New Hampshire Legal Ages
The key age-based rights and duties in New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire
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.
New Hampshire law · RSA 265:107-a
Age 6
Must be enrolled in school
New Hampshire requires children to attend school, or approved private or home instruction, from age 6.
New Hampshire law · RSA 193:1, I
Age 7
Car seat or booster age requirement ends
The child car seat or booster requirement ends at age 7; after that a seat belt can be used.
Earlier once the child is 57 inches tall.
New Hampshire law · RSA 265:107-a
Age 12
Can work (state minimum age)
New Hampshire bars work by youths under 12, except for family, casual work or newspaper delivery.
Federal law sets 14 for most employers.
New Hampshire law · N.H. RSA 276-A:4
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 and 6 months
Can get a learner's permit
New Hampshire has no learner permit; teens may drive while being taught by an eligible adult from 15 and 6 months.
The teacher must be a certified instructor, parent, guardian or licensed responsible adult 25 or older.
New Hampshire law · RSA 263:25
Age 16
No work permit needed
Workers under 16 in New Hampshire need a youth employment certificate.
Work for parents, grandparents or a guardian, casual work and farm labor are exempt. Ages 16 and 17 need written parental permission instead.
New Hampshire law · N.H. RSA 276-A:4, II
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 youth operator's license is available at 16 after driver education and 40 hours of supervised driving.
New Hampshire law · RSA 263:14, II(a)
Court emancipation (adult status) can be sought
A minor can petition a court to be declared emancipated starting at age 16.
New Hampshire grants limited emancipation.
New Hampshire law · RSA 461-B:4(I)
Age 18
Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends)
New Hampshire's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 18th birthday.
A pupil 16 or older may get a superintendent waiver with an alternative learning plan toward a diploma or equivalent.
New Hampshire law · RSA 193:1, I
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 youth license 1 a.m. to 4 a.m. ban and passenger limits stop applying at 18.
The passenger limit applies only for the first six months after the license is issued.
New Hampshire law · RSA 263:14, II(b), (f)
Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent
Tattooing is allowed from 18; the ban on tattooing minors ends at that age.
New Hampshire law · RSA 314-A:8, I
Becomes a legal adult (age of majority)
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18.
New Hampshire law · RSA 21:44
Can make a will
A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18.
A married person under 18 can also make a will.
New Hampshire law · RSA 551:1
Can marry without a parent's consent
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18.
New Hampshire law · RSA 457:4; RSA 457:5; RSA 457:8; repealed RSA 457:5-a, 457:6, 457:7 (2024, 81:5, eff. Jan. 1, 2025)
Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate
An adult adoptee (18 or older) can get a copy of the original birth certificate on written application.
RSA 5-C:9, I gives the copy to an "adult adoptee" born in New Hampshire; RSA 21:44 sets adulthood at 18. Birth parents can file a contact preference form.
New Hampshire law · RSA 21:44; RSA 5-C:9, I
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.
New Hampshire law · RSA 500-A:7-a, I-II
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)
New Hampshire 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.
New Hampshire law · RSA 169-B:2, VI
Can buy a lottery ticket
State law bars lottery sales to minors, and online sales must block anyone under 18.
RSA 284:21-h also provides: "No tickets shall be sold at any locations to minors."
New Hampshire law · RSA 284:21-h
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
New Hampshire's constitution requires the governor to be at least 30 years old.
New Hampshire law · N.H. Const. pt. 2, art. 42
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 person tells the court before court convenes and is discharged.
New Hampshire law · RSA 500-A:9, II
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 New Hampshire
- Can get a tattoo with a parent's consent: State law bars tattooing anyone under 18, even with a parent's consent. RSA 314-A:8, I
- Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent: State law bars marriage under 18, with no parental or court exception. RSA 457:4; RSA 457:5; RSA 457:8; repealed RSA 457:5-a, 457:6, 457:7 (2024, 81:5, eff. Jan. 1, 2025)
- Can pre-register to vote: New Hampshire sets no fixed pre-registration age; a person may register if they will be 18 by the next election. RSA 654:7
- 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. RSA 654:7
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Legal ages in New Hampshire, rule by rule
Each row is one rule, the age it sets in New Hampshire, 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. | 2 | RSA 265:107-a |
| Car seat or booster age requirement ends The child car seat or booster requirement ends at age 7; after that a seat belt can be used.Earlier once the child is 57 inches tall. | 7 | RSA 265:107-a |
School
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Must be enrolled in school New Hampshire requires children to attend school, or approved private or home instruction, from age 6. | 6 | RSA 193:1, I |
| Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends) New Hampshire's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 18th birthday.A pupil 16 or older may get a superintendent waiver with an alternative learning plan toward a diploma or equivalent. | 18 | RSA 193:1, I |
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) New Hampshire bars work by youths under 12, except for family, casual work or newspaper delivery.Federal law sets 14 for most employers. | 12 | N.H. RSA 276-A:4 |
| No work permit needed Workers under 16 in New Hampshire need a youth employment certificate.Work for parents, grandparents or a guardian, casual work and farm labor are exempt. Ages 16 and 17 need written parental permission instead. | 16 | N.H. RSA 276-A:4, II |
| 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 New Hampshire has no learner permit; teens may drive while being taught by an eligible adult from 15 and 6 months.The teacher must be a certified instructor, parent, guardian or licensed responsible adult 25 or older. | 15 and 6 months | RSA 263:25 |
| Can get a first license to drive alone A youth operator's license is available at 16 after driver education and 40 hours of supervised driving. | 16 | RSA 263:14, II(a) |
| Teen license limits end (varies, see rule) The youth license 1 a.m. to 4 a.m. ban and passenger limits stop applying at 18.The passenger limit applies only for the first six months after the license is issued. | 18 | RSA 263:14, II(b), (f) |
| 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 State law bars tattooing anyone under 18, even with a parent's consent.Body piercing is allowed with a parent physically present; tattooing and branding are not. | Not allowed for minors | RSA 314-A:8, I |
| Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent Tattooing is allowed from 18; the ban on tattooing minors ends at that age. | 18 | RSA 314-A:8, I |
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.New Hampshire grants limited emancipation. | 16 | RSA 461-B:4(I) |
| 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 | RSA 21:44 |
| Can make a will A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18.A married person under 18 can also make a will. | 18 | RSA 551:1 |
| Can marry without a parent's consent A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. | 18 | RSA 457:4; RSA 457:5; RSA 457:8; repealed RSA 457:5-a, 457:6, 457:7 (2024, 81:5, eff. Jan. 1, 2025) |
| Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent State law bars marriage under 18, with no parental or court exception. | Not allowed for minors | RSA 457:4; RSA 457:5; RSA 457:8; repealed RSA 457:5-a, 457:6, 457:7 (2024, 81:5, eff. Jan. 1, 2025) |
| Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate An adult adoptee (18 or older) can get a copy of the original birth certificate on written application.RSA 5-C:9, I gives the copy to an "adult adoptee" born in New Hampshire; RSA 21:44 sets adulthood at 18. Birth parents can file a contact preference form. | 18 | RSA 21:44; RSA 5-C:9, I |
Voting, juries and office
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can pre-register to vote New Hampshire sets no fixed pre-registration age; a person may register if they will be 18 by the next election. | No set pre-registration age | RSA 654:7 |
| 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 | RSA 654:7 |
| 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 | RSA 500-A:7-a, I-II |
| 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 New Hampshire's constitution requires the governor to be at least 30 years old. | 30 | N.H. Const. pt. 2, art. 42 |
| 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) New Hampshire 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 | RSA 169-B:2, VI |
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 lottery sales to minors, and online sales must block anyone under 18.RSA 284:21-h also provides: "No tickets shall be sold at any locations to minors." | 18 | RSA 284:21-h |
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 person tells the court before court convenes and is discharged. | 70 | RSA 500-A:9, II |
| 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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire'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 New Hampshire?
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18. (RSA 21:44)
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire has no learner permit; teens may drive while being taught by an eligible adult from 15 and 6 months. The teacher must be a certified instructor, parent, guardian or licensed responsible adult 25 or older. (RSA 263:25)
How old do you have to be to drive alone in New Hampshire?
A youth operator's license is available at 16 after driver education and 40 hours of supervised driving. (RSA 263:14, II(a))
How old do you have to be to work in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire bars work by youths under 12, except for family, casual work or newspaper delivery. Federal law sets 14 for most employers. (N.H. RSA 276-A:4)
Do minors need a work permit in New Hampshire?
Workers under 16 in New Hampshire need a youth employment certificate. Work for parents, grandparents or a guardian, casual work and farm labor are exempt. Ages 16 and 17 need written parental permission instead. (N.H. RSA 276-A:4, II)
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in New Hampshire?
Tattooing is allowed from 18; the ban on tattooing minors ends at that age. State law bars tattooing anyone under 18, even with a parent's consent. Body piercing is allowed with a parent physically present; tattooing and branding are not. (RSA 314-A:8, I)
How old do you have to be to get married in New Hampshire?
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. (RSA 457:4; RSA 457:8; repealed RSA 457:5-a, 457:6, 457:7 (2024, 81:5, eff. Jan. 1, 2025))
At what age can you leave school in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 18th birthday. A pupil 16 or older may get a superintendent waiver with an alternative learning plan toward a diploma or equivalent. (RSA 193:1, I)
How old do you have to be to buy a lottery ticket in New Hampshire?
State law bars lottery sales to minors, and online sales must block anyone under 18. RSA 284:21-h also provides: "No tickets shall be sold at any locations to minors." (RSA 284:21-h)
Sources
- RSA 654:7
- N.H. Const. pt. 2, art. 42
- RSA 21:44
- RSA 461-B:4(I)
- RSA 551:1
- RSA 500-A:7-a, I-II
- RSA 500-A:9, II
- RSA 457:4; RSA 457:5; RSA 457:8; repealed RSA 457:5-a, 457:6, 457:7 (2024, 81:5, eff. Jan. 1, 2025)
- RSA 265:107-a
- RSA 263:25
- RSA 263:14, II(a)
- RSA 284:21-h
- RSA 169-B:2, VI
- RSA 193:1, I
- RSA 314-A:8, I
- N.H. RSA 276-A:4
- 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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