Once you are 18

Adoption

You can no longer be adopted.

If you were adopted you can apply to see your original birth certificate and have your name and address added to the Adoption Contact Registrar.

Alcohol

As I’m sure you know you can buy and drink alcohol in a bar. You can even apply for a licence to sell alcohol.

Armed Forces

You can now join the armed forces without parental consent

Contracts and Property Ownership

You can make binding contracts in your own right. This means you can:

• Buy a house, flat or land
• Hold a tenancy
• Apply for a mortgage
• Act as an executor or administrator of a deceased person’s estate
• Pawn something at a pawnshop

Driving

You can hold a licence to drive a medium-sized goods vehicle

Employment

Your employer must pay you the minimum wage, which is £3.60 an hour.

Film Classifications

You can see an 18-rated film at the cinema and rent or buy a video given an 18 certificate.

Fireworks

You can buy fireworks

Flying

You can obtain a commercial pilot’s licence to fly an aeroplane, helicopter, glider, balloon or airship.

Gambling

You can enter a betting shop and place a bet. You can also work in one.

Legal Issues

Criminal charges against you are now dealt with in the adult courts and you can now be sued or sue people. You can serve on a jury, make a will and apply for legal aid in your own right.

Marriage

You can get married without parental consent.

Organ Donation

You can donate your body to science, or anatomical study, or donate your body organs without parental permission.

Tattoos

You can be tattooed.