Ohio Legal Ages
The key age-based rights and duties in Ohio, 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 Ohio
Age 6
Must be enrolled in school
Ohio requires children to attend school, or approved private or home instruction, from age 6.
Ohio law · Ohio Rev. Code 3321.01(A)(1); 3321.04
Age 8
Car seat or booster age requirement ends
The child car seat or booster requirement ends at age 8; after that a seat belt can be used.
Earlier once the child is 4 feet 9 inches tall.
Ohio law · Ohio Rev. Code § 4511.81(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)
Ohio issues the age and schooling certificate that most working minors need only to children at least 14.
Some jobs exempt from the certificate rule may be done at younger ages.
Ohio law · Ohio Rev. Code § 3331.01(B)(1)
Age 15 and 6 months
Can get a learner's permit
Ohio issues a temporary instruction permit at 15 and 6 months.
Ohio law · Ohio Rev. Code § 4507.05(A)
Age 16
Can work any non-hazardous job (federal rule)
At 16, the general federal minimum working age applies: any job except those the Labor Department declares hazardous.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 29 CFR 570.2(a)(1)
Can get a first license to drive alone
A probationary license for driving alone is available at 16 after six months with a permit.
Ohio law · Ohio Rev. Code § 4507.071(A)
Age 17
Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent
With a juvenile court's consent, the lowest age to marry is 17.
The other party can be no more than 4 years older.
Ohio law · ORC 3101.02(A)-(B)
Can vote in a primary if 18 by the general election
Ohio lets 17-year-olds vote in a primary if they will be 18 by the general election.
They must be affiliated with the party whose primary ballot they vote.
Ohio law · R.C. 3503.011
Age 18
Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends)
Ohio's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 18th birthday.
Employment under an age and schooling certificate and other listed exemptions can excuse attendance earlier.
Ohio law · Ohio Rev. Code 3321.01(A)(1); 3321.04
No work permit needed
Ohio employers need an age and schooling certificate for each worker under 18 of compulsory school age.
High school graduates and some listed jobs are exempt.
Ohio law · Ohio Rev. Code §§ 4109.02(A), 4109.08(B)
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)
Ohio licenses drivers under 18 only on a probationary license with curfew limits.
The curfew runs midnight to 6 a.m. in the first 12 months, then 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. until 18.
Ohio law · Ohio Rev. Code § 4507.071
Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent
From 18, a person can be tattooed without a parent's consent.
Ohio law · Ohio Rev. Code § 3730.06(A)
Becomes a legal adult (age of majority)
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18.
Ohio law · Ohio Rev. Code § 3109.01
Can make a will
A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18.
Ohio law · Ohio Rev. Code 2107.02
Can marry without a parent's consent
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18.
Ohio law · ORC 3101.01(A)
Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate
An adult adoptee can request a copy of the original birth certificate from age 18.
Rules differ by adoption date.
Ohio law · Ohio Rev. Code 3107.38
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.
Ohio law · Ohio Rev. Code § 2313.17(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)
Ohio 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.
Ohio law · R.C. 2152.02(C)(1)
Can buy a lottery ticket
State law bars selling lottery tickets to, or buying them by, anyone under 18.
Ohio law · Ohio Rev. Code § 3770.08(C)
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 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.
Ohio's statute applies to a juror over seventy-five who asks to be excused.
Ohio law · Ohio Rev. Code § 2313.14(A)(6), (B)(2)
Rules with no set age in Ohio
- Rear-facing car seat age requirement ends: State law sets no rear-facing age; the car seat maker's limits govern when a child turns forward. Ohio Rev. Code § 4511.81(A)
- Can get a tattoo with a parent's consent: With a parent's consent, state law sets no minimum age. Ohio Rev. Code § 3730.06(A)-(B)
- Court emancipation (adult status) can be sought: State law has no statute letting a minor petition a court for emancipation. Ohio Rev. Code (no emancipation petition statute; chapters 2151 and 3109 searched)
- Can pre-register to vote: We could not confirm this rule at an official source. Check the official link. R.C. 3503.011
- Can serve as governor: Ohio's constitution sets no minimum age for governor; officeholders must be qualified electors (at least 18). Ohio Const. art. XV, § 4
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Legal ages in Ohio, rule by rule
Each row is one rule, the age it sets in Ohio, 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 State law sets no rear-facing age; the car seat maker's limits govern when a child turns forward. | No rear-facing age set | Ohio Rev. Code § 4511.81(A) |
| Car seat or booster age requirement ends The child car seat or booster requirement ends at age 8; after that a seat belt can be used.Earlier once the child is 4 feet 9 inches tall. | 8 | Ohio Rev. Code § 4511.81(C) |
School
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Must be enrolled in school Ohio requires children to attend school, or approved private or home instruction, from age 6. | 6 | Ohio Rev. Code 3321.01(A)(1); 3321.04 |
| Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends) Ohio's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 18th birthday.Employment under an age and schooling certificate and other listed exemptions can excuse attendance earlier. | 18 | Ohio Rev. Code 3321.01(A)(1); 3321.04 |
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) Ohio issues the age and schooling certificate that most working minors need only to children at least 14.Some jobs exempt from the certificate rule may be done at younger ages. | 14 | Ohio Rev. Code § 3331.01(B)(1) |
| No work permit needed Ohio employers need an age and schooling certificate for each worker under 18 of compulsory school age.High school graduates and some listed jobs are exempt. | 18 | Ohio Rev. Code §§ 4109.02(A), 4109.08(B) |
| 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 Ohio issues a temporary instruction permit at 15 and 6 months. | 15 and 6 months | Ohio Rev. Code § 4507.05(A) |
| Can get a first license to drive alone A probationary license for driving alone is available at 16 after six months with a permit. | 16 | Ohio Rev. Code § 4507.071(A) |
| Teen license limits end (varies, see rule) Ohio licenses drivers under 18 only on a probationary license with curfew limits.The curfew runs midnight to 6 a.m. in the first 12 months, then 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. until 18. | 18 | Ohio Rev. Code § 4507.071 |
| 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.The parent, guardian or custodian must appear in person at the time of the procedure and sign a consent document. | No minimum age | Ohio Rev. Code § 3730.06(A)-(B) |
| Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent From 18, a person can be tattooed without a parent's consent. | 18 | Ohio Rev. Code § 3730.06(A) |
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 | Ohio Rev. Code (no emancipation petition statute; chapters 2151 and 3109 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 | Ohio Rev. Code § 3109.01 |
| Can make a will A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18. | 18 | Ohio Rev. Code 2107.02 |
| Can marry without a parent's consent A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. | 18 | ORC 3101.01(A) |
| Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent With a juvenile court's consent, the lowest age to marry is 17.The other party can be no more than 4 years older. | 17 | ORC 3101.02(A)-(B) |
| Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate An adult adoptee can request a copy of the original birth certificate from age 18.Rules differ by adoption date. | 18 | Ohio Rev. Code 3107.38 |
Voting, juries and office
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can pre-register to vote We could not confirm this rule at an official source. Check the official link. | Not confirmed | R.C. 3503.011 |
| Can vote in a primary if 18 by the general election Ohio lets 17-year-olds vote in a primary if they will be 18 by the general election.They must be affiliated with the party whose primary ballot they vote. | 17 | R.C. 3503.011 |
| 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 | Ohio Rev. Code § 2313.17(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. | 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 Ohio's constitution sets no minimum age for governor; officeholders must be qualified electors (at least 18). | No minimum age set | Ohio Const. art. XV, § 4 |
| 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) Ohio 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 | R.C. 2152.02(C)(1) |
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, or buying them by, anyone under 18. | 18 | Ohio Rev. Code § 3770.08(C) |
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.Ohio's statute applies to a juror over seventy-five who asks to be excused. | 75 | Ohio Rev. Code § 2313.14(A)(6), (B)(2) |
| Retirement-account minimum withdrawals begin Required minimum distributions from traditional retirement accounts begin at 73 for people who turn 72 after 2022.Law change: Rises to 75 for people who turn 74 after December 31, 2032. | 73 | 26 U.S.C. § 401(a)(9)(C)(v)Federal, all states |
How Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio'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 Ohio?
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18. (Ohio Rev. Code § 3109.01)
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Ohio?
Ohio issues a temporary instruction permit at 15 and 6 months. (Ohio Rev. Code § 4507.05(A))
How old do you have to be to drive alone in Ohio?
A probationary license for driving alone is available at 16 after six months with a permit. (Ohio Rev. Code § 4507.071(A))
How old do you have to be to work in Ohio?
Ohio issues the age and schooling certificate that most working minors need only to children at least 14. Some jobs exempt from the certificate rule may be done at younger ages. (Ohio Rev. Code § 3331.01(B)(1))
Do minors need a work permit in Ohio?
Ohio employers need an age and schooling certificate for each worker under 18 of compulsory school age. High school graduates and some listed jobs are exempt. (Ohio Rev. Code §§ 4109.02(A), 4109.08(B))
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in Ohio?
From 18, a person can be tattooed without a parent's consent. With a parent's consent, state law sets no minimum age. The parent, guardian or custodian must appear in person at the time of the procedure and sign a consent document. (Ohio Rev. Code § 3730.06(A)-(B))
How old do you have to be to get married in Ohio?
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. With a juvenile court's consent, the lowest age to marry is 17. The other party can be no more than 4 years older. (ORC 3101.01(A); ORC 3101.02(A)-(B))
At what age can you leave school in Ohio?
Ohio's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 18th birthday. Employment under an age and schooling certificate and other listed exemptions can excuse attendance earlier. (Ohio Rev. Code 3321.01(A)(1); 3321.04)
How old do you have to be to buy a lottery ticket in Ohio?
State law bars selling lottery tickets to, or buying them by, anyone under 18. (Ohio Rev. Code § 3770.08(C))
Sources
- R.C. 3503.011
- Ohio Const. art. XV, § 4
- Ohio Rev. Code § 3109.01
- Ohio Rev. Code (no emancipation petition statute; chapters 2151 and 3109 searched)
- Ohio Rev. Code 2107.02
- Ohio Rev. Code § 2313.17(A)
- Ohio Rev. Code § 2313.14(A)(6), (B)(2)
- ORC 3101.01(A)
- ORC 3101.02(A)-(B)
- Ohio Rev. Code § 4511.81(A)
- Ohio Rev. Code 3107.38
- Ohio Rev. Code § 4507.05(A)
- Ohio Rev. Code § 4507.071(A)
- Ohio Rev. Code § 3770.08(C)
- R.C. 2152.02(C)(1)
- Ohio Rev. Code 3321.01(A)(1); 3321.04
- Ohio Rev. Code § 3730.06(A)-(B)
- Ohio Rev. Code § 3331.01(B)(1)
- Ohio Rev. Code §§ 4109.02(A), 4109.08(B)
- 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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