Kansas Legal Ages
The key age-based rights and duties in Kansas, 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.
Marks which ages are reached and counts the days to the next one. It stays in your browser: it is never stored, sent, or added to the page address.
Legal ages in Kansas
Age 7
Must be enrolled in school
Kansas requires children to attend school, or approved private or home instruction, from age 7.
A child under 7 who is enrolled must attend but may be withdrawn.
Kansas law · K.S.A. 72-3120(a)-(b)
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 weighs more than 80 pounds or is taller than 4 feet 9 inches.
Kansas law · K.S.A. 8-1344(a)(2)-(3)
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)
Kansas bars employment of children under 14 in any occupation, trade, business or service.
Activities listed in K.S.A. 38-614 do not count as employment.
Kansas law · K.S.A. 38-601
Can get a learner's permit
Kansas issues an instruction permit for supervised driving at 14.
Applicants 14 and 15 need a parent or guardian to apply in writing.
Kansas law · K.S.A. § 8-2,100
Age 15
Can get a first license to drive alone
A restricted license for driving alone to school, work and farm work is available at 15 after a year on a permit and driver training.
At 15, solo driving is limited to school, work, farm work and religious activities.
Kansas law · K.S.A. § 8-2,101(a)(2)
Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent
With a district judge's consent, the lowest age to marry is 15.
At 16 and 17, consent of both parents (or all living parents) and any guardian is enough; otherwise a judge must also consent. At 15, only a district judge can authorize it.
Kansas law · K.S.A. 23-2505(c)
Age 16
No work permit needed
Kansas employers need a work permit on file for workers under 16 who are not enrolled in secondary school.
No permit is needed for children enrolled in or attending a secondary school.
Kansas law · K.S.A. 38-604
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)
Age 18
Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends)
Kansas's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 18th birthday.
A 16- or 17-year-old may be exempted with written parent consent and a final counseling session, through an approved alternative program, or by court order.
Kansas law · K.S.A. 72-3120(a)-(b)
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)
Kansas restricted-license limits end by 18 at the latest; a clean record lets them end sooner.
A restricted licensee 16 or older who has followed the license rules drives without restrictions after six months, as early as 16 and 6 months (K.S.A. 8-2,101(b)(2)(B)); two or more moving violations delay that to 18. A non-restricted license is not issued under 17 (K.S.A. 8-237(a)).
Kansas law · K.S.A. § 8-2,101(b)(2), (h)
Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent
From 18, a person can be tattooed without a parent's consent.
Kansas law · K.S.A. 65-1953
Becomes a legal adult (age of majority)
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18.
A married person 16 or older is treated as an adult for contracts and property.
Kansas law · K.S.A. 38-101
Can make a will
A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18.
Kansas requires the rights of majority, which begin at 18.
Kansas law · K.S.A. 59-601; K.S.A. 38-101
Can marry without a parent's consent
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18.
Kansas law · Kansas Courts self-help: Marriage License
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.
K.S.A. 43-156 requires every juror to have the qualifications of an elector, and the constitution sets the voting age at 18.
Kansas law · Kan. Const. art. 5, § 1; K.S.A. 43-156
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)
Kansas 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.
Kansas law · K.S.A. 38-2302(n)
Can buy a lottery ticket
State law bars selling lottery tickets to anyone under 18.
Kansas law · K.S.A. 74-8718
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
Can serve as governor
Kansas law requires candidates for governor to be at least 25 by the filing deadline.
Kansas law · K.S.A. 25-101a(c)
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 Kansas
- 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. K.S.A. 8-1344(a)(1)
- Can get a tattoo with a parent's consent: With a parent's consent, state law sets no minimum age. K.S.A. 65-1953
- Court emancipation (adult status) can be sought: A court can grant a minor adult rights for contracts and property; the statute sets no minimum age. K.S.A. 38-108, 38-109
- Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate: We could not confirm this rule at an official source. Check the official link. K.S.A. 65-2423
- Can pre-register to vote: Kansas sets no fixed pre-registration age; a person may register if they will be 18 by the next statewide general election. K.S.A. 25-2306
- 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. K.S.A. 25-2306
- 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. K.S.A. 43-156 et seq.
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Legal ages in Kansas, rule by rule
Each row is one rule, the age it sets in Kansas, 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 | K.S.A. 8-1344(a)(1) |
| 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 weighs more than 80 pounds or is taller than 4 feet 9 inches. | 8 | K.S.A. 8-1344(a)(2)-(3) |
School
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Must be enrolled in school Kansas requires children to attend school, or approved private or home instruction, from age 7.A child under 7 who is enrolled must attend but may be withdrawn. | 7 | K.S.A. 72-3120(a)-(b) |
| Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends) Kansas's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 18th birthday.A 16- or 17-year-old may be exempted with written parent consent and a final counseling session, through an approved alternative program, or by court order. | 18 | K.S.A. 72-3120(a)-(b) |
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) Kansas bars employment of children under 14 in any occupation, trade, business or service.Activities listed in K.S.A. 38-614 do not count as employment. | 14 | K.S.A. 38-601 |
| No work permit needed Kansas employers need a work permit on file for workers under 16 who are not enrolled in secondary school.No permit is needed for children enrolled in or attending a secondary school. | 16 | K.S.A. 38-604 |
| 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 Kansas issues an instruction permit for supervised driving at 14.Applicants 14 and 15 need a parent or guardian to apply in writing. | 14 | K.S.A. § 8-2,100 |
| Can get a first license to drive alone A restricted license for driving alone to school, work and farm work is available at 15 after a year on a permit and driver training.At 15, solo driving is limited to school, work, farm work and religious activities. | 15 | K.S.A. § 8-2,101(a)(2) |
| Teen license limits end (varies, see rule) Kansas restricted-license limits end by 18 at the latest; a clean record lets them end sooner.A restricted licensee 16 or older who has followed the license rules drives without restrictions after six months, as early as 16 and 6 months (K.S.A. 8-2,101(b)(2)(B)); two or more moving violations delay that to 18. A non-restricted license is not issued under 17 (K.S.A. 8-237(a)). | 18 | K.S.A. § 8-2,101(b)(2), (h) |
| 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 notarized, and the parent or guardian must be present during the procedure. | No minimum age | K.S.A. 65-1953 |
| Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent From 18, a person can be tattooed without a parent's consent. | 18 | K.S.A. 65-1953 |
Adulthood and family
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Court emancipation (adult status) can be sought A court can grant a minor adult rights for contracts and property; the statute sets no minimum age.The petition is filed by an adult "next friend" for the minor. | No minimum age | K.S.A. 38-108, 38-109 |
| Becomes a legal adult (age of majority) State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18.A married person 16 or older is treated as an adult for contracts and property. | 18 | K.S.A. 38-101 |
| Can make a will A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18.Kansas requires the rights of majority, which begin at 18. | 18 | K.S.A. 59-601; K.S.A. 38-101 |
| Can marry without a parent's consent A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. | 18 | Kansas Courts self-help: Marriage License |
| Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent With a district judge's consent, the lowest age to marry is 15.At 16 and 17, consent of both parents (or all living parents) and any guardian is enough; otherwise a judge must also consent. At 15, only a district judge can authorize it. | 15 | K.S.A. 23-2505(c) |
| Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate We could not confirm this rule at an official source. Check the official link.Kansas releases the sealed record to an adopted person "of legal age," without stating a number in that section. | Not confirmed | K.S.A. 65-2423 |
Voting, juries and office
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can pre-register to vote Kansas sets no fixed pre-registration age; a person may register if they will be 18 by the next statewide general election. | No set pre-registration age | K.S.A. 25-2306 |
| 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 | K.S.A. 25-2306 |
| 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.K.S.A. 43-156 requires every juror to have the qualifications of an elector, and the constitution sets the voting age at 18. | 18 | Kan. Const. art. 5, § 1; K.S.A. 43-156 |
| 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 Kansas law requires candidates for governor to be at least 25 by the filing deadline. | 25 | K.S.A. 25-101a(c) |
| 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) Kansas 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 | K.S.A. 38-2302(n) |
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 | K.S.A. 74-8718 |
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.Some judicial districts excuse older jurors as a local practice. | No state age excuse | K.S.A. 43-156 et seq. |
| 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 Kansas 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 Kansas 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 Kansas'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 Kansas?
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18. A married person 16 or older is treated as an adult for contracts and property. (K.S.A. 38-101)
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Kansas?
Kansas issues an instruction permit for supervised driving at 14. Applicants 14 and 15 need a parent or guardian to apply in writing. (K.S.A. § 8-2,100)
How old do you have to be to drive alone in Kansas?
A restricted license for driving alone to school, work and farm work is available at 15 after a year on a permit and driver training. At 15, solo driving is limited to school, work, farm work and religious activities. (K.S.A. § 8-2,101(a)(2))
How old do you have to be to work in Kansas?
Kansas bars employment of children under 14 in any occupation, trade, business or service. Activities listed in K.S.A. 38-614 do not count as employment. (K.S.A. 38-601)
Do minors need a work permit in Kansas?
Kansas employers need a work permit on file for workers under 16 who are not enrolled in secondary school. No permit is needed for children enrolled in or attending a secondary school. (K.S.A. 38-604)
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in Kansas?
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 notarized, and the parent or guardian must be present during the procedure. (K.S.A. 65-1953)
How old do you have to be to get married in Kansas?
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. With a district judge's consent, the lowest age to marry is 15. At 16 and 17, consent of both parents (or all living parents) and any guardian is enough; otherwise a judge must also consent. At 15, only a district judge can authorize it. (Kansas Courts self-help: Marriage License; K.S.A. 23-2505(c))
At what age can you leave school in Kansas?
Kansas's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 18th birthday. A 16- or 17-year-old may be exempted with written parent consent and a final counseling session, through an approved alternative program, or by court order. (K.S.A. 72-3120(a)-(b))
How old do you have to be to buy a lottery ticket in Kansas?
State law bars selling lottery tickets to anyone under 18. (K.S.A. 74-8718)
Sources
- K.S.A. 25-2306
- K.S.A. 25-101a(c)
- K.S.A. 38-101
- K.S.A. 38-108, 38-109
- Kan. Const. art. 5, § 1; K.S.A. 43-156
- K.S.A. 43-156 et seq.
- Kansas Courts self-help: Marriage License
- K.S.A. 23-2505(c)
- K.S.A. 8-1344(a)(1)
- K.S.A. 65-2423
- K.S.A. § 8-2,100
- K.S.A. § 8-2,101(a)(2)
- K.S.A. 74-8718
- K.S.A. 38-2302(n)
- K.S.A. 72-3120(a)-(b)
- K.S.A. 65-1953
- K.S.A. 38-601
- K.S.A. 38-604
- 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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