Michigan Legal Ages
The key age-based rights and duties in Michigan, 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 Michigan
Age 2
Rear-facing car seat age requirement ends
The law requires a rear-facing seat until age 2; after that a child may ride forward-facing.
Earlier if the child outgrows the rear-facing seat.
Michigan law · MCL 257.710d(1)(a)
Age 6
Must be enrolled in school
Michigan requires children to attend school, or approved private or home instruction, from age 6.
Michigan law · MCL 380.1561(1)
Age 8
Car seat or booster age requirement ends
The child car seat or booster requirement ends at age 8; after that a seat belt can be used.
Earlier once the child is 4 feet 9 inches tall.
Michigan law · MCL 257.710d(1)(c)
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)
Michigan sets 14 as the minimum age for employment, with listed exceptions.
From 11, minors may work as youth sports referees or umpires and golf or bridge caddies; from 13, in some seed farming.
Michigan law · MCL 409.103(2)
Age 14 and 9 months
Can get a learner's permit
Michigan issues a Level 1 learner license at 14 and 9 months after Segment 1 driver education.
Michigan law · MCL 257.310e(3)
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 Level 2 intermediate license for driving alone is available at 16 after six months at Level 1.
Requires Segment 2 driver education and 50 hours of driving, 10 at night.
Michigan law · MCL 257.310e(5); Michigan SOS
Court emancipation (adult status) can be sought
A minor can petition a court to be declared emancipated starting at age 16.
A court may not grant emancipation to a minor younger than 16.
Michigan law · MCL 722.4c(2)(b)
Can pre-register to vote
Michigan lets eligible residents pre-register to vote at 16; they can vote once they turn 18.
Michigan law · MCL 168.495(1)(g)
Age 18
Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends)
Michigan's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 18th birthday.
Michigan law · MCL 380.1561(1)
No work permit needed
Workers under 18 in Michigan must register in the state system, and the employer needs state authorization before they start.
This replaced school-issued work permits in October 2026. Some farm work and other listed jobs are exempt.
Michigan law · MCL 409.102, 409.104a
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)
Level 2 night and passenger limits end at 18 at the latest.
A Level 3 full license is available from 17 after 12 consecutive months at Level 2 without a moving violation, crash or suspension.
Michigan law · MCL 257.310e(8)-(9)
Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent
From 18, a person can be tattooed without a parent's consent.
Michigan law · MCL 333.13101(1)(j); MCL 333.13102
Becomes a legal adult (age of majority)
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18.
Michigan law · MCL 722.52(1)
Can make a will
A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18.
Michigan law · MCL 700.2501
Can marry without a parent's consent
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18.
Michigan law · MCL 551.51(1); MCL 551.103(1); 2023 PA 71
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.
Michigan law · Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.1307a(1)
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)
Michigan 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.
Michigan law · MCL 712A.2(a)
Can buy a lottery ticket
State law bars selling lottery tickets to anyone under 18.
Michigan law · MCL 432.29
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 as governor
Michigan's constitution requires the governor to be at least 30 years old.
Michigan law · Mich. Const. art. V, § 22
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.
Michigan's statute applies to a person more than 70 years of age.
Michigan law · MCL 600.1307a(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 Michigan
- Can get a tattoo with a parent's consent: With a parent's consent, state law sets no minimum age. MCL 333.13102
- Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent: State law bars marriage under 18, with no parental or court exception. MCL 551.51(1); MCL 551.103(1); 2023 PA 71
- Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate: We could not confirm this rule at an official source. Check the official link. MCL 333.2882(2)
- Can vote in a primary if 18 by the general election: We could not confirm this rule at an official source. Check the official link. MCL 168.492; MCL 168.10
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Legal ages in Michigan, rule by rule
Each row is one rule, the age it sets in Michigan, and the law it comes from. Federal rules apply in every state and are marked as federal.
Childhood
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Rear-facing car seat age requirement ends The law requires a rear-facing seat until age 2; after that a child may ride forward-facing.Earlier if the child outgrows the rear-facing seat. | 2 | MCL 257.710d(1)(a) |
| Car seat or booster age requirement ends The child car seat or booster requirement ends at age 8; after that a seat belt can be used.Earlier once the child is 4 feet 9 inches tall. | 8 | MCL 257.710d(1)(c) |
School
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Must be enrolled in school Michigan requires children to attend school, or approved private or home instruction, from age 6. | 6 | MCL 380.1561(1) |
| Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends) Michigan's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 18th birthday. | 18 | MCL 380.1561(1) |
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) Michigan sets 14 as the minimum age for employment, with listed exceptions.From 11, minors may work as youth sports referees or umpires and golf or bridge caddies; from 13, in some seed farming. | 14 | MCL 409.103(2) |
| No work permit needed Workers under 18 in Michigan must register in the state system, and the employer needs state authorization before they start.This replaced school-issued work permits in October 2026. Some farm work and other listed jobs are exempt. | 18 | MCL 409.102, 409.104a |
| 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 Michigan issues a Level 1 learner license at 14 and 9 months after Segment 1 driver education. | 14 and 9 months | MCL 257.310e(3) |
| Can get a first license to drive alone A Level 2 intermediate license for driving alone is available at 16 after six months at Level 1.Requires Segment 2 driver education and 50 hours of driving, 10 at night. | 16 | MCL 257.310e(5); Michigan SOS |
| Teen license limits end (varies, see rule) Level 2 night and passenger limits end at 18 at the latest.A Level 3 full license is available from 17 after 12 consecutive months at Level 2 without a moving violation, crash or suspension. | 18 | MCL 257.310e(8)-(9) |
| 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.A parent or guardian gives prior written informed consent in the artist's presence, with proof of authority such as a birth certificate. | No minimum age | MCL 333.13102 |
| Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent From 18, a person can be tattooed without a parent's consent. | 18 | MCL 333.13101(1)(j); MCL 333.13102 |
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.A court may not grant emancipation to a minor younger than 16. | 16 | MCL 722.4c(2)(b) |
| 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 | MCL 722.52(1) |
| Can make a will A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18. | 18 | MCL 700.2501 |
| Can marry without a parent's consent A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. | 18 | MCL 551.51(1); MCL 551.103(1); 2023 PA 71 |
| Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent State law bars marriage under 18, with no parental or court exception. | Not allowed for minors | MCL 551.51(1); MCL 551.103(1); 2023 PA 71 |
| Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate We could not confirm this rule at an official source. Check the official link.Michigan releases the original certificate to "an adult who has been adopted" after a registry clearance, without stating a number in that section. | Not confirmed | MCL 333.2882(2) |
Voting, juries and office
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can pre-register to vote Michigan lets eligible residents pre-register to vote at 16; they can vote once they turn 18. | 16 | MCL 168.495(1)(g) |
| Can vote in a primary if 18 by the general election We could not confirm this rule at an official source. Check the official link. | Not confirmed | MCL 168.492; MCL 168.10 |
| 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 | Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.1307a(1) |
| 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 Michigan's constitution requires the governor to be at least 30 years old. | 30 | Mich. Const. art. V, § 22 |
| 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) Michigan 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 | MCL 712A.2(a) |
Age-restricted purchases
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can buy tobacco or vapes Federal law bars any retailer from selling cigarettes, vapes or other tobacco products to anyone under 21, in every state. | 21 | 21 U.S.C. § 387f(d)(5)Federal, all states |
| Can buy alcohol Federal highway funding law withholds funds from any state that lets anyone under 21 buy alcohol or possess it in public, so every state sets 21.Federal rules let states exempt possession (not purchase) for a religious purpose, with a parent, spouse or legal guardian 21 or older, for medical use, in private clubs, or in lawful employment (23 C.F.R. 1208.3). | 21 | 23 U.S.C. § 158(a)Federal, all states |
| Can buy a lottery ticket State law bars selling lottery tickets to anyone under 18. | 18 | MCL 432.29 |
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.Michigan's statute applies to a person more than 70 years of age. | 70 | MCL 600.1307a(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 Michigan 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 Michigan 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 Michigan'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 Michigan?
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18. (MCL 722.52(1))
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Michigan?
Michigan issues a Level 1 learner license at 14 and 9 months after Segment 1 driver education. (MCL 257.310e(3))
How old do you have to be to drive alone in Michigan?
A Level 2 intermediate license for driving alone is available at 16 after six months at Level 1. Requires Segment 2 driver education and 50 hours of driving, 10 at night. (MCL 257.310e(5); Michigan SOS)
How old do you have to be to work in Michigan?
Michigan sets 14 as the minimum age for employment, with listed exceptions. From 11, minors may work as youth sports referees or umpires and golf or bridge caddies; from 13, in some seed farming. (MCL 409.103(2))
Do minors need a work permit in Michigan?
Workers under 18 in Michigan must register in the state system, and the employer needs state authorization before they start. This replaced school-issued work permits in October 2026. Some farm work and other listed jobs are exempt. (MCL 409.102, 409.104a)
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in Michigan?
From 18, a person can be tattooed without a parent's consent. With a parent's consent, state law sets no minimum age. A parent or guardian gives prior written informed consent in the artist's presence, with proof of authority such as a birth certificate. (MCL 333.13101(1)(j); MCL 333.13102)
How old do you have to be to get married in Michigan?
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. (MCL 551.51(1); MCL 551.103(1); 2023 PA 71)
At what age can you leave school in Michigan?
Michigan's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 18th birthday. (MCL 380.1561(1))
How old do you have to be to buy a lottery ticket in Michigan?
State law bars selling lottery tickets to anyone under 18. (MCL 432.29)
Sources
- MCL 168.495(1)(g)
- MCL 168.492; MCL 168.10
- Mich. Const. art. V, § 22
- MCL 722.52(1)
- MCL 722.4c(2)(b)
- MCL 700.2501
- Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.1307a(1)
- MCL 551.51(1); MCL 551.103(1); 2023 PA 71
- MCL 257.710d(1)(a)
- MCL 333.2882(2)
- MCL 257.310e(3)
- MCL 257.310e(5); Michigan SOS
- MCL 432.29
- MCL 712A.2(a)
- MCL 380.1561(1)
- MCL 333.13102
- MCL 333.13101(1)(j); MCL 333.13102
- MCL 409.103(2)
- MCL 409.102, 409.104a
- 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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