Texas Legal Ages
The key age-based rights and duties in Texas, 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 Texas
Age 6
Must be enrolled in school
Texas requires attendance from age 6, or younger for a child already enrolled in first grade.
A child enrolled in pre-kindergarten or kindergarten must also attend.
Texas law · Tex. Educ. Code § 25.085(b)
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 taller than 4 feet 9 inches.
Texas law · Tex. Transp. Code § 545.412(a)
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)
Texas makes it an offense to employ a child under 14, except as the child labor law allows.
Exemptions include nonhazardous work in a parent's business, newspaper delivery from 11 and approved work-study.
Texas law · Tex. Labor Code § 51.011
Age 15
Can get a learner's permit
Texas issues a learner license at 15 after the classroom part of driver education.
Texas law · Texas DPS, learner license as a teen
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 provisional license for driving alone is available at 16 after six months with a learner license.
Requires behind-the-wheel driver education and the Impact Texas Teen Drivers program.
Texas law · Texas DPS, provisional license as a teen
Court emancipation (adult status) can be sought
A minor can petition a court to be declared emancipated starting at age 16.
At 16 the minor must live apart from the parents; at 17 that is not required. Either way the minor must be self-supporting.
Texas law · Tex. Fam. Code § 31.001(a)(2)
Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent
Only through a court order removing the disabilities of minority, the lowest age to marry is 16.
Parental consent is not a route. A minor of 17, or 16 and living apart, who is self-supporting can petition.
Texas law · Tex. Fam. Code § 2.003; § 31.001(a)(2)
Age 17
Charged as an adult by default (juvenile court age ends)
Texas tries people charged with a crime in adult court by default from age 17; younger defendants start in juvenile court.
A juvenile court can transfer some younger defendants to adult court for serious offenses.
Texas law · Tex. Fam. Code § 51.02(2)
Age 17 and 10 months
Can pre-register to vote
Texas lets residents apply to register to vote at 17 and 10 months; they can vote once they are 18.
Texas law · Tex. Elec. Code § 13.001(b)
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)
Teen license limits end (varies, see rule)
Provisional license holders under 18 have passenger, midnight to 5 a.m. and phone limits.
Texas law · Texas DPS, graduated driver license
Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent
Tattooing is allowed from 18; the ban on tattooing minors ends at that age.
Texas law · Tex. Health & Safety Code § 146.012(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.
Texas law · Tex. Fam. Code § 101.003(a)
Can make a will
A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18.
A married person or a member of the armed forces can also make a will.
Texas law · Tex. Est. Code 251.001
Can marry without a parent's consent
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18.
Texas law · Tex. Fam. Code 2.003(a)
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.
Texas law · Tex. Gov't Code 62.102(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)
Can buy a lottery ticket
State law bars selling lottery tickets to anyone under 18.
Texas law · Tex. Gov’t Code § 466.3051(a)
Age 19
Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends)
Texas's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 19th birthday.
Exemptions in § 25.086 (for example graduation or a high school equivalency) end the duty earlier.
Texas law · Tex. Educ. Code § 25.085(b)
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
Texas's constitution requires the governor to be at least 30 years old.
Texas law · Tex. Const. art. IV, § 4
Can serve in the U.S. Senate
The Constitution sets 30 as the minimum age for the U.S. Senate.
Federal rule, applies in every state · U.S. Const. art. I, § 3, cl. 3
Age 35
Can serve as President
The Constitution sets 35 as the minimum age for President.
Federal rule, applies in every state · U.S. Const. art. II, § 1, cl. 5
Age 62
Can start Social Security retirement benefits (reduced)
Social Security retirement benefits can start at 62, permanently reduced.
Federal rule, applies in every state · SSA, Retirement Benefits: Benefit reduction for early retirement
Age 65
Eligible for Medicare by age
Medicare hospital insurance by age begins at 65 for people entitled, or who would be entitled, to Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 42 U.S.C. § 426(a)
Age 67
Full Social Security retirement age (born 1960 or later)
Full Social Security retirement age is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later.
Federal rule, applies in every state · SSA, Full Retirement and Age 62 Benefit By Year Of Birth
Age 73
Retirement-account minimum withdrawals begin
Required minimum distributions from traditional retirement accounts begin at 73 for people who turn 72 after 2022.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 26 U.S.C. § 401(a)(9)(C)(v)
Age 75
Can ask to be excused from jury service because of age
From age 75, a person can ask to be excused from jury service because of age.
The exemption can be made permanent.
Texas law · Tex. Gov't Code § 62.106(a)(1); § 62.108(a)
Rules with no set age in Texas
- 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. Tex. Transp. Code § 545.412(a)
- No work permit needed: This state does not require a work permit. Tex. Labor Code ch. 51; § 51.022
- Can get a tattoo with a parent's consent: State law bars tattooing anyone under 18, even with a parent's consent. Tex. Health & Safety Code § 146.012(a), (a-1)
- Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate: We could not confirm this rule at an official source. Check the official link. Tex. Health & Safety Code 192.008(f)
- 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. Tex. Elec. Code § 11.002(a)(1)
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Legal ages in Texas, rule by rule
Each row is one rule, the age it sets in Texas, 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 | Tex. Transp. Code § 545.412(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 taller than 4 feet 9 inches. | 8 | Tex. Transp. Code § 545.412(a) |
School
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Must be enrolled in school Texas requires attendance from age 6, or younger for a child already enrolled in first grade.A child enrolled in pre-kindergarten or kindergarten must also attend. | 6 | Tex. Educ. Code § 25.085(b) |
| Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends) Texas's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 19th birthday.Exemptions in § 25.086 (for example graduation or a high school equivalency) end the duty earlier. | 19 | Tex. Educ. Code § 25.085(b) |
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) Texas makes it an offense to employ a child under 14, except as the child labor law allows.Exemptions include nonhazardous work in a parent's business, newspaper delivery from 11 and approved work-study. | 14 | Tex. Labor Code § 51.011 |
| No work permit needed This state does not require a work permit.A child 14 or older may ask the state workforce commission for an optional certificate of age. | No permit required | Tex. Labor Code ch. 51; § 51.022 |
| 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 Texas issues a learner license at 15 after the classroom part of driver education. | 15 | Texas DPS, learner license as a teen |
| Can get a first license to drive alone A provisional license for driving alone is available at 16 after six months with a learner license.Requires behind-the-wheel driver education and the Impact Texas Teen Drivers program. | 16 | Texas DPS, provisional license as a teen |
| Teen license limits end (varies, see rule) Provisional license holders under 18 have passenger, midnight to 5 a.m. and phone limits. | 18 | Texas DPS, graduated driver license |
| 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 only exception covers an existing obscene, gang-related or drug-related tattoo (or one a parent wants covered), with a parent present and consenting. | Not allowed for minors | Tex. Health & Safety Code § 146.012(a), (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. | 18 | Tex. Health & Safety Code § 146.012(a) |
Adulthood and family
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Court emancipation (adult status) can be sought A minor can petition a court to be declared emancipated starting at age 16.At 16 the minor must live apart from the parents; at 17 that is not required. Either way the minor must be self-supporting. | 16 | Tex. Fam. Code § 31.001(a)(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. | 18 | Tex. Fam. Code § 101.003(a) |
| Can make a will A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18.A married person or a member of the armed forces can also make a will. | 18 | Tex. Est. Code 251.001 |
| Can marry without a parent's consent A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. | 18 | Tex. Fam. Code 2.003(a) |
| Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent Only through a court order removing the disabilities of minority, the lowest age to marry is 16.Parental consent is not a route. A minor of 17, or 16 and living apart, who is self-supporting can petition. | 16 | Tex. Fam. Code § 2.003; § 31.001(a)(2) |
| Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate We could not confirm this rule at an official source. Check the official link.Texas lets "an adult adoptee" who knows both birth parents' names get a copy without a court order, without stating a number in that section. | Not confirmed | Tex. Health & Safety Code 192.008(f) |
Voting, juries and office
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can pre-register to vote Texas lets residents apply to register to vote at 17 and 10 months; they can vote once they are 18. | 17 and 10 months | Tex. Elec. Code § 13.001(b) |
| 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 | Tex. Elec. Code § 11.002(a)(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 | Tex. Gov't Code 62.102(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 Texas's constitution requires the governor to be at least 30 years old. | 30 | Tex. Const. art. IV, § 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) Texas tries people charged with a crime in adult court by default from age 17; younger defendants start in juvenile court.A juvenile court can transfer some younger defendants to adult court for serious offenses. | 17 | Tex. Fam. Code § 51.02(2) |
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 | Tex. Gov’t Code § 466.3051(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 From age 75, a person can ask to be excused from jury service because of age.The exemption can be made permanent. | 75 | Tex. Gov't Code § 62.106(a)(1); § 62.108(a) |
| 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 Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas'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 Texas?
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18. (Tex. Fam. Code § 101.003(a))
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Texas?
Texas issues a learner license at 15 after the classroom part of driver education. (Texas DPS, learner license as a teen)
How old do you have to be to drive alone in Texas?
A provisional license for driving alone is available at 16 after six months with a learner license. Requires behind-the-wheel driver education and the Impact Texas Teen Drivers program. (Texas DPS, provisional license as a teen)
How old do you have to be to work in Texas?
Texas makes it an offense to employ a child under 14, except as the child labor law allows. Exemptions include nonhazardous work in a parent's business, newspaper delivery from 11 and approved work-study. (Tex. Labor Code § 51.011)
Do minors need a work permit in Texas?
This state does not require a work permit. A child 14 or older may ask the state workforce commission for an optional certificate of age. (Tex. Labor Code ch. 51; § 51.022)
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in Texas?
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 only exception covers an existing obscene, gang-related or drug-related tattoo (or one a parent wants covered), with a parent present and consenting. (Tex. Health & Safety Code § 146.012(a), (a-1))
How old do you have to be to get married in Texas?
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. Only through a court order removing the disabilities of minority, the lowest age to marry is 16. Parental consent is not a route. A minor of 17, or 16 and living apart, who is self-supporting can petition. (Tex. Fam. Code 2.003(a); Tex. Fam. Code § 2.003; § 31.001(a)(2))
At what age can you leave school in Texas?
Texas's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 19th birthday. Exemptions in § 25.086 (for example graduation or a high school equivalency) end the duty earlier. (Tex. Educ. Code § 25.085(b))
How old do you have to be to buy a lottery ticket in Texas?
State law bars selling lottery tickets to anyone under 18. (Tex. Gov’t Code § 466.3051(a))
Sources
- Tex. Elec. Code § 13.001(b)
- Tex. Elec. Code § 11.002(a)(1)
- Tex. Const. art. IV, § 4
- Tex. Fam. Code § 101.003(a)
- Tex. Fam. Code § 31.001(a)(2)
- Tex. Est. Code 251.001
- Tex. Gov't Code 62.102(a)
- Tex. Fam. Code 2.003(a)
- Tex. Transp. Code § 545.412(a)
- Tex. Health & Safety Code 192.008(f)
- Texas DPS, learner license as a teen
- Texas DPS, provisional license as a teen
- Texas DPS, graduated driver license
- Tex. Gov’t Code § 466.3051(a)
- Tex. Fam. Code § 51.02(2)
- Tex. Educ. Code § 25.085(b)
- Tex. Health & Safety Code § 146.012(a), (a-1)
- Tex. Labor Code § 51.011
- 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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