Tennessee Legal Ages
The key age-based rights and duties in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee
Age 1
Rear-facing car seat age requirement ends
The law requires a rear-facing seat until age 1; after that a child may ride forward-facing.
The child must also weigh more than 20 pounds.
Tennessee law · Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-602(a)(1)-(2)
Age 6
Must be enrolled in school
Tennessee requires children to attend public or nonpublic school from age 6.
Tennessee law · Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-3001(c)(1); TN Dept. of Education FAQ
Age 9
Car seat or booster age requirement ends
The child car seat or booster requirement ends at age 9; after that a seat belt can be used.
Earlier once the child is 4 feet 9 inches tall.
Tennessee law · Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-602(a)(3)
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
Tennessee issues a learner permit at 15 after the written exams and vision screening.
Tennessee law · Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-311; TN Dept. of Safety
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
An intermediate restricted license for driving alone is available at 16 after 180 days with a permit.
Tennessee law · Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-311; TN Dept. of Safety
Age 17
Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent
With a parent's consent, the lowest age to marry is 17.
The other party must be less than 4 years older.
Tennessee law · Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-105(a) (as amended by 2018 Pub. Ch. 1049, sec. 3); 36-3-106; 36-3-201
Age 18
Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends)
Tennessee's compulsory attendance covers ages 6 through 17, so it ends at the 18th birthday.
A school board may excuse a student 17 or older whose attendance disrupts order and brings no substantial benefit.
Tennessee law · Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-3001(c)(1); TN Dept. of Education FAQ
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)
Graduated licensing steps apply to drivers under 18.
An intermediate unrestricted license is available at 17 after a year on the restricted license with no more than 6 points, no at-fault crash and fewer than two seat belt violations.
Tennessee law · Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-311; TN Dept. of Safety
Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent
Tattooing is allowed from 18; the ban on tattooing minors ends at that age.
Tennessee law · Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-38-211(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.
Tennessee law · Tenn. Code Ann. § 1-3-105(a)(1)
Can make a will
A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18.
Tennessee law · Tenn. Code Ann. 32-1-102
Can marry without a parent's consent
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18.
Tennessee law · Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-105(a) (as amended by 2018 Pub. Ch. 1049, sec. 3); 36-3-106; 36-3-201
Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate
From 18, an adopted person can get access to their sealed adoption records.
Requests go to the Department of Children's Services; birth relatives can file a contact veto, and identifying information is withheld without consent where a birth parent was a victim of rape or incest. The age was 21 before July 1, 2025.
Tennessee law · Tenn. Code Ann. 36-1-127(c)(1)(A)(i) (2025 Pub. Ch. 79)
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.
Tennessee law · Tenn. Code Ann. § 22-1-101
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)
Tennessee 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.
Tennessee law · Tenn. Code § 37-1-102(b)(4)
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
Tennessee's constitution requires the governor to be at least 30 years old.
Tennessee law · Tenn. Const. art. III, § 3
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 Tennessee
- Can work (state minimum age): We could not confirm this rule at an official source. Check the official link. Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 50-5-103, 50-5-104
- No work permit needed: We could not confirm this rule at an official source. Check the official link. Tenn. Code Ann. § 50-5-101 et seq.
- Can get a tattoo with a parent's consent: State law bars tattooing anyone under 18, even with a parent's consent. Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-38-211(a), (c)
- Court emancipation (adult status) can be sought: A court can grant a minor adult rights for contracts and property; the statute sets no minimum age. Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 29-31-101 to -105
- Can pre-register to vote: Tennessee sets no fixed pre-registration age; a person may register if they will be 18 by the next election. Tenn. Code § 2-2-102 (Secretary of State)
- 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. Tenn. Code § 2-2-102 (Secretary of State)
- Can buy a lottery ticket: We could not confirm this rule at an official source. Check the official link. Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-51-122(c)
- 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. Tenn. Code Ann. § 22-1-103
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Legal ages in Tennessee, rule by rule
Each row is one rule, the age it sets in Tennessee, 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 1; after that a child may ride forward-facing.The child must also weigh more than 20 pounds. | 1 | Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-602(a)(1)-(2) |
| Car seat or booster age requirement ends The child car seat or booster requirement ends at age 9; after that a seat belt can be used.Earlier once the child is 4 feet 9 inches tall. | 9 | Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-602(a)(3) |
School
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Must be enrolled in school Tennessee requires children to attend public or nonpublic school from age 6. | 6 | Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-3001(c)(1); TN Dept. of Education FAQ |
| Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends) Tennessee's compulsory attendance covers ages 6 through 17, so it ends at the 18th birthday.A school board may excuse a student 17 or older whose attendance disrupts order and brings no substantial benefit. | 18 | Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-3001(c)(1); TN Dept. of Education FAQ |
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) We could not confirm this rule at an official source. Check the official link. | Not confirmed | Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 50-5-103, 50-5-104 |
| No work permit needed We could not confirm this rule at an official source. Check the official link. | Not confirmed | Tenn. Code Ann. § 50-5-101 et seq. |
| 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 Tennessee issues a learner permit at 15 after the written exams and vision screening. | 15 | Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-311; TN Dept. of Safety |
| Can get a first license to drive alone An intermediate restricted license for driving alone is available at 16 after 180 days with a permit. | 16 | Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-311; TN Dept. of Safety |
| Teen license limits end (varies, see rule) Graduated licensing steps apply to drivers under 18.An intermediate unrestricted license is available at 17 after a year on the restricted license with no more than 6 points, no at-fault crash and fewer than two seat belt violations. | 18 | Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-311; TN Dept. of Safety |
| 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.A minor 16 or older may get a tattoo only to cover an existing tattoo, with written parental consent, the parent present and proof of guardianship. | Not allowed for minors | Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-38-211(a), (c) |
| Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent Tattooing is allowed from 18; the ban on tattooing minors ends at that age. | 18 | Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-38-211(a) |
Adulthood and family
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Court emancipation (adult status) can be sought A court can grant a minor adult rights for contracts and property; the statute sets no minimum age.The petition is filed by an adult "next friend" for the minor. | No minimum age | Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 29-31-101 to -105 |
| 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 | Tenn. Code Ann. § 1-3-105(a)(1) |
| Can make a will A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18. | 18 | Tenn. Code Ann. 32-1-102 |
| Can marry without a parent's consent A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. | 18 | Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-105(a) (as amended by 2018 Pub. Ch. 1049, sec. 3); 36-3-106; 36-3-201 |
| Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent With a parent's consent, the lowest age to marry is 17.The other party must be less than 4 years older. | 17 | Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-105(a) (as amended by 2018 Pub. Ch. 1049, sec. 3); 36-3-106; 36-3-201 |
| Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate From 18, an adopted person can get access to their sealed adoption records.Requests go to the Department of Children's Services; birth relatives can file a contact veto, and identifying information is withheld without consent where a birth parent was a victim of rape or incest. The age was 21 before July 1, 2025. | 18 | Tenn. Code Ann. 36-1-127(c)(1)(A)(i) (2025 Pub. Ch. 79) |
Voting, juries and office
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can pre-register to vote Tennessee sets no fixed pre-registration age; a person may register if they will be 18 by the next election. | No set pre-registration age | Tenn. Code § 2-2-102 (Secretary of State) |
| 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 | Tenn. Code § 2-2-102 (Secretary of State) |
| 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 | Tenn. Code Ann. § 22-1-101 |
| 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 Tennessee's constitution requires the governor to be at least 30 years old. | 30 | Tenn. Const. art. III, § 3 |
| 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) Tennessee 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 | Tenn. Code § 37-1-102(b)(4) |
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 We could not confirm this rule at an official source. Check the official link. | Not confirmed | Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-51-122(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 State law sets no age at which a person can be excused from jury service for age alone.From 75, a person is excused only if a mental or physical condition prevents service. | No state age excuse | Tenn. Code Ann. § 22-1-103 |
| 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee'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 Tennessee?
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18. (Tenn. Code Ann. § 1-3-105(a)(1))
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Tennessee?
Tennessee issues a learner permit at 15 after the written exams and vision screening. (Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-311; TN Dept. of Safety)
How old do you have to be to drive alone in Tennessee?
An intermediate restricted license for driving alone is available at 16 after 180 days with a permit. (Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-311; TN Dept. of Safety)
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in Tennessee?
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. A minor 16 or older may get a tattoo only to cover an existing tattoo, with written parental consent, the parent present and proof of guardianship. (Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-38-211(a), (c))
How old do you have to be to get married in Tennessee?
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. With a parent's consent, the lowest age to marry is 17. The other party must be less than 4 years older. (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-105(a) (as amended by 2018 Pub. Ch. 1049, sec. 3); 36-3-106; 36-3-201)
At what age can you leave school in Tennessee?
Tennessee's compulsory attendance covers ages 6 through 17, so it ends at the 18th birthday. A school board may excuse a student 17 or older whose attendance disrupts order and brings no substantial benefit. (Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-3001(c)(1); TN Dept. of Education FAQ)
Sources
- Tenn. Code § 2-2-102 (Secretary of State)
- Tenn. Const. art. III, § 3
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 1-3-105(a)(1)
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 22-1-101
- Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-105(a) (as amended by 2018 Pub. Ch. 1049, sec. 3); 36-3-106; 36-3-201
- Tenn. Code Ann. 36-1-127(c)(1)(A)(i) (2025 Pub. Ch. 79)
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-311; TN Dept. of Safety
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-51-122(c)
- Tenn. Code § 37-1-102(b)(4)
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-3001(c)(1); TN Dept. of Education FAQ
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-38-211(a), (c)
- Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 50-5-103, 50-5-104
- 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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