Wisconsin Legal Ages
The key age-based rights and duties in Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin
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 at least 20 pounds.
Wisconsin law · Wis. Stat. § 347.48(4)(as)1.
Age 6
Must be enrolled in school
Wisconsin requires children to attend school, or approved private or home instruction, from age 6.
Wisconsin law · Wis. Stat. § 118.15(1)(a), (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 weighs more than 80 pounds or is taller than 57 inches.
Wisconsin law · Wis. Stat. § 347.48(4)(as)3.-4.
Age 14
Can work limited hours in non-hazardous jobs (federal rule)
Federal law lets 14- and 15-year-olds work in permitted non-hazardous jobs, outside school hours and within weekly hour limits.
Limits: no more than 3 hours on a school day and 18 hours in a school week; 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week when school is out; only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day) (29 C.F.R. 570.35).
Federal rule, applies in every state · 29 CFR 570.2(a)(1)
Can work (state minimum age)
Wisconsin bars minors under 14 from gainful work, except listed jobs.
From 12, minors may work in street trades (such as newspaper delivery), school lunch programs and farming.
Wisconsin law · Wis. Stat. § 103.67(2)
Age 15
Can get a learner's permit
Wisconsin issues an instruction permit at 15 to teens enrolled in driver education.
Wisconsin law · Wis. Stat. § 343.07(1g)
Age 16
No work permit needed
Workers under 16 in Wisconsin need a state work permit.
Farm work from 12 and youth apprenticeships are exempt.
Wisconsin law · Wis. Stat. § 103.70(1)
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 probationary license for driving alone is available at 16 after six months with a permit.
Wisconsin law · Wis. Stat. § 343.085(1)(b)
Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent
With a parent's or guardian's written consent, the lowest age to marry is 16.
Wisconsin law · Wis. Stat. 765.02(1)-(2)
Age 17
Charged as an adult by default (juvenile court age ends)
Wisconsin 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.
Wisconsin law · Wis. Stat. § 938.02(10m)
Age 18
Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends)
Wisconsin's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 18th birthday.
Attendance runs to the end of the term in which the child turns 18.
Wisconsin law · Wis. Stat. § 118.15(1)(a), (b)
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)
Probationary night and passenger limits apply to licensees under 18 in their first nine months.
A teen licensed at 16 is free of the limits at 16 and 9 months.
Wisconsin law · Wis. Stat. § 343.085(2m)(a)
Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent
Tattooing is allowed from 18; the ban on tattooing minors ends at that age.
Wisconsin law · Wis. Stat. § 948.01(1); Wis. Stat. § 948.70(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.
Wisconsin law · Wis. Stat. § 990.01(3)
Can make a will
A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18.
Wisconsin law · Wis. Stat. § 853.01
Can marry without a parent's consent
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18.
Wisconsin law · Wis. Stat. 765.02(1)-(2)
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.
Wisconsin law · Wis. Stat. 756.02
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 anyone under 18 from buying a lottery ticket.
Wisconsin law · Wis. Stat. § 565.17
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 Wisconsin
- Can get a tattoo with a parent's consent: State law bars tattooing anyone under 18, even with a parent's consent. Wis. Stat. § 948.70(2)
- Court emancipation (adult status) can be sought: State law has no statute letting a minor petition a court for emancipation. Wis. Stat. (no emancipation petition statute; chapters 48 and 54 searched)
- Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate: Reaching 18 gives no automatic access; the original certificate is released only with the birth parents' affidavits, after a search, or if they have died. Wis. Stat. 48.433(3)
- Can pre-register to vote: Wisconsin sets no fixed pre-registration age; a person may register if they will be 18 by election day. Wis. Stat. § 6.05
- 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. Wis. Stat. § 6.05
- Can serve as governor: Wisconsin's constitution sets no minimum age for governor; the governor must be a qualified elector (at least 18). Wis. Const. art. V, § 2
- 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. Wis. Stat. § 756.001(3)
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Legal ages in Wisconsin, rule by rule
Each row is one rule, the age it sets in Wisconsin, 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 at least 20 pounds. | 1 | Wis. Stat. § 347.48(4)(as)1. |
| Car seat or booster age requirement ends The child car seat or booster requirement ends at age 8; after that a seat belt can be used.Earlier once the child weighs more than 80 pounds or is taller than 57 inches. | 8 | Wis. Stat. § 347.48(4)(as)3.-4. |
School
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Must be enrolled in school Wisconsin requires children to attend school, or approved private or home instruction, from age 6. | 6 | Wis. Stat. § 118.15(1)(a), (b) |
| Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends) Wisconsin's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 18th birthday.Attendance runs to the end of the term in which the child turns 18. | 18 | Wis. Stat. § 118.15(1)(a), (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) Wisconsin bars minors under 14 from gainful work, except listed jobs.From 12, minors may work in street trades (such as newspaper delivery), school lunch programs and farming. | 14 | Wis. Stat. § 103.67(2) |
| No work permit needed Workers under 16 in Wisconsin need a state work permit.Farm work from 12 and youth apprenticeships are exempt. | 16 | Wis. Stat. § 103.70(1) |
| 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 Wisconsin issues an instruction permit at 15 to teens enrolled in driver education. | 15 | Wis. Stat. § 343.07(1g) |
| Can get a first license to drive alone A probationary license for driving alone is available at 16 after six months with a permit. | 16 | Wis. Stat. § 343.085(1)(b) |
| Teen license limits end (varies, see rule) Probationary night and passenger limits apply to licensees under 18 in their first nine months.A teen licensed at 16 is free of the limits at 16 and 9 months. | 18 | Wis. Stat. § 343.085(2m)(a) |
| 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.Only a physician acting in professional practice may tattoo a child. | Not allowed for minors | Wis. Stat. § 948.70(2) |
| Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent Tattooing is allowed from 18; the ban on tattooing minors ends at that age. | 18 | Wis. Stat. § 948.01(1); Wis. Stat. § 948.70(2) |
Adulthood and family
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Court emancipation (adult status) can be sought State law has no statute letting a minor petition a court for emancipation. | No petition statute | Wis. Stat. (no emancipation petition statute; chapters 48 and 54 searched) |
| Becomes a legal adult (age of majority) State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18. | 18 | Wis. Stat. § 990.01(3) |
| Can make a will A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18. | 18 | Wis. Stat. § 853.01 |
| Can marry without a parent's consent A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. | 18 | Wis. Stat. 765.02(1)-(2) |
| Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent With a parent's or guardian's written consent, the lowest age to marry is 16. | 16 | Wis. Stat. 765.02(1)-(2) |
| Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate Reaching 18 gives no automatic access; the original certificate is released only with the birth parents' affidavits, after a search, or if they have died.A person 18 or older can ask the state to search for birth parents who have not filed an affidavit; rules differ by adoption date. | No automatic access at any age | Wis. Stat. 48.433(3) |
Voting, juries and office
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can pre-register to vote Wisconsin sets no fixed pre-registration age; a person may register if they will be 18 by election day. | No set pre-registration age | Wis. Stat. § 6.05 |
| 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 | Wis. Stat. § 6.05 |
| 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 | Wis. Stat. 756.02 |
| 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 Wisconsin's constitution sets no minimum age for governor; the governor must be a qualified elector (at least 18). | No minimum age set | Wis. Const. art. V, § 2 |
| Can serve in the U.S. Senate The Constitution sets 30 as the minimum age for the U.S. Senate. | 30 | U.S. Const. art. I, § 3, cl. 3Federal, all states |
| Can serve as President The Constitution sets 35 as the minimum age for President. | 35 | U.S. Const. art. II, § 1, cl. 5Federal, all states |
Criminal court
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Charged as an adult by default (juvenile court age ends) Wisconsin 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 | Wis. Stat. § 938.02(10m) |
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 anyone under 18 from buying a lottery ticket. | 18 | Wis. Stat. § 565.17 |
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.Wisconsin law bars excluding a qualified juror because of age. | No state age excuse | Wis. Stat. § 756.001(3) |
| 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin'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 Wisconsin?
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18. (Wis. Stat. § 990.01(3))
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin issues an instruction permit at 15 to teens enrolled in driver education. (Wis. Stat. § 343.07(1g))
How old do you have to be to drive alone in Wisconsin?
A probationary license for driving alone is available at 16 after six months with a permit. (Wis. Stat. § 343.085(1)(b))
How old do you have to be to work in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin bars minors under 14 from gainful work, except listed jobs. From 12, minors may work in street trades (such as newspaper delivery), school lunch programs and farming. (Wis. Stat. § 103.67(2))
Do minors need a work permit in Wisconsin?
Workers under 16 in Wisconsin need a state work permit. Farm work from 12 and youth apprenticeships are exempt. (Wis. Stat. § 103.70(1))
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in Wisconsin?
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. Only a physician acting in professional practice may tattoo a child. (Wis. Stat. § 948.01(1); Wis. Stat. § 948.70(2))
How old do you have to be to get married in Wisconsin?
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. With a parent's or guardian's written consent, the lowest age to marry is 16. (Wis. Stat. 765.02(1)-(2))
At what age can you leave school in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 18th birthday. Attendance runs to the end of the term in which the child turns 18. (Wis. Stat. § 118.15(1)(a), (b))
How old do you have to be to buy a lottery ticket in Wisconsin?
State law bars anyone under 18 from buying a lottery ticket. (Wis. Stat. § 565.17)
Sources
- Wis. Stat. § 6.05
- Wis. Const. art. V, § 2
- Wis. Stat. § 990.01(3)
- Wis. Stat. (no emancipation petition statute; chapters 48 and 54 searched)
- Wis. Stat. § 853.01
- Wis. Stat. 756.02
- Wis. Stat. § 756.001(3)
- Wis. Stat. 765.02(1)-(2)
- Wis. Stat. § 347.48(4)(as)1.
- Wis. Stat. 48.433(3)
- Wis. Stat. § 343.07(1g)
- Wis. Stat. § 343.085(1)(b)
- Wis. Stat. § 565.17
- Wis. Stat. § 938.02(10m)
- Wis. Stat. § 118.15(1)(a), (b)
- Wis. Stat. § 948.70(2)
- Wis. Stat. § 948.01(1); Wis. Stat. § 948.70(2)
- Wis. Stat. § 103.67(2)
- Wis. Stat. § 103.70(1)
- 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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