Vermont Legal Ages
The key age-based rights and duties in Vermont, 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 Vermont
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.
Vermont law · 23 V.S.A. § 1258(a)(1)
Age 6
Must be enrolled in school
Vermont requires children to attend school, or approved private or home instruction, from age 6.
Vermont law · 16 V.S.A. § 1121
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.
A seat belt is then required until 18.
Vermont law · 23 V.S.A. § 1258(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)
Can work (state minimum age)
Vermont bars children under 14 from gainful work unless the state labor commissioner has approved that kind of job by rule.
Approved jobs for under-14s are limited to vacations and before or after school. Work for a parent is largely exempt.
Vermont law · 21 V.S.A. § 436
Age 15
Can get a learner's permit
Vermont issues a learner's permit for supervised driving at 15.
Vermont law · 23 V.S.A. § 617
Age 16
Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends)
Vermont's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 16th birthday.
A child is excused earlier after completing 10th grade or enrolling in an approved postsecondary school.
Vermont law · 16 V.S.A. § 1121
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 junior operator's license for driving alone is available at 16 after a year with a learner's permit.
Vermont law · 23 V.S.A. § 607(a)
Court emancipation (adult status) can be sought
A minor can petition a court to be declared emancipated starting at age 16.
Vermont law · 12 V.S.A. § 7151(1)
Age 17
Can vote in a primary if 18 by the general election
Vermont lets 17-year-olds vote in a primary if they will be 18 by the general election.
Vermont law · 17 V.S.A. § 2121(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)
An operator's license (not a junior license) is not issued to anyone under 18.
Junior license passenger limits last only the first six months (23 V.S.A. § 614(c)).
Vermont law · 23 V.S.A. § 606
Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent
From 18, a person can be tattooed without a parent's consent.
Vermont law · 1 V.S.A. § 173; 26 V.S.A. § 4102(c)
Becomes a legal adult (age of majority)
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18.
Vermont law · 1 V.S.A. § 173
Can make a will
A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18.
A minor emancipated by court order can also make a will.
Vermont law · 14 V.S.A. 1
Can marry without a parent's consent
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18.
Vermont law · 18 V.S.A. 5142(1); 2023 Acts and Resolves No. 8 (H.148), secs. 2a, 3, 5, 6
Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate
An adult adoptee can request a copy of the original birth certificate from age 18.
A former parent can file a request for nondisclosure of identifying information, but not to block the birth certificate.
Vermont law · 15A V.S.A. §§ 6-105(a), 6-107(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.
Vermont jurors must have reached the age of majority, which is 18.
Vermont law · 4 V.S.A. § 962(a)(1); 1 V.S.A. § 173
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
Lottery tickets may not be sold to anyone below the age of majority, which in Vermont is 18.
Vermont sets the age of majority at 18 (1 V.S.A. § 173).
Vermont law · 31 V.S.A. § 659(3)
Age 19
Charged as an adult by default (juvenile court age ends)
Vermont starts most cases in adult (Criminal Division) court from age 19; offenses committed before 19 start in the Family Division.
Listed serious offenses (33 V.S.A. 5204(a)) committed at 14 or older, and certain other offenses at 16 or older, start in the Criminal Division unless the State's Attorney files a youthful offender petition.
Vermont law · 33 V.S.A. § 5201(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 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 Vermont
- No work permit needed: This state does not require a work permit. 21 V.S.A. § 431
- Can get a tattoo with a parent's consent: With a parent's consent, state law sets no minimum age. 26 V.S.A. § 4102(c)
- Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent: State law bars marriage under 18, with no parental or court exception. 18 V.S.A. 5142(1); 2023 Acts and Resolves No. 8 (H.148), secs. 2a, 3, 5, 6
- Can pre-register to vote: Vermont sets no fixed pre-registration age; a person may register if they will be 18 by the next general election. 17 V.S.A. § 2121
- Can serve as governor: Vermont's constitution sets no minimum age for governor; it requires four years of residence. Vt. Const. ch. II, § 23
- 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. 4 V.S.A. § 962; Vermont Judiciary
Share card
Makes an image of your next and most recent milestones, drawn in your browser. It shows ages only, never dates.
Add a birth date to make a card.
Runs in your browser. Nothing you choose or type is stored or sent.
Legal ages in Vermont, rule by rule
Each row is one rule, the age it sets in Vermont, 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. | 2 | 23 V.S.A. § 1258(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.A seat belt is then required until 18. | 8 | 23 V.S.A. § 1258(a)(3) |
School
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Must be enrolled in school Vermont requires children to attend school, or approved private or home instruction, from age 6. | 6 | 16 V.S.A. § 1121 |
| Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends) Vermont's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 16th birthday.A child is excused earlier after completing 10th grade or enrolling in an approved postsecondary school. | 16 | 16 V.S.A. § 1121 |
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) Vermont bars children under 14 from gainful work unless the state labor commissioner has approved that kind of job by rule.Approved jobs for under-14s are limited to vacations and before or after school. Work for a parent is largely exempt. | 14 | 21 V.S.A. § 436 |
| No work permit needed This state does not require a work permit.A state certificate is needed only for a child under 16 working during school hours; work during vacations or before or after school needs none. | No permit required | 21 V.S.A. § 431 |
| 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 Vermont issues a learner's permit for supervised driving at 15. | 15 | 23 V.S.A. § 617 |
| Can get a first license to drive alone A junior operator's license for driving alone is available at 16 after a year with a learner's permit. | 16 | 23 V.S.A. § 607(a) |
| Teen license limits end (varies, see rule) An operator's license (not a junior license) is not issued to anyone under 18.Junior license passenger limits last only the first six months (23 V.S.A. § 614(c)). | 18 | 23 V.S.A. § 606 |
| 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 or guardian must give written consent. | No minimum age | 26 V.S.A. § 4102(c) |
| Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent From 18, a person can be tattooed without a parent's consent. | 18 | 1 V.S.A. § 173; 26 V.S.A. § 4102(c) |
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. | 16 | 12 V.S.A. § 7151(1) |
| 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 | 1 V.S.A. § 173 |
| Can make a will A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18.A minor emancipated by court order can also make a will. | 18 | 14 V.S.A. 1 |
| Can marry without a parent's consent A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. | 18 | 18 V.S.A. 5142(1); 2023 Acts and Resolves No. 8 (H.148), secs. 2a, 3, 5, 6 |
| Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent State law bars marriage under 18, with no parental or court exception. | Not allowed for minors | 18 V.S.A. 5142(1); 2023 Acts and Resolves No. 8 (H.148), secs. 2a, 3, 5, 6 |
| Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate An adult adoptee can request a copy of the original birth certificate from age 18.A former parent can file a request for nondisclosure of identifying information, but not to block the birth certificate. | 18 | 15A V.S.A. §§ 6-105(a), 6-107(a) |
Voting, juries and office
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can pre-register to vote Vermont sets no fixed pre-registration age; a person may register if they will be 18 by the next general election. | No set pre-registration age | 17 V.S.A. § 2121 |
| Can vote in a primary if 18 by the general election Vermont lets 17-year-olds vote in a primary if they will be 18 by the general election. | 17 | 17 V.S.A. § 2121(b) |
| 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.Vermont jurors must have reached the age of majority, which is 18. | 18 | 4 V.S.A. § 962(a)(1); 1 V.S.A. § 173 |
| 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 Vermont's constitution sets no minimum age for governor; it requires four years of residence. | No minimum age set | Vt. Const. ch. II, § 23 |
| 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) Vermont starts most cases in adult (Criminal Division) court from age 19; offenses committed before 19 start in the Family Division.Listed serious offenses (33 V.S.A. 5204(a)) committed at 14 or older, and certain other offenses at 16 or older, start in the Criminal Division unless the State's Attorney files a youthful offender petition.Law change: From July 1, 2027, the age rises to 20: offenses committed before 20 start in the Family Division (33 V.S.A. 5201(d), version effective July 1, 2027). | 19 | 33 V.S.A. § 5201(d) |
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 Lottery tickets may not be sold to anyone below the age of majority, which in Vermont is 18.Vermont sets the age of majority at 18 (1 V.S.A. § 173). | 18 | 31 V.S.A. § 659(3) |
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. | No state age excuse | 4 V.S.A. § 962; Vermont Judiciary |
| 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 Vermont 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 Vermont 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 Vermont'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 Vermont?
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18. (1 V.S.A. § 173)
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Vermont?
Vermont issues a learner's permit for supervised driving at 15. (23 V.S.A. § 617)
How old do you have to be to drive alone in Vermont?
A junior operator's license for driving alone is available at 16 after a year with a learner's permit. (23 V.S.A. § 607(a))
How old do you have to be to work in Vermont?
Vermont bars children under 14 from gainful work unless the state labor commissioner has approved that kind of job by rule. Approved jobs for under-14s are limited to vacations and before or after school. Work for a parent is largely exempt. (21 V.S.A. § 436)
Do minors need a work permit in Vermont?
This state does not require a work permit. A state certificate is needed only for a child under 16 working during school hours; work during vacations or before or after school needs none. (21 V.S.A. § 431)
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in Vermont?
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 or guardian must give written consent. (1 V.S.A. § 173; 26 V.S.A. § 4102(c))
How old do you have to be to get married in Vermont?
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. State law bars marriage under 18, with no parental or court exception. (18 V.S.A. 5142(1); 2023 Acts and Resolves No. 8 (H.148), secs. 2a, 3, 5, 6)
At what age can you leave school in Vermont?
Vermont's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 16th birthday. A child is excused earlier after completing 10th grade or enrolling in an approved postsecondary school. (16 V.S.A. § 1121)
How old do you have to be to buy a lottery ticket in Vermont?
Lottery tickets may not be sold to anyone below the age of majority, which in Vermont is 18. Vermont sets the age of majority at 18 (1 V.S.A. § 173). (31 V.S.A. § 659(3))
Sources
- 17 V.S.A. § 2121
- Vt. Const. ch. II, § 23
- 1 V.S.A. § 173
- 12 V.S.A. § 7151(1)
- 14 V.S.A. 1
- 4 V.S.A. § 962; Vermont Judiciary
- 18 V.S.A. 5142(1); 2023 Acts and Resolves No. 8 (H.148), secs. 2a, 3, 5, 6
- 23 V.S.A. § 1258(a)(1)
- 15A V.S.A. §§ 6-105(a), 6-107(a)
- 23 V.S.A. § 617
- 23 V.S.A. § 607(a)
- 23 V.S.A. § 606
- 31 V.S.A. § 659(3)
- 33 V.S.A. § 5201(d)
- 16 V.S.A. § 1121
- 26 V.S.A. § 4102(c)
- 21 V.S.A. § 436
- 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.
Related
Know someone who could use this? Share this free tool: