Hawaii Legal Ages
The key age-based rights and duties in Hawaii, 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 Hawaii
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.
Hawaii law · HRS § 291-11.5(a)(1)
Age 5
Must be enrolled in school
Hawaii requires children to attend school, or approved private or home instruction, from age 5.
Applies to children who are 5 on or before July 31 of the school year.
Hawaii law · HRS 302A-1132(a)
Age 10
Car seat or booster age requirement ends
The child car seat or booster requirement ends at age 10; after that a seat belt can be used.
A child 7 to 9 who is over 4 feet 9 inches tall may use a lap and shoulder belt instead.
Hawaii law · HRS § 291-11.5(a)(3)-(4)
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)
Hawaii lets minors 14 and 15 work outside school hours with a certificate of employment.
Under 14, only theatrical work and coffee harvesting under state rules are allowed.
Hawaii law · Haw. Rev. Stat. § 390-2(c)
Age 15
Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent
With a parent's consent and family court approval, the lowest age to marry is 15.
At 16 and 17 a parent's written consent is enough. Hawaii's health department says the legal age is 18 with parental consent; this follows the statute.
Hawaii law · HRS § 572-1(2); § 572-2
Age 15 and 6 months
Can get a learner's permit
Hawaii issues an instruction permit at 15 and 6 months.
Hawaii law · HRS § 286-110(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 holding a permit at least 180 days.
Hawaii law · HRS § 286-102.6(a)
Court emancipation (adult status) can be sought
A minor can petition a court to be declared emancipated starting at age 16.
The minor files the petition in family court.
Hawaii law · HRS § 577-25(d)
Can pre-register to vote
Hawaii lets residents pre-register to vote at 16 and must be 18 by election day to vote.
Hawaii law · HRS § 11-12(b)
Age 18
Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends)
Hawaii's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 18th birthday.
A student who turns 18 after January 1 must finish that school year; exceptions include graduation and approved employment from 15.
Hawaii law · HRS 302A-1132(a)
No work permit needed
Hawaii employers must keep a state certificate on file for each worker under 18.
Ages 14 and 15 need a certificate of employment; ages 16 and 17 need a certificate of age.
Hawaii law · Haw. Rev. Stat. § 390-2(b), (c)
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)
Provisional licenses, with passenger limits and an 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. parent rule, are for drivers under 18.
A person 17 or older who meets the provisional license requirements may be granted a regular license (HRS § 286-104(5)(C)).
Hawaii law · HRS § 286-102.6
Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent
From 18, a person can be tattooed without a parent's consent.
Hawaii law · HRS § 321-379(b)(6)
Becomes a legal adult (age of majority)
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18.
Hawaii law · HRS § 577-1
Can make a will
A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18.
Hawaii law · HRS 560:2-501
Can marry without a parent's consent
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18.
Hawaii law · HRS § 572-2
Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate
An adult adoptee can request a copy of the original birth certificate from age 18.
The request is made in writing to the family court to inspect the adoption records.
Hawaii law · HRS 578-15(b)(2)
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.
Hawaii law · HRS 612-4(a)
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)
Hawaii 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 some younger defendants to adult court for serious offenses.
Hawaii law · HRS § 571-11(1)
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 as governor
Hawaii's constitution requires the governor to be at least 30 years old.
Hawaii law · Haw. Const. art. V, § 1
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)
Age 80
Can ask to be excused from jury service because of age
From age 80, a person can ask to be excused from jury service because of age.
Hawaii law · Haw. Rev. Stat. § 612-6(8)
Rules with no set age in Hawaii
- Can get a tattoo with a parent's consent: With a parent's consent, state law sets no minimum age. HRS § 321-379(b)(6)
- 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. HRS § 11-12(a)
- Can buy a lottery ticket: This state has no state lottery. HRS § 712-1223(1)
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Legal ages in Hawaii, rule by rule
Each row is one rule, the age it sets in Hawaii, 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. | 2 | HRS § 291-11.5(a)(1) |
| Car seat or booster age requirement ends The child car seat or booster requirement ends at age 10; after that a seat belt can be used.A child 7 to 9 who is over 4 feet 9 inches tall may use a lap and shoulder belt instead. | 10 | HRS § 291-11.5(a)(3)-(4) |
School
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Must be enrolled in school Hawaii requires children to attend school, or approved private or home instruction, from age 5.Applies to children who are 5 on or before July 31 of the school year. | 5 | HRS 302A-1132(a) |
| Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends) Hawaii's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 18th birthday.A student who turns 18 after January 1 must finish that school year; exceptions include graduation and approved employment from 15. | 18 | HRS 302A-1132(a) |
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) Hawaii lets minors 14 and 15 work outside school hours with a certificate of employment.Under 14, only theatrical work and coffee harvesting under state rules are allowed. | 14 | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 390-2(c) |
| No work permit needed Hawaii employers must keep a state certificate on file for each worker under 18.Ages 14 and 15 need a certificate of employment; ages 16 and 17 need a certificate of age. | 18 | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 390-2(b), (c) |
| 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 Hawaii issues an instruction permit at 15 and 6 months. | 15 and 6 months | HRS § 286-110(a) |
| Can get a first license to drive alone A provisional license for driving alone is available at 16 after holding a permit at least 180 days. | 16 | HRS § 286-102.6(a) |
| Teen license limits end (varies, see rule) Provisional licenses, with passenger limits and an 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. parent rule, are for drivers under 18.A person 17 or older who meets the provisional license requirements may be granted a regular license (HRS § 286-104(5)(C)). | 18 | HRS § 286-102.6 |
| 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 With a parent's consent, state law sets no minimum age.Consent must be written, and the shop keeps it on file for two years. | No minimum age | HRS § 321-379(b)(6) |
| Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent From 18, a person can be tattooed without a parent's consent. | 18 | HRS § 321-379(b)(6) |
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 16.The minor files the petition in family court. | 16 | HRS § 577-25(d) |
| 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 | HRS § 577-1 |
| Can make a will A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18. | 18 | HRS 560:2-501 |
| Can marry without a parent's consent A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. | 18 | HRS § 572-2 |
| Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent With a parent's consent and family court approval, the lowest age to marry is 15.At 16 and 17 a parent's written consent is enough. Hawaii's health department says the legal age is 18 with parental consent; this follows the statute. | 15 | HRS § 572-1(2); § 572-2 |
| Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate An adult adoptee can request a copy of the original birth certificate from age 18.The request is made in writing to the family court to inspect the adoption records. | 18 | HRS 578-15(b)(2) |
Voting, juries and office
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can pre-register to vote Hawaii lets residents pre-register to vote at 16 and must be 18 by election day to vote. | 16 | HRS § 11-12(b) |
| 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 | HRS § 11-12(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 | HRS 612-4(a) |
| 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 Hawaii's constitution requires the governor to be at least 30 years old. | 30 | Haw. Const. art. V, § 1 |
| 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) Hawaii 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 some younger defendants to adult court for serious offenses. | 18 | HRS § 571-11(1) |
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 This state has no state lottery.No Hawaii statute creates a state lottery; gambling is an offense under HRS chapter 712, part III. | No state lottery | HRS § 712-1223(1) |
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 From age 80, a person can ask to be excused from jury service because of age. | 80 | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 612-6(8) |
| 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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii'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 Hawaii?
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18. (HRS § 577-1)
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Hawaii?
Hawaii issues an instruction permit at 15 and 6 months. (HRS § 286-110(a))
How old do you have to be to drive alone in Hawaii?
A provisional license for driving alone is available at 16 after holding a permit at least 180 days. (HRS § 286-102.6(a))
How old do you have to be to work in Hawaii?
Hawaii lets minors 14 and 15 work outside school hours with a certificate of employment. Under 14, only theatrical work and coffee harvesting under state rules are allowed. (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 390-2(c))
Do minors need a work permit in Hawaii?
Hawaii employers must keep a state certificate on file for each worker under 18. Ages 14 and 15 need a certificate of employment; ages 16 and 17 need a certificate of age. (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 390-2(b), (c))
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in Hawaii?
From 18, a person can be tattooed without a parent's consent. With a parent's consent, state law sets no minimum age. Consent must be written, and the shop keeps it on file for two years. (HRS § 321-379(b)(6))
How old do you have to be to get married in Hawaii?
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. With a parent's consent and family court approval, the lowest age to marry is 15. At 16 and 17 a parent's written consent is enough. Hawaii's health department says the legal age is 18 with parental consent; this follows the statute. (HRS § 572-2; HRS § 572-1(2))
At what age can you leave school in Hawaii?
Hawaii's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 18th birthday. A student who turns 18 after January 1 must finish that school year; exceptions include graduation and approved employment from 15. (HRS 302A-1132(a))
How old do you have to be to buy a lottery ticket in Hawaii?
This state has no state lottery. No Hawaii statute creates a state lottery; gambling is an offense under HRS chapter 712, part III. (HRS § 712-1223(1))
Sources
- HRS § 11-12(b)
- Haw. Const. art. V, § 1
- HRS § 577-1
- HRS § 577-25(d)
- HRS 560:2-501
- HRS 612-4(a)
- Haw. Rev. Stat. § 612-6(8)
- HRS § 572-2
- HRS § 572-1(2); § 572-2
- HRS § 291-11.5(a)(1)
- HRS 578-15(b)(2)
- HRS § 286-110(a)
- HRS § 286-102.6(a)
- HRS § 712-1223(1)
- HRS § 571-11(1)
- HRS 302A-1132(a)
- HRS § 321-379(b)(6)
- Haw. Rev. Stat. § 390-2(c)
- 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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