Who Can Vote, Get a Driver’s License, or Retire in 2025? Key Age Milestones Explained

Every year, millions of Americans reach significant age milestones that grant them new rights, responsibilities, or benefits. Whether it’s becoming eligible to vote, obtaining a driver’s license, or qualifying for retirement benefits, 2025 will be a landmark year for many.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the most important age-related milestones in 2025.

Voting in 2025: Who’s Eligible?

One of the most fundamental rights in a democracy is the right to vote. In the United States, the minimum age to vote is 18, as established by the 26th Amendment. This means that anyone who turns 18 on or before Election Day in 2025 will be eligible to vote in local, state, and federal elections.

Important Details About Voting Eligibility:

• General voting age: 18 years old in all 50 states.
• Primary election participation for 17-year-olds: Some states allow 17-year-olds to vote in primaries if they will turn 18 before the general election. As of 2024, 19 states and Washington, D.C. have this policy.
• Registration requirements: Many states require voters to register weeks before an election, so check deadlines in your state to ensure you don’t miss your opportunity.

For anyone celebrating their 18th birthday in 2025, voting will be a significant milestone—one that grants them a voice in shaping their community and the country’s future.

Getting a Driver’s License in 2025

Driving is one of the most anticipated milestones for teenagers. However, the legal driving age varies from state to state, and many states have Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) programs that phase in driving privileges over time.

General Driving Age Milestones:

• Learner’s Permit: Available as early as 14 years old in some states (e.g., Kansas, South Dakota) but more commonly at 15 or 16 years old.
• Restricted/Intermediate License: Issued to drivers aged 16 to 18, typically requiring supervised driving hours and passing a skills test.
• Full Unrestricted License: Available at 17 or 18 years old, depending on state laws.

Examples of Driving Ages by State:

• Kansas: Learner’s permit at 14, restricted license at 15, full license at 17.
• California: Learner’s permit at 15½, provisional license at 16, full license at 18.
• New York: Learner’s permit at 16, junior license at 16½, full license at 18 (or 17 with a driver’s ed course).

For those reaching driving age in 2025, state-specific laws will determine when and how they can get behind the wheel. Checking with the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is essential for understanding exact requirements.

Retirement in 2025: Who Can Start Collecting Benefits?

Retirement eligibility is one of the most critical age milestones, particularly for those planning their financial future. In 2025, Americans reaching key retirement ages will have important decisions to make regarding Social Security benefits, pensions, and retirement savings withdrawals.

Key Retirement Age Milestones in 2025:

1. Early Retirement (Age 62):
   • The earliest age Americans can start claiming Social Security retirement benefits is 62.
   • However, claiming at this age results in a permanent reduction in monthly benefits (up to 30% less than waiting until full retirement age).
2. Full Retirement Age (FRA) in 2025:
   • The full retirement age depends on birth year. In 2025, those born between May 2, 1958, and February 28, 1959, will reach their FRA of 66 years and 8 months.
   • Individuals born in 1960 or later will have to wait until age 67 for full benefits.
3. Required Minimum Distributions (Age 73):
   • The Secure Act 2.0, enacted in 2023, raised the age for Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) to 73.
   • This means anyone turning 73 in 2025 will be required to start withdrawing money from tax-advantaged retirement accounts (e.g., 401(k), IRA) to avoid penalties.

While early retirees may opt to collect Social Security at 62, financial experts recommend waiting until full retirement age—or even delaying until 70—for higher benefits.

Other Key Age Milestones in 2025

• 14–16 Years Old → Can begin working in many states with restrictions on hours and job types.
• 18 Years Old → Considered an adult for most legal purposes, including signing contracts and serving in the military.
• 21 Years Old → Legal drinking age in all U.S. states.
• 26 Years Old → No longer eligible to remain on a parent’s health insurance plan under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Final Thoughts

Age milestones play a significant role in shaping one’s independence, responsibilities, and benefits. In 2025, millions of Americans will reach key ages for driving, voting, and retiring, each carrying different legal and financial implications.

For young adults turning 18, voting and driving symbolize newfound independence. For those reaching their 60s, retirement decisions will impact their financial security for years to come.

Regardless of where you are in life, understanding these milestones can help you prepare for the future and make informed decisions. Whether it’s registering to vote, studying for a driver’s test, or planning for retirement, knowing the rules ahead of time is the key to success.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.