Washington Legal Ages
The key age-based rights and duties in Washington, 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 Washington
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.
Washington law · RCW 46.61.687(1)(a)
Age 8
Must be enrolled in school
Washington requires children to attend school, or approved private or home instruction, from age 8.
A 6- or 7-year-old who is enrolled must also attend.
Washington law · RCW 28A.225.010(1)
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 and 6 months
Can get a learner's permit
Washington issues an instruction permit at 15 and 6 months to teens not enrolled in driver training.
At 15, a teen enrolled in an approved driver training course can get a permit (RCW 46.20.055(1)(b)); teens who skip driver training cannot be licensed until 18.
Washington law · RCW 46.20.055(1); WA DOL
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 license for driving alone is available at 16 after six months with a permit.
Requires driver education and 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 at night.
Washington law · RCW 46.20.075(1)
Court emancipation (adult status) can be sought
A minor can petition a court to be declared emancipated starting at age 16.
Washington law · RCW 13.64.010
Can pre-register to vote
Washington lets eligible residents pre-register to vote at 16; they can vote once they turn 18.
Washington law · RCW 29A.08.170
Age 17
Can vote in a primary if 18 by the general election
Washington lets 17-year-olds vote in a primary if they will be 18 by the general election.
Washington law · RCW 29A.08.170
Age 18
Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends)
Washington's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 18th birthday.
A 16-year-old who is lawfully employed with parent agreement, or emancipated, is excused, among other exceptions.
Washington law · RCW 28A.225.010(1)
No work permit needed
Washington requires a work permit, with parent and school approval, to employ anyone under 18.
The permit is an endorsement on the employer's business license.
Washington law · RCW 49.12.121(2); RCW 49.12.005(6)
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.
Washington law · RCW 26.28.085
Becomes a legal adult (age of majority)
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18.
Washington law · RCW 26.28.010
Can make a will
A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18.
Washington law · RCW 11.12.010
Can marry without a parent's consent
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18.
Washington law · RCW 26.04.010(1)-(2)
Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate
An adult adoptee can request a copy of the original birth certificate from age 18.
A birth parent may have filed a contact preference form or an older affidavit of nondisclosure.
Washington law · RCW 26.33.345
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.
Washington law · RCW 2.36.070
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)
Washington 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.
Washington law · RCW 13.40.020(17)
Can buy a lottery ticket
State law bars selling lottery tickets to anyone under 18.
Washington law · RCW 67.70.120(1)
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 Washington
- Car seat or booster age requirement ends: Washington ends the booster requirement when the child reaches 4 feet 9 inches, not at a set age. RCW 46.61.687(1)(c)
- Can work (state minimum age): State law sets no general minimum age; the federal minimum of 14 for limited hours applies to most employers. WAC 296-125-018; RCW 26.28.060
- Teen license limits end (varies, see rule): We could not confirm this rule at an official source. Check the official link. RCW 46.20.075
- Can get a tattoo with a parent's consent: State law bars tattooing anyone under 18, even with a parent's consent. RCW 26.28.085
- Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent: State law bars marriage under 18, with no parental or court exception. RCW 26.04.010(1)-(2)
- Can serve as governor: Washington's constitution sets no minimum age for governor; state officers must be qualified electors (at least 18). Wash. Const. art. III, § 25
- 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. RCW 2.36.100(2)
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Legal ages in Washington, rule by rule
Each row is one rule, the age it sets in Washington, 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 | RCW 46.61.687(1)(a) |
| Car seat or booster age requirement ends Washington ends the booster requirement when the child reaches 4 feet 9 inches, not at a set age. | No age set (size or maker limits) | RCW 46.61.687(1)(c) |
School
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Must be enrolled in school Washington requires children to attend school, or approved private or home instruction, from age 8.A 6- or 7-year-old who is enrolled must also attend. | 8 | RCW 28A.225.010(1) |
| Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends) Washington's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 18th birthday.A 16-year-old who is lawfully employed with parent agreement, or emancipated, is excused, among other exceptions. | 18 | RCW 28A.225.010(1) |
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.Hiring a child under 14 for store, shop, factory, mine or other indoor work needs a written order from a superior court judge. | No state minimum | WAC 296-125-018; RCW 26.28.060 |
| No work permit needed Washington requires a work permit, with parent and school approval, to employ anyone under 18.The permit is an endorsement on the employer's business license. | 18 | RCW 49.12.121(2); RCW 49.12.005(6) |
| 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 Washington issues an instruction permit at 15 and 6 months to teens not enrolled in driver training.At 15, a teen enrolled in an approved driver training course can get a permit (RCW 46.20.055(1)(b)); teens who skip driver training cannot be licensed until 18. | 15 and 6 months | RCW 46.20.055(1); WA DOL |
| Can get a first license to drive alone An intermediate license for driving alone is available at 16 after six months with a permit.Requires driver education and 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 at night. | 16 | RCW 46.20.075(1) |
| Teen license limits end (varies, see rule) We could not confirm this rule at an official source. Check the official link.RCW 46.20.075(8) lifts the 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. and passenger limits after 12 months on an intermediate license with no crashes or violations, as early as 17; the age at which they end otherwise is not stated in that section. | Not confirmed | RCW 46.20.075 |
| 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 performing medical procedures are outside the ban. | Not allowed for minors | RCW 26.28.085 |
| Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent Tattooing is allowed from 18; the ban on tattooing minors ends at that age. | 18 | RCW 26.28.085 |
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 | RCW 13.64.010 |
| 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 | RCW 26.28.010 |
| Can make a will A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18. | 18 | RCW 11.12.010 |
| Can marry without a parent's consent A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. | 18 | RCW 26.04.010(1)-(2) |
| Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent State law bars marriage under 18, with no parental or court exception. | Not allowed for minors | RCW 26.04.010(1)-(2) |
| Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate An adult adoptee can request a copy of the original birth certificate from age 18.A birth parent may have filed a contact preference form or an older affidavit of nondisclosure. | 18 | RCW 26.33.345 |
Voting, juries and office
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can pre-register to vote Washington lets eligible residents pre-register to vote at 16; they can vote once they turn 18. | 16 | RCW 29A.08.170 |
| Can vote in a primary if 18 by the general election Washington lets 17-year-olds vote in a primary if they will be 18 by the general election. | 17 | RCW 29A.08.170 |
| 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 | RCW 2.36.070 |
| 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 Washington's constitution sets no minimum age for governor; state officers must be qualified electors (at least 18). | No minimum age set | Wash. Const. art. III, § 25 |
| 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) Washington 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 | RCW 13.40.020(17) |
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 | RCW 67.70.120(1) |
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 80, the court must grant an excuse if the person attests that health prevents service; no doctor's note is required. | No state age excuse | RCW 2.36.100(2) |
| Retirement-account minimum withdrawals begin Required minimum distributions from traditional retirement accounts begin at 73 for people who turn 72 after 2022.Law change: Rises to 75 for people who turn 74 after December 31, 2032. | 73 | 26 U.S.C. § 401(a)(9)(C)(v)Federal, all states |
How Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington'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 Washington?
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18. (RCW 26.28.010)
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Washington?
Washington issues an instruction permit at 15 and 6 months to teens not enrolled in driver training. At 15, a teen enrolled in an approved driver training course can get a permit (RCW 46.20.055(1)(b)); teens who skip driver training cannot be licensed until 18. (RCW 46.20.055(1); WA DOL)
How old do you have to be to drive alone in Washington?
An intermediate license for driving alone is available at 16 after six months with a permit. Requires driver education and 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 at night. (RCW 46.20.075(1))
How old do you have to be to work in Washington?
State law sets no general minimum age; the federal minimum of 14 for limited hours applies to most employers. Hiring a child under 14 for store, shop, factory, mine or other indoor work needs a written order from a superior court judge. (WAC 296-125-018; RCW 26.28.060)
Do minors need a work permit in Washington?
Washington requires a work permit, with parent and school approval, to employ anyone under 18. The permit is an endorsement on the employer's business license. (RCW 49.12.121(2); RCW 49.12.005(6))
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in Washington?
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 performing medical procedures are outside the ban. (RCW 26.28.085)
How old do you have to be to get married in Washington?
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. (RCW 26.04.010(1)-(2))
At what age can you leave school in Washington?
Washington's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 18th birthday. A 16-year-old who is lawfully employed with parent agreement, or emancipated, is excused, among other exceptions. (RCW 28A.225.010(1))
How old do you have to be to buy a lottery ticket in Washington?
State law bars selling lottery tickets to anyone under 18. (RCW 67.70.120(1))
Sources
- RCW 29A.08.170
- Wash. Const. art. III, § 25
- RCW 26.28.010
- RCW 13.64.010
- RCW 11.12.010
- RCW 2.36.070
- RCW 2.36.100(2)
- RCW 26.04.010(1)-(2)
- RCW 46.61.687(1)(a)
- RCW 26.33.345
- RCW 46.20.055(1); WA DOL
- RCW 46.20.075(1)
- RCW 67.70.120(1)
- RCW 13.40.020(17)
- RCW 28A.225.010(1)
- RCW 26.28.085
- WAC 296-125-018; RCW 26.28.060
- RCW 49.12.121(2); RCW 49.12.005(6)
- 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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