South Carolina Legal Ages
The key age-based rights and duties in South Carolina, 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 South Carolina
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.
South Carolina law · S.C. Code § 56-5-6410(A)(1)
Age 5
Must be enrolled in school
South Carolina requires children to attend school, or approved private or home instruction, from age 5.
A parent may opt a child out of kindergarten until age 6.
South Carolina law · S.C. Code § 59-65-10(A)
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 and the belt fits.
South Carolina law · S.C. Code § 56-5-6410(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
Can get a learner's permit
South Carolina issues a beginner's permit at 15.
South Carolina law · S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-50(A)
Age 15 and 6 months
Can get a first license to drive alone
A conditional license for daytime driving alone is available after 180 days with a beginner's permit, so from 15 and 6 months.
Requires driver education and 40 hours of driving, 10 at night; a special restricted license is available at 16 on the same terms.
South Carolina law · S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-175(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)
Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent
With a parent's sworn consent, the lowest age to marry is 16.
Under 16 cannot get a license.
South Carolina law · S.C. Code 20-1-100, 20-1-250, 20-1-260, 20-1-270
Age 17
Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends)
South Carolina's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 17th birthday.
Ends earlier on high school graduation.
South Carolina law · S.C. Code § 59-65-10(A)
Teen license limits end (varies, see rule)
A regular license is not issued under 17, with an earlier path for clean-record conditional drivers.
A conditional licensee with a clean year can get a regular license at 16, as early as 16 and 6 months.
South Carolina law · S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-40(1)
Can vote in a primary if 18 by the general election
South Carolina lets 17-year-olds vote in a party primary if they will be 18 by the general election.
They must be registered voters.
South Carolina law · S.C. Code § 7-9-20
Age 18
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
Tattooing is allowed from 18; the ban on tattooing minors ends at that age.
South Carolina law · S.C. Code § 44-34-100(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.
The statute makes an exception for laws on the sale of alcoholic beverages.
South Carolina law · S.C. Code Ann. § 15-1-320(a)
Can make a will
A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18.
South Carolina lets anyone who is not a minor make a will; a minor is under 18.
South Carolina law · S.C. Code § 62-2-501; § 62-1-201(27)
Can marry without a parent's consent
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18.
South Carolina law · S.C. Code 20-1-100, 20-1-250, 20-1-260, 20-1-270
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.
South Carolina law · S.C. Code § 14-7-130; SC Judicial Branch exemptions & disqualifications page
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)
South Carolina tries people charged with a crime in adult court by default from age 18; younger defendants start in juvenile court.
17-year-olds charged with a Class A, B, C or D felony, or a felony carrying 15 years or more, start in adult court (the solicitor may remand to family court).
South Carolina law · S.C. Code § 63-19-20(1)
Can buy a lottery ticket
State law bars selling lottery tickets to anyone under 18.
South Carolina law · S.C. Code § 59-150-210(D)
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
South Carolina's constitution requires the governor to be at least 30 years old.
South Carolina law · S.C. Const. art. IV, § 2
Can serve in the U.S. Senate
The Constitution sets 30 as the minimum age for the U.S. Senate.
Federal rule, applies in every state · U.S. Const. art. I, § 3, cl. 3
Age 35
Can serve as President
The Constitution sets 35 as the minimum age for President.
Federal rule, applies in every state · U.S. Const. art. II, § 1, cl. 5
Age 62
Can start Social Security retirement benefits (reduced)
Social Security retirement benefits can start at 62, permanently reduced.
Federal rule, applies in every state · SSA, Retirement Benefits: Benefit reduction for early retirement
Age 65
Eligible for Medicare by age
Medicare hospital insurance by age begins at 65 for people entitled, or who would be entitled, to Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 42 U.S.C. § 426(a)
Can ask to be excused from jury service because of age
From age 65, a person can ask to be excused from jury service because of age.
The exemption can be confirmed by phone with the clerk.
South Carolina law · S.C. Code § 14-7-840
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 South Carolina
- Can work (state minimum age): State law sets no general minimum age; the federal minimum of 14 for limited hours applies to most employers. S.C. Code §§ 41-13-5 to 41-13-60
- No work permit needed: This state does not require a work permit. S.C. Code §§ 41-13-5 to 41-13-60
- Can get a tattoo with a parent's consent: State law bars tattooing anyone under 18, even with a parent's consent. S.C. Code § 44-34-100(A)
- Court emancipation (adult status) can be sought: State law has no statute letting a minor petition a court for emancipation. S.C. Code (no emancipation petition statute; Title 63 searched)
- Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate: Reaching 18 gives no automatic access; the original certificate is released only with a birth parent's consent, proof a birth parent has died, or a court order. S.C. Code 44-63-140
- Can pre-register to vote: South Carolina sets no fixed pre-registration age; a person who will be 18 by the next election may register. S.C. Code § 7-5-180
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Legal ages in South Carolina, rule by rule
Each row is one rule, the age it sets in South Carolina, 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 | S.C. Code § 56-5-6410(A)(1) |
| Car seat or booster age requirement ends The child car seat or booster requirement ends at age 8; after that a seat belt can be used.Earlier once the child is 57 inches tall and the belt fits. | 8 | S.C. Code § 56-5-6410(A)(4) |
School
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Must be enrolled in school South Carolina requires children to attend school, or approved private or home instruction, from age 5.A parent may opt a child out of kindergarten until age 6. | 5 | S.C. Code § 59-65-10(A) |
| Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends) South Carolina's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 17th birthday.Ends earlier on high school graduation. | 17 | S.C. Code § 59-65-10(A) |
Work
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can work limited hours in non-hazardous jobs (federal rule) Federal law lets 14- and 15-year-olds work in permitted non-hazardous jobs, outside school hours and within weekly hour limits.Limits: no more than 3 hours on a school day and 18 hours in a school week; 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week when school is out; only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day) (29 C.F.R. 570.35). | 14 | 29 CFR 570.2(a)(1)Federal, all states |
| Can work (state minimum age) State law sets no general minimum age; the federal minimum of 14 for limited hours applies to most employers.South Carolina child labor rules may not be stricter than federal law. | No state minimum | S.C. Code §§ 41-13-5 to 41-13-60 |
| No work permit needed This state does not require a work permit. | No permit required | S.C. Code §§ 41-13-5 to 41-13-60 |
| 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 South Carolina issues a beginner's permit at 15. | 15 | S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-50(A) |
| Can get a first license to drive alone A conditional license for daytime driving alone is available after 180 days with a beginner's permit, so from 15 and 6 months.Requires driver education and 40 hours of driving, 10 at night; a special restricted license is available at 16 on the same terms. | 15 and 6 months | S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-175(A) |
| Teen license limits end (varies, see rule) A regular license is not issued under 17, with an earlier path for clean-record conditional drivers.A conditional licensee with a clean year can get a regular license at 16, as early as 16 and 6 months. | 17 | S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-40(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.Licensed physicians and surgeons are outside the chapter. | Not allowed for minors | S.C. Code § 44-34-100(A) |
| Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent Tattooing is allowed from 18; the ban on tattooing minors ends at that age. | 18 | S.C. Code § 44-34-100(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 | S.C. Code (no emancipation petition statute; Title 63 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.The statute makes an exception for laws on the sale of alcoholic beverages. | 18 | S.C. Code Ann. § 15-1-320(a) |
| Can make a will A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18.South Carolina lets anyone who is not a minor make a will; a minor is under 18. | 18 | S.C. Code § 62-2-501; § 62-1-201(27) |
| Can marry without a parent's consent A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. | 18 | S.C. Code 20-1-100, 20-1-250, 20-1-260, 20-1-270 |
| Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent With a parent's sworn consent, the lowest age to marry is 16.Under 16 cannot get a license. | 16 | S.C. Code 20-1-100, 20-1-250, 20-1-260, 20-1-270 |
| Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate Reaching 18 gives no automatic access; the original certificate is released only with a birth parent's consent, proof a birth parent has died, or a court order.An adoptee born in South Carolina can request it in writing from 18 once one of those conditions is met. | No automatic access at any age | S.C. Code 44-63-140 |
Voting, juries and office
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can pre-register to vote South Carolina sets no fixed pre-registration age; a person who will be 18 by the next election may register. | No set pre-registration age | S.C. Code § 7-5-180 |
| Can vote in a primary if 18 by the general election South Carolina lets 17-year-olds vote in a party primary if they will be 18 by the general election.They must be registered voters. | 17 | S.C. Code § 7-9-20 |
| 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 | S.C. Code § 14-7-130; SC Judicial Branch exemptions & disqualifications page |
| 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 South Carolina's constitution requires the governor to be at least 30 years old. | 30 | S.C. Const. art. IV, § 2 |
| Can serve in the U.S. Senate The Constitution sets 30 as the minimum age for the U.S. Senate. | 30 | U.S. Const. art. I, § 3, cl. 3Federal, all states |
| Can serve as President The Constitution sets 35 as the minimum age for President. | 35 | U.S. Const. art. II, § 1, cl. 5Federal, all states |
Criminal court
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Charged as an adult by default (juvenile court age ends) South Carolina tries people charged with a crime in adult court by default from age 18; younger defendants start in juvenile court.17-year-olds charged with a Class A, B, C or D felony, or a felony carrying 15 years or more, start in adult court (the solicitor may remand to family court). | 18 | S.C. Code § 63-19-20(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 anyone under 18. | 18 | S.C. Code § 59-150-210(D) |
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 65, a person can ask to be excused from jury service because of age.The exemption can be confirmed by phone with the clerk. | 65 | S.C. Code § 14-7-840 |
| 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina'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 South Carolina?
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18. The statute makes an exception for laws on the sale of alcoholic beverages. (S.C. Code Ann. § 15-1-320(a))
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in South Carolina?
South Carolina issues a beginner's permit at 15. (S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-50(A))
How old do you have to be to drive alone in South Carolina?
A conditional license for daytime driving alone is available after 180 days with a beginner's permit, so from 15 and 6 months. Requires driver education and 40 hours of driving, 10 at night; a special restricted license is available at 16 on the same terms. (S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-175(A))
How old do you have to be to work in South Carolina?
State law sets no general minimum age; the federal minimum of 14 for limited hours applies to most employers. South Carolina child labor rules may not be stricter than federal law. (S.C. Code §§ 41-13-5 to 41-13-60)
Do minors need a work permit in South Carolina?
This state does not require a work permit. (S.C. Code §§ 41-13-5 to 41-13-60)
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in South Carolina?
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. Licensed physicians and surgeons are outside the chapter. (S.C. Code § 44-34-100(A))
How old do you have to be to get married in South Carolina?
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. With a parent's sworn consent, the lowest age to marry is 16. Under 16 cannot get a license. (S.C. Code 20-1-100, 20-1-250, 20-1-260, 20-1-270)
At what age can you leave school in South Carolina?
South Carolina's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 17th birthday. Ends earlier on high school graduation. (S.C. Code § 59-65-10(A))
How old do you have to be to buy a lottery ticket in South Carolina?
State law bars selling lottery tickets to anyone under 18. (S.C. Code § 59-150-210(D))
Sources
- S.C. Code § 7-5-180
- S.C. Code § 7-9-20
- S.C. Const. art. IV, § 2
- S.C. Code Ann. § 15-1-320(a)
- S.C. Code (no emancipation petition statute; Title 63 searched)
- S.C. Code § 62-2-501; § 62-1-201(27)
- S.C. Code § 14-7-130; SC Judicial Branch exemptions & disqualifications page
- S.C. Code 20-1-100, 20-1-250, 20-1-260, 20-1-270
- S.C. Code § 56-5-6410(A)(1)
- S.C. Code 44-63-140
- S.C. Code Ann. § 56-1-50(A)
- S.C. Code § 59-150-210(D)
- S.C. Code § 63-19-20(1)
- S.C. Code § 59-65-10(A)
- S.C. Code § 44-34-100(A)
- S.C. Code §§ 41-13-5 to 41-13-60
- 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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