New responsibilities, new considerations
Turning 18 is a big milestone. It’s an age that symbolizes the true beginning of adulthood. Seniors become an adult in the eyes of the law and, thus, are expected to take on additional responsibilities.

There are several legal and social issues for 18-year olds to consider.

Register for the draft
All males must register for the Selective Service – it’s the law. Registration is the process by which the U.S. government collects names and addresses of men age 18 through 25 to use in case a national emergency requires rapid expansion of the armed forces. Not registering is a felony.

Seniors can register on-line at www.sss.gov or pick up the forms at the post office. He will need to know his Social Security Number. After registering, he will receive a registration acknowledgement card from the Selective Service that serves as his official proof of registration.

Voting
Once you turn 18, you have the privilege of voting in the United States. This is a major privilege and right that comes along with being an adult. Be sure to exercise this right. Register to vote, get informed and vote regularly.

Additional privileges of being 18

• In most states, it is legal to smoke and get married without parental approval at 18.
• In many states, it is also legal to gamble at 18.
• In some states, your student will need to get a new driver’s license.
• Your family’s car insurance may change as well. Most policies, however, are based on “full-time student status” instead of age.
• Lastly, at 18, your family doctor is no longer obligated to your family of your senior’s medical issues and parental consent is not required for any type of procedure.