New Jersey Legal Ages
The key age-based rights and duties in New Jersey, 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 New Jersey
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.
Until 4 and 40 pounds, a child stays rear-facing until outgrowing the rear-facing seat.
New Jersey law · N.J.S.A. 39:3-76.2a(a)
Age 6
Must be enrolled in school
New Jersey requires children to attend school, or equivalent instruction elsewhere, from age 6.
New Jersey law · N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25
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 57 inches tall.
New Jersey law · N.J.S.A. 39:3-76.2a(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)
New Jersey lets minors 14 and 15 work outside school hours and during vacations, outside factories and barred jobs.
The general age is 16. Newspaper carriers may start at 11 and farm workers at 12.
New Jersey law · N.J.S.A. 34:2-21.2
Age 16
Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends)
New Jersey's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 16th birthday.
New Jersey law · N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25
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
New Jersey issues a special learner's permit at 16 to teens enrolled in behind-the-wheel driver training.
New Jersey law · NJ Motor Vehicle Commission, first license
Age 17
Can get a first license to drive alone
A probationary license for driving alone is available at 17 after six months of supervised driving on a permit.
Permit holders under 21 need 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 at night (permits issued from February 1, 2025).
New Jersey law · N.J.S.A. 39:3-13.4; NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety
Can pre-register to vote
New Jersey lets residents register to vote at 17; they can vote once they turn 18, or in a primary at 17.
New Jersey law · N.J. Division of Elections (N.J.S.A. 19:31-5)
Can vote in a primary if 18 by the general election
New Jersey lets 17-year-olds vote in a primary if they will be 18 by the general election.
New Jersey law · N.J.S.A. 19:4-1.2
Age 18
No work permit needed
New Jersey requires every minor under 18 who wants to work to complete a one-time state online registration, approved by a caregiver.
This registration replaced paper working papers under a 2022 law; the minor updates it for each new employer.
New Jersey law · N.J.S.A. 34:2-21.1a(c) (P.L.2022, c.63)
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)
Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent
From 18, a person can be tattooed without a parent's consent.
New Jersey law · N.J.S.A. 2C:40-21
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 Jersey law · N.J.S.A. 9:17B-1(a)
Can make a will
A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18.
New Jersey law · N.J.S.A. 3B:3-1
Can marry without a parent's consent
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18.
New Jersey law · P.L.2018, c.42 (S427); N.J.S.A. 37:1-4; 37:1-30; 2A:34-1
Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate
An adult adoptee can request a copy of the original birth certificate from age 18.
New Jersey law · N.J.S.A. 26:8-40.1
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 Jersey law · N.J.S.A. 2B:20-1 (as described by NJ Courts and the NJ Judiciary Bench Manual)
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 Jersey 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 Jersey law · N.J.S.A. 2A:4A-22(a) (P.L. 2025, c.35)
Can buy a lottery ticket
State law bars selling lottery tickets to anyone under 18.
New Jersey law · N.J.S.A. 5:9-15
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 Jersey's constitution requires the governor to be at least 30 years old.
New Jersey law · N.J. Const. art. V, § I, ¶ 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 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)
Age 75
Can ask to be excused from jury service because of age
From age 75, a person can ask to be excused from jury service because of age.
The excuse is granted on request.
New Jersey law · N.J.S.A. 2B:20-10a, as stated by the New Jersey Courts
Rules with no set age in New Jersey
- Teen license limits end (varies, see rule): We could not confirm this rule at an official source. Check the official link. N.J.S.A. 39:3-13.4; NJ MVC
- Can get a tattoo with a parent's consent: With a parent's consent, state law sets no minimum age. N.J.S.A. 2C:40-21
- Court emancipation (adult status) can be sought: State law has no statute letting a minor petition a court for emancipation. N.J.S.A. (no emancipation petition statute; Title 9 searched)
- Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent: State law bars marriage under 18, with no parental or court exception. P.L.2018, c.42 (S427); N.J.S.A. 37:1-4; 37:1-30; 2A:34-1
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Legal ages in New Jersey, rule by rule
Each row is one rule, the age it sets in New Jersey, 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.Until 4 and 40 pounds, a child stays rear-facing until outgrowing the rear-facing seat. | 2 | N.J.S.A. 39:3-76.2a(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 57 inches tall. | 8 | N.J.S.A. 39:3-76.2a(c) |
School
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Must be enrolled in school New Jersey requires children to attend school, or equivalent instruction elsewhere, from age 6. | 6 | N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25 |
| Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends) New Jersey's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 16th birthday.Law change: Bills to raise the end age to 18 or lower the start age to 5 have been introduced; none has been enacted as far as we found. | 16 | N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25 |
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 Jersey lets minors 14 and 15 work outside school hours and during vacations, outside factories and barred jobs.The general age is 16. Newspaper carriers may start at 11 and farm workers at 12. | 14 | N.J.S.A. 34:2-21.2 |
| No work permit needed New Jersey requires every minor under 18 who wants to work to complete a one-time state online registration, approved by a caregiver.This registration replaced paper working papers under a 2022 law; the minor updates it for each new employer. | 18 | N.J.S.A. 34:2-21.1a(c) (P.L.2022, c.63) |
| 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 Jersey issues a special learner's permit at 16 to teens enrolled in behind-the-wheel driver training. | 16 | NJ Motor Vehicle Commission, first license |
| Can get a first license to drive alone A probationary license for driving alone is available at 17 after six months of supervised driving on a permit.Permit holders under 21 need 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 at night (permits issued from February 1, 2025). | 17 | N.J.S.A. 39:3-13.4; NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety |
| Teen license limits end (varies, see rule) We could not confirm this rule at an official source. Check the official link.Probationary license limits last at least 12 months, after which the license is upgraded to a basic license; the end age is not stated at an official source we could open. | Not confirmed | N.J.S.A. 39:3-13.4; NJ MVC |
| 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.Written permission comes from a parent or legal guardian, or a person standing in place of a parent if neither exists. Some towns add stricter rules. | No minimum age | N.J.S.A. 2C:40-21 |
| Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent From 18, a person can be tattooed without a parent's consent. | 18 | N.J.S.A. 2C:40-21 |
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 | N.J.S.A. (no emancipation petition statute; Title 9 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 | N.J.S.A. 9:17B-1(a) |
| Can make a will A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18. | 18 | N.J.S.A. 3B:3-1 |
| Can marry without a parent's consent A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. | 18 | P.L.2018, c.42 (S427); N.J.S.A. 37:1-4; 37:1-30; 2A:34-1 |
| Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent State law bars marriage under 18, with no parental or court exception. | Not allowed for minors | P.L.2018, c.42 (S427); N.J.S.A. 37:1-4; 37:1-30; 2A:34-1 |
| Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate An adult adoptee can request a copy of the original birth certificate from age 18. | 18 | N.J.S.A. 26:8-40.1 |
Voting, juries and office
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can pre-register to vote New Jersey lets residents register to vote at 17; they can vote once they turn 18, or in a primary at 17. | 17 | N.J. Division of Elections (N.J.S.A. 19:31-5) |
| Can vote in a primary if 18 by the general election New Jersey lets 17-year-olds vote in a primary if they will be 18 by the general election. | 17 | N.J.S.A. 19:4-1.2 |
| 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 | N.J.S.A. 2B:20-1 (as described by NJ Courts and the NJ Judiciary Bench Manual) |
| 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 Jersey's constitution requires the governor to be at least 30 years old. | 30 | N.J. Const. art. V, § I, ¶ 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) New Jersey 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 | N.J.S.A. 2A:4A-22(a) (P.L. 2025, c.35) |
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 | N.J.S.A. 5:9-15 |
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 75, a person can ask to be excused from jury service because of age.The excuse is granted on request. | 75 | N.J.S.A. 2B:20-10a, as stated by the New Jersey Courts |
| 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 Jersey 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 Jersey 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 Jersey'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 Jersey?
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18. (N.J.S.A. 9:17B-1(a))
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in New Jersey?
New Jersey issues a special learner's permit at 16 to teens enrolled in behind-the-wheel driver training. (NJ Motor Vehicle Commission, first license)
How old do you have to be to drive alone in New Jersey?
A probationary license for driving alone is available at 17 after six months of supervised driving on a permit. Permit holders under 21 need 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 at night (permits issued from February 1, 2025). (N.J.S.A. 39:3-13.4; NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety)
How old do you have to be to work in New Jersey?
New Jersey lets minors 14 and 15 work outside school hours and during vacations, outside factories and barred jobs. The general age is 16. Newspaper carriers may start at 11 and farm workers at 12. (N.J.S.A. 34:2-21.2)
Do minors need a work permit in New Jersey?
New Jersey requires every minor under 18 who wants to work to complete a one-time state online registration, approved by a caregiver. This registration replaced paper working papers under a 2022 law; the minor updates it for each new employer. (N.J.S.A. 34:2-21.1a(c) (P.L.2022, c.63))
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in New Jersey?
From 18, a person can be tattooed without a parent's consent. With a parent's consent, state law sets no minimum age. Written permission comes from a parent or legal guardian, or a person standing in place of a parent if neither exists. Some towns add stricter rules. (N.J.S.A. 2C:40-21)
How old do you have to be to get married in New Jersey?
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. (P.L.2018, c.42 (S427); N.J.S.A. 37:1-4; 37:1-30; 2A:34-1)
At what age can you leave school in New Jersey?
New Jersey's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 16th birthday. (N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25)
How old do you have to be to buy a lottery ticket in New Jersey?
State law bars selling lottery tickets to anyone under 18. (N.J.S.A. 5:9-15)
Sources
- N.J. Division of Elections (N.J.S.A. 19:31-5)
- N.J.S.A. 19:4-1.2
- N.J. Const. art. V, § I, ¶ 2
- N.J.S.A. 9:17B-1(a)
- N.J.S.A. (no emancipation petition statute; Title 9 searched)
- N.J.S.A. 3B:3-1
- N.J.S.A. 2B:20-1 (as described by NJ Courts and the NJ Judiciary Bench Manual)
- N.J.S.A. 2B:20-10a, as stated by the New Jersey Courts
- P.L.2018, c.42 (S427); N.J.S.A. 37:1-4; 37:1-30; 2A:34-1
- N.J.S.A. 39:3-76.2a(a)
- N.J.S.A. 26:8-40.1
- NJ Motor Vehicle Commission, first license
- N.J.S.A. 39:3-13.4; NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety
- N.J.S.A. 5:9-15
- N.J.S.A. 2A:4A-22(a) (P.L. 2025, c.35)
- N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25
- N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25
- N.J.S.A. 2C:40-21
- N.J.S.A. 34:2-21.2
- 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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