203(a)(2)
- Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 204; Cal. Rules of Court, rule 2.1008(d)(5)
- Cal. Fam. Code 301, 302, 303, 304(a)-(c)
- Cal. Veh. Code § 27360(b)
- Cal. Veh. Code § 27360(a); § 27363(d)
- Cal. Health & Safety Code 102705
- Cal. Veh. Code § 12509(a)
- Cal. Veh. Code § 12814.6(a)
- Cal. Gov. Code § 8880.52(a)
- Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code § 602(a)
- Cal. Educ. Code §§ 48200, 48400, 48412
- Cal. Penal Code § 653
- Cal. Educ. Code § 49112(a)
- Cal. Educ. Code § 49160
- U.S. Const. amend. XXVI, § 1
- 23 U.S.C. § 158(a)
- 21 U.S.C. § 387f(d)(5)
- 28 U.S.C. § 1865(b)(1)
- 50 U.S.C. § 3802(a)
- 15 U.S.C. § 1637(c)(8)
- 49 C.F.R. § 391.11(b)(1)
- 29 CFR 570.2(a)(1)
- U.S. Const. art. I, § 2, cl. 2
- U.S. Const. art. II, § 1, cl. 5
- SSA, Retirement Benefits: Benefit reduction for early retirement
- 42 U.S.C. § 426(a)
- 26 U.S.C. § 401(a)(9)(C)(v)
Sources checked on October 21, 2026.
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