Civic guide
Turning 18
For every young citizen
Whether you were born in the U.S., became a citizen through your parents, or naturalized, turning 18 brings new rights and a few new responsibilities.
Each step below explains what it is in plain English and links to the official source. Rules can differ by state, so always check the official page.
Your steps
Register to vote
U.S. citizens can vote once they are 18 by Election Day. In almost every state you can register before your 18th birthday if you will be 18 by Election Day, and many states let you pre-register even earlier.
- Go to vote.gov and choose your state.
- Note your state's registration deadline and any ID rules.
- Some states let 17-year-olds vote in primaries if they will be 18 by the general election. Your state's election website will say.
Look into Selective Service
Federal law requires most men ages 18 through 25 who live in the U.S. to register with Selective Service, generally within 30 days of turning 18. Registering is not joining the military. Some people are not required to register, and sss.gov explains who.
- Read "Who needs to register" on sss.gov.
- In many states, applying for a driver's license or state ID can also register you. Check sss.gov to confirm for your state.
- If you think you already registered, you can look up your record on sss.gov.
Who needs to register (sss.gov)(opens sss.gov in a new tab)Verify registration on sss.gov(opens sss.gov in a new tab)Selective Service guideGet your own ID and keep key documents safe
Adults are often asked for photo ID to start a job, open a bank account, or fly. To board domestic flights you now need a REAL ID–compliant license or another accepted ID, such as a passport.
- Find your state's motor vehicle office to get a driver's license or state ID.
- Keep your birth certificate, Social Security card, and passport together in a safe place.
- If you plan to travel abroad, apply for an adult passport. Passports issued at age 16 or older are usually valid for 10 years.
Know what a jury summons looks like
Once you are 18, you can be called for jury service, often because you registered to vote or got a driver's license. Real courts contact you by mail. Calls demanding fines for "missed jury duty" are scams.
- Read our jury duty guide so you know what to expect.
- If a summons arrives, respond by the date printed on it.
U.S. Courts: Juror qualifications, exemptions and excuses(opens uscourts.gov in a new tab)U.S. Courts: Juror scams(opens uscourts.gov in a new tab)Jury duty guideKeep your health coverage
Young adults can generally stay on a parent's health plan until age 26 — even if they marry, move out, or are not in school. After that, or if no parent plan is available, you may need your own coverage.
- Ask the parent's plan how long you can stay on it.
- If you need your own coverage, compare options on HealthCare.gov or check Medicaid in your state.
Start good money habits
Your first paycheck can come with tax forms, and your first credit card or loan starts your credit history. Credit history can affect renting an apartment or borrowing money later.
- If you earn money, check whether you need to file a tax return. The IRS lists free ways to file.
- Check your credit reports for free through the official site the FTC lists.
- Never pay for a "free" credit report, and never share your Social Security number with someone who contacts you out of the blue.
Plan your next step: college, training, or work
College, an apprenticeship, a service year, or a first full-time job are all good paths. Free federal tools help you compare them and pay for school.
- Fill out the FAFSA if you are thinking about college or career school.
- Explore paid apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov.
- Students can look for paid federal internships on USAJOBS.
StudentAid.gov: Fill out the FAFSA(opens studentaid.gov in a new tab)Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor)(opens apprenticeship.gov in a new tab)USAJOBS: Jobs for students and recent graduates(opens usajobs.gov in a new tab)Paying for college guide