New York Legal Ages
The key age-based rights and duties in New York, 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 York
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.
New York law · N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 1229-c(1)(a)
Age 6
Must be enrolled in school
New York requires children to attend full-time instruction from age 6.
A child who turns 6 on or before December 1 starts that September.
New York law · N.Y. Educ. Law § 3205(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 15, a seat belt is required.
New York law · N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 1229-c(1)(b)
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 York bars employment of minors under 14 in any trade, business or service, with listed exceptions.
Exceptions include child performers and models, newspaper carriers from 11 and some farm work.
New York law · N.Y. Labor Law § 130(1)
Age 16
Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends)
New York's compulsory attendance requirement runs through the school year in which the student turns 16.
Local boards may require non-employed 16-year-olds to attend through the school year in which they turn 17.
New York law · N.Y. Educ. Law § 3205(1), (3)
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 York issues a learner permit at 16.
New York law · NY DMV, learner permit
Can pre-register to vote
New York lets eligible residents pre-register to vote at 16; they can vote once they turn 18.
New York law · N.Y. Elec. Law § 5-507(1)
Age 16 and 6 months
Can get a first license to drive alone
A junior license for driving alone is available after six months with a learner permit, so from 16 and 6 months.
Requires a 5-hour pre-licensing course and 50 hours of supervised practice, 15 after sunset.
New York law · NY DMV Driver's Manual ch. 1
Age 18
No work permit needed
Workers under 18 in New York need an employment certificate or permit (working papers) issued under the Education Law.
Some jobs, such as babysitting, farm work and golf caddying, are exempt when school attendance is not required.
New York law · N.Y. Labor Law §§ 131, 132; Educ. Law § 3216
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)
Junior license limits apply until 18, or 17 with a driver education certificate.
Junior license holders face extra limits in New York City and Long Island.
New York law · NY DMV Driver's Manual ch. 1
Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent
Tattooing is allowed from 18; the ban on tattooing minors ends at that age.
New York law · N.Y. Penal Law § 260.21(2)
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 York law · N.Y. CPLR 105(j)
Can make a will
A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18.
New York law · EPTL 3-1.1
Can marry without a parent's consent
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18.
New York law · NY DRL 15-a (as amended by L.2021 ch.306, S3086/A3891)
Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate
An adult adoptee can request a copy of the original birth certificate from age 18.
New York law · N.Y. Pub. Health Law 4138-e
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 York law · N.Y. Judiciary Law § 510
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 York tries people charged with a crime in adult court by default from age 18; younger defendants start in juvenile court.
16- and 17-year-olds charged with felonies start in the Youth Part of adult court and may be removed to Family Court; traffic misdemeanors go to adult court.
New York law · N.Y. Raise the Age law (N.Y. Courts)
Can buy a lottery ticket
State law bars selling lottery tickets to anyone under 18.
New York law · N.Y. Tax Law § 1610(a)
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 York's constitution requires the governor to be at least 30 years old.
New York law · N.Y. Const. art. IV, § 2 (State Board of Elections)
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)
Rules with no set age in New York
- Can get a tattoo with a parent's consent: State law bars tattooing anyone under 18, even with a parent's consent. N.Y. Penal Law § 260.21(2)
- Court emancipation (adult status) can be sought: State law has no statute letting a minor petition a court for emancipation. N.Y. statutes (no emancipation petition statute; Domestic Relations and Family Court Acts searched)
- Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent: State law bars marriage under 18, with no parental or court exception. NY DRL 15-a (as amended by L.2021 ch.306, S3086/A3891)
- 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. N.Y. Elec. Law § 5-102(1)
- Can ask to be excused from jury service because of age: State law sets no age at which a person can be excused from jury service for age alone. N.Y. Judiciary Law §§ 510-517; NY Courts
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Legal ages in New York, rule by rule
Each row is one rule, the age it sets in New York, 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 | N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 1229-c(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.From 8 to 15, a seat belt is required. | 8 | N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 1229-c(1)(b) |
School
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Must be enrolled in school New York requires children to attend full-time instruction from age 6.A child who turns 6 on or before December 1 starts that September. | 6 | N.Y. Educ. Law § 3205(1) |
| Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends) New York's compulsory attendance requirement runs through the school year in which the student turns 16.Local boards may require non-employed 16-year-olds to attend through the school year in which they turn 17. | 16 | N.Y. Educ. Law § 3205(1), (3) |
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 York bars employment of minors under 14 in any trade, business or service, with listed exceptions.Exceptions include child performers and models, newspaper carriers from 11 and some farm work.Law change: The newspaper-carrier exception for 11-year-olds is marked repealed as of May 9, 2027. | 14 | N.Y. Labor Law § 130(1) |
| No work permit needed Workers under 18 in New York need an employment certificate or permit (working papers) issued under the Education Law.Some jobs, such as babysitting, farm work and golf caddying, are exempt when school attendance is not required. | 18 | N.Y. Labor Law §§ 131, 132; Educ. Law § 3216 |
| 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 York issues a learner permit at 16. | 16 | NY DMV, learner permit |
| Can get a first license to drive alone A junior license for driving alone is available after six months with a learner permit, so from 16 and 6 months.Requires a 5-hour pre-licensing course and 50 hours of supervised practice, 15 after sunset. | 16 and 6 months | NY DMV Driver's Manual ch. 1 |
| Teen license limits end (varies, see rule) Junior license limits apply until 18, or 17 with a driver education certificate.Junior license holders face extra limits in New York City and Long Island. | 18 | NY DMV Driver's Manual ch. 1 |
| 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.The statute has no parental-consent exception. | Not allowed for minors | N.Y. Penal Law § 260.21(2) |
| Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent Tattooing is allowed from 18; the ban on tattooing minors ends at that age. | 18 | N.Y. Penal Law § 260.21(2) |
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.Y. statutes (no emancipation petition statute; Domestic Relations and Family Court Acts 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.Y. CPLR 105(j) |
| Can make a will A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18. | 18 | EPTL 3-1.1 |
| Can marry without a parent's consent A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. | 18 | NY DRL 15-a (as amended by L.2021 ch.306, S3086/A3891) |
| Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent State law bars marriage under 18, with no parental or court exception. | Not allowed for minors | NY DRL 15-a (as amended by L.2021 ch.306, S3086/A3891) |
| 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.Y. Pub. Health Law 4138-e |
Voting, juries and office
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can pre-register to vote New York lets eligible residents pre-register to vote at 16; they can vote once they turn 18. | 16 | N.Y. Elec. Law § 5-507(1) |
| 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 | N.Y. Elec. Law § 5-102(1) |
| Can vote The U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to vote at 18 in every federal, state and local election. | 18 | U.S. Const. amend. XXVI, § 1Federal, all states |
| Must register with Selective Service (men) Men 18 through 25 who are U.S. citizens or live in the United States must register with the Selective Service System.Men admitted on a nonimmigrant visa are exempt while they keep that status (50 U.S.C. 3802(a)).Law change: The FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (signed December 18, 2025) makes registration automatic; the Selective Service System says it will implement the change by December 2026. | 18 | 50 U.S.C. § 3802(a)Federal, all states |
| Can be called for state jury service A person can be called for state jury service from age 18. | 18 | N.Y. Judiciary Law § 510 |
| 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 York's constitution requires the governor to be at least 30 years old. | 30 | N.Y. Const. art. IV, § 2 (State Board of Elections) |
| 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 York tries people charged with a crime in adult court by default from age 18; younger defendants start in juvenile court.16- and 17-year-olds charged with felonies start in the Youth Part of adult court and may be removed to Family Court; traffic misdemeanors go to adult court. | 18 | N.Y. Raise the Age law (N.Y. Courts) |
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.Y. Tax Law § 1610(a) |
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 State law sets no age at which a person can be excused from jury service for age alone.A person who cannot serve for an age-related reason can ask the local Commissioner of Jurors about accommodations or excusal. | No state age excuse | N.Y. Judiciary Law §§ 510-517; NY 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 York 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 York 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 York'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 York?
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18. (N.Y. CPLR 105(j))
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in New York?
New York issues a learner permit at 16. (NY DMV, learner permit)
How old do you have to be to drive alone in New York?
A junior license for driving alone is available after six months with a learner permit, so from 16 and 6 months. Requires a 5-hour pre-licensing course and 50 hours of supervised practice, 15 after sunset. (NY DMV Driver's Manual ch. 1)
How old do you have to be to work in New York?
New York bars employment of minors under 14 in any trade, business or service, with listed exceptions. Exceptions include child performers and models, newspaper carriers from 11 and some farm work. (N.Y. Labor Law § 130(1))
Do minors need a work permit in New York?
Workers under 18 in New York need an employment certificate or permit (working papers) issued under the Education Law. Some jobs, such as babysitting, farm work and golf caddying, are exempt when school attendance is not required. (N.Y. Labor Law §§ 131, 132; Educ. Law § 3216)
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in New York?
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. The statute has no parental-consent exception. (N.Y. Penal Law § 260.21(2))
How old do you have to be to get married in New York?
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. (NY DRL 15-a (as amended by L.2021 ch.306, S3086/A3891))
At what age can you leave school in New York?
New York's compulsory attendance requirement runs through the school year in which the student turns 16. Local boards may require non-employed 16-year-olds to attend through the school year in which they turn 17. (N.Y. Educ. Law § 3205(1), (3))
How old do you have to be to buy a lottery ticket in New York?
State law bars selling lottery tickets to anyone under 18. (N.Y. Tax Law § 1610(a))
Sources
- N.Y. Elec. Law § 5-507(1)
- N.Y. Elec. Law § 5-102(1)
- N.Y. Const. art. IV, § 2 (State Board of Elections)
- N.Y. CPLR 105(j)
- N.Y. statutes (no emancipation petition statute; Domestic Relations and Family Court Acts searched)
- EPTL 3-1.1
- N.Y. Judiciary Law § 510
- N.Y. Judiciary Law §§ 510-517; NY Courts
- NY DRL 15-a (as amended by L.2021 ch.306, S3086/A3891)
- N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 1229-c(1)(a)
- N.Y. Pub. Health Law 4138-e
- NY DMV, learner permit
- NY DMV Driver's Manual ch. 1
- N.Y. Tax Law § 1610(a)
- N.Y. Raise the Age law (N.Y. Courts)
- N.Y. Educ. Law § 3205(1)
- N.Y. Penal Law § 260.21(2)
- N.Y. Labor Law § 130(1)
- N.Y. Labor Law §§ 131, 132; Educ. Law § 3216
- 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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