Massachusetts Legal Ages
The key age-based rights and duties in Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts
Age 6
Must be enrolled in school
Massachusetts requires attendance from September of the year a child turns 6.
Massachusetts law · 603 CMR 8.02
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 taller than 57 inches.
Massachusetts law · M.G.L. c. 90, § 7AA
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)
Massachusetts lets minors work from 14 with a school-issued employment permit.
Street trades (such as newspaper delivery) and limited stage performances are covered by separate rules.
Massachusetts law · M.G.L. c. 149 § 86
Age 16
Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends)
Massachusetts treats ages 6 to 16 as compulsory school age under rules set by the state board.
The statute sets no number itself; it leaves the minimum and maximum ages to the Board of Education.
Massachusetts law · M.G.L. c. 76, § 1; DESE advisory
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 learner's permit
Massachusetts issues a learner's permit for supervised driving at 16.
Massachusetts law · M.G.L. c. 90, § 8B
Can pre-register to vote
Massachusetts lets eligible residents pre-register to vote at 16; they can vote once they turn 18.
Massachusetts law · M.G.L. c. 51, § 42
Age 16 and 6 months
Can get a first license to drive alone
A junior operator's license for driving alone is available at 16 and 6 months after six months with a permit.
Requires driver education and 40 hours of supervised driving (30 with a driver skills program).
Massachusetts law · M.G.L. c. 90, § 8
Age 18
No work permit needed
Massachusetts employers must keep a school-issued employment permit on file for each worker under 18.
Massachusetts law · M.G.L. c. 149 § 86; c. 4 § 7, cl. 48
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)
Drivers under 18 hold a junior operator's license, which bans driving from 12:30 a.m. to 5 a.m. without a parent.
The passenger limit (no non-family passengers under 18) applies only for the first six months.
Massachusetts law · M.G.L. c. 90, § 8
Becomes a legal adult (age of majority)
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18.
Massachusetts law · M.G.L. c. 231, § 85P
Can make a will
A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18.
Massachusetts law · G.L. c. 190B, 2-501
Can marry without a parent's consent
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18.
Massachusetts law · M.G.L. c. 207, ss. 7, 24, 25, 33A; St. 2022, c. 126
Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate
An adult adoptee can request a copy of the original birth certificate from age 18.
The adoptee must have been born in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts law · M.G.L. c. 46, 2B
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.
Massachusetts law · Mass. Gen. Laws c. 234A, § 4, cls. 1 and 3
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)
Massachusetts 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.
Massachusetts law · M.G.L. c. 119, § 52
Can buy a lottery ticket
State law bars selling lottery tickets to anyone under 18 at retail.
Online lottery sales must block anyone under 21 (M.G.L. c. 10, § 24).
Massachusetts law · M.G.L. c. 10, § 29
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 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.
Massachusetts treats it as a disqualification the person elects on the summons response.
Massachusetts law · Mass. Gen. Laws c. 234A, § 4, cl. 2
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 Massachusetts
- 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. M.G.L. c. 90, § 7AA
- Can get a tattoo with a parent's consent: Massachusetts has no statewide tattoo age statute; local boards of health set the rule. Mass. DPH Model Body Art Regulations § 4(A)
- Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent: No state statute sets a tattoo age; local boards of health set it, commonly at 18. Mass. DPH Model Body Art Regulations § 4(A)
- Court emancipation (adult status) can be sought: State law has no statute letting a minor petition a court for emancipation. M.G.L. (no emancipation petition statute; chapters 119, 201 and 207 searched)
- Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent: State law bars marriage under 18, with no parental or court exception. M.G.L. c. 207, ss. 7, 24, 25, 33A; St. 2022, c. 126
- 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. M.G.L. c. 51, § 1
- Can serve as governor: Massachusetts's constitution sets no minimum age for governor; it requires seven years of residence. Mass. Const. pt. 2, ch. 2, § 1, art. II
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Legal ages in Massachusetts, rule by rule
Each row is one rule, the age it sets in Massachusetts, 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 | M.G.L. c. 90, § 7AA |
| 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 taller than 57 inches. | 8 | M.G.L. c. 90, § 7AA |
School
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Must be enrolled in school Massachusetts requires attendance from September of the year a child turns 6. | 6 | 603 CMR 8.02 |
| Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends) Massachusetts treats ages 6 to 16 as compulsory school age under rules set by the state board.The statute sets no number itself; it leaves the minimum and maximum ages to the Board of Education. | 16 | M.G.L. c. 76, § 1; DESE advisory |
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) Massachusetts lets minors work from 14 with a school-issued employment permit.Street trades (such as newspaper delivery) and limited stage performances are covered by separate rules. | 14 | M.G.L. c. 149 § 86 |
| No work permit needed Massachusetts employers must keep a school-issued employment permit on file for each worker under 18. | 18 | M.G.L. c. 149 § 86; c. 4 § 7, cl. 48 |
| 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 Massachusetts issues a learner's permit for supervised driving at 16. | 16 | M.G.L. c. 90, § 8B |
| Can get a first license to drive alone A junior operator's license for driving alone is available at 16 and 6 months after six months with a permit.Requires driver education and 40 hours of supervised driving (30 with a driver skills program). | 16 and 6 months | M.G.L. c. 90, § 8 |
| Teen license limits end (varies, see rule) Drivers under 18 hold a junior operator's license, which bans driving from 12:30 a.m. to 5 a.m. without a parent.The passenger limit (no non-family passengers under 18) applies only for the first six months. | 18 | M.G.L. c. 90, § 8 |
| 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 Massachusetts has no statewide tattoo age statute; local boards of health set the rule.The state health department's model regulation, which many local boards adopt, bars tattooing under 18 even with consent. Check your city or town board of health. | Not set by state law | Mass. DPH Model Body Art Regulations § 4(A) |
| Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent No state statute sets a tattoo age; local boards of health set it, commonly at 18.The state model regulation many boards adopt sets 18; local rules vary. | Set by local health boards | Mass. DPH Model Body Art Regulations § 4(A) |
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 | M.G.L. (no emancipation petition statute; chapters 119, 201 and 207 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 | M.G.L. c. 231, § 85P |
| Can make a will A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18. | 18 | G.L. c. 190B, 2-501 |
| Can marry without a parent's consent A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. | 18 | M.G.L. c. 207, ss. 7, 24, 25, 33A; St. 2022, c. 126 |
| Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent State law bars marriage under 18, with no parental or court exception. | Not allowed for minors | M.G.L. c. 207, ss. 7, 24, 25, 33A; St. 2022, c. 126 |
| Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate An adult adoptee can request a copy of the original birth certificate from age 18.The adoptee must have been born in Massachusetts. | 18 | M.G.L. c. 46, 2B |
Voting, juries and office
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can pre-register to vote Massachusetts lets eligible residents pre-register to vote at 16; they can vote once they turn 18. | 16 | M.G.L. c. 51, § 42 |
| 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 | M.G.L. c. 51, § 1 |
| 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 | Mass. Gen. Laws c. 234A, § 4, cls. 1 and 3 |
| 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 Massachusetts's constitution sets no minimum age for governor; it requires seven years of residence. | No minimum age set | Mass. Const. pt. 2, ch. 2, § 1, art. II |
| 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) Massachusetts 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 | M.G.L. c. 119, § 52 |
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 at retail.Online lottery sales must block anyone under 21 (M.G.L. c. 10, § 24). | 18 | M.G.L. c. 10, § 29 |
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.Massachusetts treats it as a disqualification the person elects on the summons response. | 70 | Mass. Gen. Laws c. 234A, § 4, cl. 2 |
| 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts'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 Massachusetts?
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18. (M.G.L. c. 231, § 85P)
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts issues a learner's permit for supervised driving at 16. (M.G.L. c. 90, § 8B)
How old do you have to be to drive alone in Massachusetts?
A junior operator's license for driving alone is available at 16 and 6 months after six months with a permit. Requires driver education and 40 hours of supervised driving (30 with a driver skills program). (M.G.L. c. 90, § 8)
How old do you have to be to work in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts lets minors work from 14 with a school-issued employment permit. Street trades (such as newspaper delivery) and limited stage performances are covered by separate rules. (M.G.L. c. 149 § 86)
Do minors need a work permit in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts employers must keep a school-issued employment permit on file for each worker under 18. (M.G.L. c. 149 § 86; c. 4 § 7, cl. 48)
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in Massachusetts?
No state statute sets a tattoo age; local boards of health set it, commonly at 18. The state model regulation many boards adopt sets 18; local rules vary. (Mass. DPH Model Body Art Regulations § 4(A))
How old do you have to be to get married in Massachusetts?
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. State law bars marriage under 18, with no parental or court exception. (M.G.L. c. 207, ss. 7, 24, 25, 33A; St. 2022, c. 126)
At what age can you leave school in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts treats ages 6 to 16 as compulsory school age under rules set by the state board. The statute sets no number itself; it leaves the minimum and maximum ages to the Board of Education. (M.G.L. c. 76, § 1; DESE advisory)
How old do you have to be to buy a lottery ticket in Massachusetts?
State law bars selling lottery tickets to anyone under 18 at retail. Online lottery sales must block anyone under 21 (M.G.L. c. 10, § 24). (M.G.L. c. 10, § 29)
Sources
- M.G.L. c. 51, § 42
- M.G.L. c. 51, § 1
- Mass. Const. pt. 2, ch. 2, § 1, art. II
- M.G.L. c. 231, § 85P
- M.G.L. (no emancipation petition statute; chapters 119, 201 and 207 searched)
- G.L. c. 190B, 2-501
- Mass. Gen. Laws c. 234A, § 4, cls. 1 and 3
- M.G.L. c. 207, ss. 7, 24, 25, 33A; St. 2022, c. 126
- M.G.L. c. 90, § 7AA
- M.G.L. c. 46, 2B
- M.G.L. c. 90, § 8B
- M.G.L. c. 90, § 8
- M.G.L. c. 10, § 29
- M.G.L. c. 119, § 52
- 603 CMR 8.02
- M.G.L. c. 76, § 1; DESE advisory
- Mass. DPH Model Body Art Regulations § 4(A)
- M.G.L. c. 149 § 86
- M.G.L. c. 149 § 86; c. 4 § 7, cl. 48
- 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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