Idaho Legal Ages
The key age-based rights and duties in Idaho, 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 Idaho
Age 7
Car seat or booster age requirement ends
Idaho requires a child safety restraint for children 6 and younger; from 7, a seat belt alone meets the law.
Idaho law · Idaho Code § 49-672(1)
Must be enrolled in school
Idaho requires children to attend school, or approved private or home instruction, from age 7.
Idaho law · Idaho Code 33-202
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)
Idaho bars children under 14 from work in factories, stores, restaurants, hotels and similar businesses.
Any child "over the age of twelve (12) years" may do those jobs during school vacations of two weeks or more. Other jobs have no state minimum. Federal law sets 14 for most employers.
Idaho law · Idaho Code § 44-1301
Can get a tattoo with a parent's consent
From 14, a person can be tattooed with a parent's prior written informed consent.
The parent signs the consent in the presence of the tattoo artist. Under 14 is barred.
Idaho law · Idaho Code § 18-1523(2)-(3)
Age 14 and 6 months
Can get a learner's permit
Idaho issues a driver training instruction permit at 14 and 6 months to teens enrolled in driver training.
Teens then hold a supervised instruction permit at least six months with 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 at night.
Idaho law · Idaho Code § 49-307(4)
Age 15
Can get a first license to drive alone
A daylight-only license for driving alone is available at 15 after driver training and the supervised permit stage.
Idaho law · Idaho Code § 49-303(1)
Age 16
Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends)
Idaho's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 16th birthday.
Idaho law · Idaho Code 33-202
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)
Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent
With a parent's sworn written consent, the lowest age to marry is 16.
Under 16 cannot marry, and a 16- or 17-year-old cannot marry an adult 3 or more years older.
Idaho law · Idaho Code § 32-202
Age 17
Teen license limits end (varies, see rule)
Idaho limits a licensed driver under 17 to one passenger under 17 for the first six months, so all teen limits have ended by 17.
Idaho law · Idaho Code § 49-307(11)
Age 18
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)
Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent
From 18, a person can be tattooed without a parent's consent.
Idaho law · Idaho Code § 18-1523(3)
Becomes a legal adult (age of majority)
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18.
Idaho law · Idaho Code § 32-101
Can make a will
A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18.
An emancipated minor can also make a will.
Idaho law · Idaho Code 15-2-501
Can marry without a parent's consent
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18.
Idaho law · Idaho Code § 32-202
Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate
An adult adoptee can request a copy of the original birth certificate from age 18.
Released after the adoptee completes the state's voluntary adoption registry process; a registered birth parent can ask for their name to be redacted for five years.
Idaho law · Idaho Code 39-258(10)(a)
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.
Idaho law · Idaho Code 2-209(1)(a), (2)(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)
Idaho 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.
Idaho law · Idaho Code § 20-502(12)
Can buy a lottery ticket
State law bars selling lottery tickets to anyone under 18.
Idaho law · Idaho Code § 67-7415
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
Idaho's constitution requires the governor to be at least 30 years old.
Idaho law · Idaho Const. art. IV, § 3
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 70
Can ask to be excused from jury service because of age
From age 70, a person can ask to be excused from jury service because of age.
The excuse is permanent when requested on the juror questionnaire.
Idaho law · Idaho Code § 2-212(2); I.C.A.R. 63(e)(i)
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 Idaho
- Rear-facing car seat age requirement ends: State law sets no rear-facing age; the car seat maker's limits govern when a child turns forward. Idaho Code § 49-672(1)
- No work permit needed: This state does not require a work permit. Idaho Code §§ 44-1301 to 44-1308
- Court emancipation (adult status) can be sought: State law has no statute letting a minor petition a court for emancipation. Idaho Code (no emancipation petition statute; titles 16 and 32 searched)
- Can pre-register to vote: Idaho sets no pre-registration age; applicants must swear they will be at least 18 on election day. Idaho Code § 34-402 (voter registration form)
- 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. Idaho Code § 34-402 (voter registration form)
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Legal ages in Idaho, rule by rule
Each row is one rule, the age it sets in Idaho, 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 State law sets no rear-facing age; the car seat maker's limits govern when a child turns forward. | No rear-facing age set | Idaho Code § 49-672(1) |
| Car seat or booster age requirement ends Idaho requires a child safety restraint for children 6 and younger; from 7, a seat belt alone meets the law. | 7 | Idaho Code § 49-672(1) |
School
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Must be enrolled in school Idaho requires children to attend school, or approved private or home instruction, from age 7. | 7 | Idaho Code 33-202 |
| Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends) Idaho's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 16th birthday. | 16 | Idaho Code 33-202 |
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) Idaho bars children under 14 from work in factories, stores, restaurants, hotels and similar businesses.Any child "over the age of twelve (12) years" may do those jobs during school vacations of two weeks or more. Other jobs have no state minimum. Federal law sets 14 for most employers. | 14 | Idaho Code § 44-1301 |
| No work permit needed This state does not require a work permit.Employers must keep records of minor employees. | No permit required | Idaho Code §§ 44-1301 to 44-1308 |
| 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 Idaho issues a driver training instruction permit at 14 and 6 months to teens enrolled in driver training.Teens then hold a supervised instruction permit at least six months with 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 at night. | 14 and 6 months | Idaho Code § 49-307(4) |
| Can get a first license to drive alone A daylight-only license for driving alone is available at 15 after driver training and the supervised permit stage. | 15 | Idaho Code § 49-303(1) |
| Teen license limits end (varies, see rule) Idaho limits a licensed driver under 17 to one passenger under 17 for the first six months, so all teen limits have ended by 17. | 17 | Idaho Code § 49-307(11) |
| 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 From 14, a person can be tattooed with a parent's prior written informed consent.The parent signs the consent in the presence of the tattoo artist. Under 14 is barred. | 14 | Idaho Code § 18-1523(2)-(3) |
| Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent From 18, a person can be tattooed without a parent's consent. | 18 | Idaho Code § 18-1523(3) |
Adulthood and family
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Court emancipation (adult status) can be sought State law has no statute letting a minor petition a court for emancipation. | No petition statute | Idaho Code (no emancipation petition statute; titles 16 and 32 searched) |
| 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 | Idaho Code § 32-101 |
| Can make a will A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18.An emancipated minor can also make a will. | 18 | Idaho Code 15-2-501 |
| Can marry without a parent's consent A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. | 18 | Idaho Code § 32-202 |
| Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent With a parent's sworn written consent, the lowest age to marry is 16.Under 16 cannot marry, and a 16- or 17-year-old cannot marry an adult 3 or more years older. | 16 | Idaho Code § 32-202 |
| Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate An adult adoptee can request a copy of the original birth certificate from age 18.Released after the adoptee completes the state's voluntary adoption registry process; a registered birth parent can ask for their name to be redacted for five years. | 18 | Idaho Code 39-258(10)(a) |
Voting, juries and office
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can pre-register to vote Idaho sets no pre-registration age; applicants must swear they will be at least 18 on election day. | No set pre-registration age | Idaho Code § 34-402 (voter registration form) |
| 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 | Idaho Code § 34-402 (voter registration form) |
| 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 | Idaho Code 2-209(1)(a), (2)(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 Idaho's constitution requires the governor to be at least 30 years old. | 30 | Idaho Const. art. IV, § 3 |
| 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) Idaho 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 | Idaho Code § 20-502(12) |
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 | Idaho Code § 67-7415 |
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 70, a person can ask to be excused from jury service because of age.The excuse is permanent when requested on the juror questionnaire. | 70 | Idaho Code § 2-212(2); I.C.A.R. 63(e)(i) |
| 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 Idaho 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 Idaho 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 Idaho'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 Idaho?
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18. (Idaho Code § 32-101)
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Idaho?
Idaho issues a driver training instruction permit at 14 and 6 months to teens enrolled in driver training. Teens then hold a supervised instruction permit at least six months with 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 at night. (Idaho Code § 49-307(4))
How old do you have to be to drive alone in Idaho?
A daylight-only license for driving alone is available at 15 after driver training and the supervised permit stage. (Idaho Code § 49-303(1))
How old do you have to be to work in Idaho?
Idaho bars children under 14 from work in factories, stores, restaurants, hotels and similar businesses. Any child "over the age of twelve (12) years" may do those jobs during school vacations of two weeks or more. Other jobs have no state minimum. Federal law sets 14 for most employers. (Idaho Code § 44-1301)
Do minors need a work permit in Idaho?
This state does not require a work permit. Employers must keep records of minor employees. (Idaho Code §§ 44-1301 to 44-1308)
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in Idaho?
From 18, a person can be tattooed without a parent's consent. From 14, a person can be tattooed with a parent's prior written informed consent. The parent signs the consent in the presence of the tattoo artist. Under 14 is barred. (Idaho Code § 18-1523(3); Idaho Code § 18-1523(2)-(3))
How old do you have to be to get married in Idaho?
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. With a parent's sworn written consent, the lowest age to marry is 16. Under 16 cannot marry, and a 16- or 17-year-old cannot marry an adult 3 or more years older. (Idaho Code § 32-202)
At what age can you leave school in Idaho?
Idaho's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 16th birthday. (Idaho Code 33-202)
How old do you have to be to buy a lottery ticket in Idaho?
State law bars selling lottery tickets to anyone under 18. (Idaho Code § 67-7415)
Sources
- Idaho Code § 34-402 (voter registration form)
- Idaho Const. art. IV, § 3
- Idaho Code § 32-101
- Idaho Code (no emancipation petition statute; titles 16 and 32 searched)
- Idaho Code 15-2-501
- Idaho Code 2-209(1)(a), (2)(a)
- Idaho Code § 2-212(2); I.C.A.R. 63(e)(i)
- Idaho Code § 32-202
- Idaho Code § 49-672(1)
- Idaho Code 39-258(10)(a)
- Idaho Code § 49-307(4)
- Idaho Code § 49-303(1)
- Idaho Code § 49-307(11)
- Idaho Code § 67-7415
- Idaho Code § 20-502(12)
- Idaho Code 33-202
- Idaho Code § 18-1523(2)-(3)
- Idaho Code § 44-1301
- Idaho Code §§ 44-1301 to 44-1308
- 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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