Nebraska Legal Ages
The key age-based rights and duties in Nebraska, 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 Nebraska
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 only if the child outgrows the rear-facing seat.
Nebraska law · Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,267(1)
Age 6
Must be enrolled in school
Nebraska requires children to attend school, or approved private or home instruction, from age 6.
Applies to children who turn 6 before January 1; a parent may delay to 7 by affidavit.
Nebraska law · Neb. Rev. Stat. 79-201(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.
From 8 to 17, a seat belt or other occupant protection is required.
Nebraska law · Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,267(1)-(2)
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)
Age 15
Can get a learner's permit
Nebraska issues an LPD learner's permit at 15.
Rural students may get a school permit from 14 and 2 months (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-4,124).
Nebraska law · Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-4,123
Age 16
No work permit needed
Nebraska employers must keep a school-approved employment certificate on file for each worker under 16.
Golf caddies, detasseling and work for a parent have separate rules.
Nebraska law · Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-302(1)
Can work any non-hazardous job (federal rule)
At 16, the general federal minimum working age applies: any job except those the Labor Department declares hazardous.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 29 CFR 570.2(a)(1)
Can get a first license to drive alone
A provisional operator's permit for driving alone is available at 16 after six months with a learner permit.
Requires 50 hours of certified supervised driving, 10 at night.
Nebraska law · Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-4,120.01
Court emancipation (adult status) can be sought
A minor can petition a court to be declared emancipated starting at age 16.
The minor must be married or living apart from the parents and be a legal resident.
Nebraska law · Neb. Rev. Stat. § 43-4802
Age 17
Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent
With a parent's written consent, the lowest age to marry is 17.
Nebraska law · Neb. Rev. Stat. 42-102; 42-105; 42-107; 42-118; 43-2101
Can pre-register to vote
Nebraska lets 17-year-olds register to vote if they will turn 18 by the November general election.
Registration at 17 is allowed only when the person turns 18 on or before that year’s general election day.
Nebraska law · Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-110
Can vote in a primary if 18 by the general election
Nebraska lets 17-year-olds vote in a primary if they will be 18 by the general election.
Nebraska law · Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-110
Age 18
Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends)
Nebraska's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 18th birthday.
A child 16 or 17 may be withdrawn by a parent after an exit interview and a signed withdrawal form.
Nebraska law · Neb. Rev. Stat. 79-201(1)
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)
The provisional operator's permit, with its night and passenger limits, expires on the 18th birthday.
Nebraska law · Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-4,120.01
Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent
From 18, a person can be tattooed without a parent's consent.
Nebraska law · Neb. Rev. Stat. § 38-10,165
Can make a will
A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18.
Nebraska law · Neb. Rev. Stat. 30-2326
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 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)
Nebraska 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.
Nebraska law · Neb. Rev. Stat. § 43-245(12)
Age 19
Becomes a legal adult (age of majority)
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 19.
Marriage before 19 also ends minority.
Nebraska law · Neb. Rev. Stat. § 43-2101(1)
Can marry without a parent's consent
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 19.
Nebraska's age of majority is 19 (Neb. Rev. Stat. 43-2101); under 19, a parent's written consent under oath is required.
Nebraska law · Neb. Rev. Stat. § 42-105
Can be called for state jury service
A person can be called for state jury service from age 19.
The statute says "over the age of nineteen years."
Nebraska law · Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-1650(1)
Can buy a lottery ticket
State law bars anyone under 19 from buying a lottery ticket.
Nebraska law · Neb. Rev. Stat. § 9-810(1)
Age 21
Can drive a commercial truck across state lines
Federal rules require drivers of commercial vehicles in interstate commerce to be at least 21.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 49 C.F.R. § 391.11(b)(1)
Can buy tobacco or vapes
Federal law bars any retailer from selling cigarettes, vapes or other tobacco products to anyone under 21, in every state.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 21 U.S.C. § 387f(d)(5)
Can buy alcohol
Federal highway funding law withholds funds from any state that lets anyone under 21 buy alcohol or possess it in public, so every state sets 21.
Federal rules let states exempt possession (not purchase) for a religious purpose, with a parent, spouse or legal guardian 21 or older, for medical use, in private clubs, or in lawful employment (23 C.F.R. 1208.3).
Federal rule, applies in every state · 23 U.S.C. § 158(a)
Under-21 credit card limits end (no cosigner or independent income needed)
Under 21, a card issuer may open a credit card only with a cosigner or proof that you can repay on your own.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 15 U.S.C. § 1637(c)(8)
Age 25
Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate
An adult adoptee can request a copy of the original birth certificate from age 25.
Nebraska law · Neb. Rev. Stat. 43-130
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
Nebraska's constitution requires the governor to be at least 30 years old.
Nebraska law · Neb. Const. art. IV, § 2
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 request is made on the qualification form or in writing after being summoned.
Nebraska law · Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-1650(3)
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 Nebraska
- Can work (state minimum age): State law sets no general minimum age; the federal minimum of 14 for limited hours applies to most employers. Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 48-301 to 48-313
- Can get a tattoo with a parent's consent: With a parent's consent, state law sets no minimum age. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 38-10,165
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Legal ages in Nebraska, rule by rule
Each row is one rule, the age it sets in Nebraska, 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 only if the child outgrows the rear-facing seat. | 2 | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,267(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.From 8 to 17, a seat belt or other occupant protection is required. | 8 | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,267(1)-(2) |
School
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Must be enrolled in school Nebraska requires children to attend school, or approved private or home instruction, from age 6.Applies to children who turn 6 before January 1; a parent may delay to 7 by affidavit. | 6 | Neb. Rev. Stat. 79-201(1) |
| Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends) Nebraska's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 18th birthday.A child 16 or 17 may be withdrawn by a parent after an exit interview and a signed withdrawal form. | 18 | Neb. Rev. Stat. 79-201(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) State law sets no general minimum age; the federal minimum of 14 for limited hours applies to most employers.Nebraska sets stricter hours for children under 14 (no work after 8 p.m.). | No state minimum | Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 48-301 to 48-313 |
| No work permit needed Nebraska employers must keep a school-approved employment certificate on file for each worker under 16.Golf caddies, detasseling and work for a parent have separate rules. | 16 | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-302(1) |
| 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 Nebraska issues an LPD learner's permit at 15.Rural students may get a school permit from 14 and 2 months (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-4,124). | 15 | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-4,123 |
| Can get a first license to drive alone A provisional operator's permit for driving alone is available at 16 after six months with a learner permit.Requires 50 hours of certified supervised driving, 10 at night. | 16 | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-4,120.01 |
| Teen license limits end (varies, see rule) The provisional operator's permit, with its night and passenger limits, expires on the 18th birthday. | 18 | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-4,120.01 |
| Can drive a commercial truck across state lines Federal rules require drivers of commercial vehicles in interstate commerce to be at least 21. | 21 | 49 C.F.R. § 391.11(b)(1)Federal, all states |
Tattoos
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can get a tattoo with a parent's consent With a parent's consent, state law sets no minimum age.Consent must be written, and the parent or court-appointed guardian must be present during the procedure. | No minimum age | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 38-10,165 |
| Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent From 18, a person can be tattooed without a parent's consent. | 18 | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 38-10,165 |
Adulthood and family
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Court emancipation (adult status) can be sought A minor can petition a court to be declared emancipated starting at age 16.The minor must be married or living apart from the parents and be a legal resident. | 16 | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 43-4802 |
| Becomes a legal adult (age of majority) State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 19.Marriage before 19 also ends minority. | 19 | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 43-2101(1) |
| Can make a will A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18. | 18 | Neb. Rev. Stat. 30-2326 |
| Can marry without a parent's consent A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 19.Nebraska's age of majority is 19 (Neb. Rev. Stat. 43-2101); under 19, a parent's written consent under oath is required. | 19 | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 42-105 |
| Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent With a parent's written consent, the lowest age to marry is 17. | 17 | Neb. Rev. Stat. 42-102; 42-105; 42-107; 42-118; 43-2101 |
| Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate An adult adoptee can request a copy of the original birth certificate from age 25. | 25 | Neb. Rev. Stat. 43-130 |
Voting, juries and office
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can pre-register to vote Nebraska lets 17-year-olds register to vote if they will turn 18 by the November general election.Registration at 17 is allowed only when the person turns 18 on or before that year’s general election day. | 17 | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-110 |
| Can vote in a primary if 18 by the general election Nebraska lets 17-year-olds vote in a primary if they will be 18 by the general election. | 17 | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-110 |
| 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 19.The statute says "over the age of nineteen years." | 19 | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-1650(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 Nebraska's constitution requires the governor to be at least 30 years old. | 30 | Neb. Const. art. IV, § 2 |
| 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) Nebraska 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 | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 43-245(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 anyone under 19 from buying a lottery ticket. | 19 | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 9-810(1) |
Money
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Under-21 credit card limits end (no cosigner or independent income needed) Under 21, a card issuer may open a credit card only with a cosigner or proof that you can repay on your own. | 21 | 15 U.S.C. § 1637(c)(8)Federal, all states |
Later life
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can start Social Security retirement benefits (reduced) Social Security retirement benefits can start at 62, permanently reduced. | 62 | SSA, Retirement Benefits: Benefit reduction for early retirementFederal, all states |
| Eligible for Medicare by age Medicare hospital insurance by age begins at 65 for people entitled, or who would be entitled, to Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits. | 65 | 42 U.S.C. § 426(a)Federal, all states |
| Full Social Security retirement age (born 1960 or later) Full Social Security retirement age is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later. | 67 | SSA, Full Retirement and Age 62 Benefit By Year Of BirthFederal, all states |
| Can ask to be excused from jury service because of age From age 70, a person can ask to be excused from jury service because of age.The request is made on the qualification form or in writing after being summoned. | 70 | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-1650(3) |
| 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 Nebraska sets these ages
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 19. 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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska'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 Nebraska?
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 19. Marriage before 19 also ends minority. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 43-2101(1))
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Nebraska?
Nebraska issues an LPD learner's permit at 15. Rural students may get a school permit from 14 and 2 months (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-4,124). (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-4,123)
How old do you have to be to drive alone in Nebraska?
A provisional operator's permit for driving alone is available at 16 after six months with a learner permit. Requires 50 hours of certified supervised driving, 10 at night. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-4,120.01)
How old do you have to be to work in Nebraska?
State law sets no general minimum age; the federal minimum of 14 for limited hours applies to most employers. Nebraska sets stricter hours for children under 14 (no work after 8 p.m.). (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 48-301 to 48-313)
Do minors need a work permit in Nebraska?
Nebraska employers must keep a school-approved employment certificate on file for each worker under 16. Golf caddies, detasseling and work for a parent have separate rules. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-302(1))
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in Nebraska?
From 18, a person can be tattooed without a parent's consent. With a parent's consent, state law sets no minimum age. Consent must be written, and the parent or court-appointed guardian must be present during the procedure. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 38-10,165)
How old do you have to be to get married in Nebraska?
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 19. Nebraska's age of majority is 19 (Neb. Rev. Stat. 43-2101); under 19, a parent's written consent under oath is required. With a parent's written consent, the lowest age to marry is 17. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 42-105; Neb. Rev. Stat. 42-102; 42-107; 42-118; 43-2101)
At what age can you leave school in Nebraska?
Nebraska's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 18th birthday. A child 16 or 17 may be withdrawn by a parent after an exit interview and a signed withdrawal form. (Neb. Rev. Stat. 79-201(1))
How old do you have to be to buy a lottery ticket in Nebraska?
State law bars anyone under 19 from buying a lottery ticket. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 9-810(1))
Sources
- Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-110
- Neb. Const. art. IV, § 2
- Neb. Rev. Stat. § 43-2101(1)
- Neb. Rev. Stat. 30-2326
- Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-1650(1)
- Neb. Rev. Stat. § 42-105
- Neb. Rev. Stat. 42-102; 42-105; 42-107; 42-118; 43-2101
- Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,267(1)
- Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-4,123
- Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-4,120.01
- Neb. Rev. Stat. § 9-810(1)
- Neb. Rev. Stat. § 43-245(12)
- Neb. Rev. Stat. 79-201(1)
- Neb. Rev. Stat. § 38-10,165
- Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 48-301 to 48-313
- Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-302(1)
- 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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