21 Things Everyone Can Do When They Reach 21

1. Turning 21

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When you turn 21, your age opens up many new possibilities and experiences that you may have not been able to encounter or do before.  Some of these experiences require you to be 21 by law, like drinking alcohol in a bar but some of these possibilities you can consider doing when you turn 21 too.

2. Change your ID

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You can finally change your driver's license or identification card to one with a horizontal orientation after you turn 21.  When you're under 21, your I.D. tends to have a vertical orientation and in some states, you can't actually change it to horizontal until after your 21st birthday!

3. A fresh start

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When you turn 21, you might have just or are about to graduate from college, and it's likely that, like most people, you're feeling a little lost and are searching for which direction you want to take your life in.  But don't worry, there are so many people in your shoes, so just enjoy this fresh start as you begin to find your feet as an adult.

4. Reinvent yourself

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So because it's a chance for a fresh start as you enter adulthood, many people choose to reinvent themselves whether it's consciously or unconsciously.  And these changes can be big or small, from getting a brand-new and daring haircut to adopting a new hobby.

6. Become an Uber driver

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You might have just graduated from education that you have been in since you were a young child.  So it's no wonder you're probably feeling directionless and unsettled now you have to take control of your own life!  And did you know that at 21, you can actually become an Uber driver?!

7. Get your pilots license

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You might have your eyes in the sky, so if driving an Uber car isn't enough for you, why not go all the way and get your pilot's license?!  Yes, it's true, as soon as you turn 21, you're now able to fly an aircraft!  So why not set your sights high and literally get in the sky?!

8. Legally buy liquor from a store

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If you already drink alcohol, you've probably been waiting for the day you turn 21 so that you can buy your own liquor from a store, without being ID'd.  At 21, you can now legally buy your own booze if you desire.  Just remember to drink responsibly!

9. Or drink in a bar

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If you're a social butterfly, you might prefer to hit the town and legally drink your booze in a bar instead!  Think about it though before you do, especially if your pals are still only 20 years old because you'll probably be drinking alone!  But if you're the last one to turn 21, you'll have some drinking buddies to enjoy the nightlife with!

10. Hit the casino

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Now we're not saying that you book a trip to Vegas and splash all of your cash on Blackjack. but now you're 21, you could, in theory, do this now.  This is because it's now legal for you to hit the casino and gamble!  And yes it can be fun, but don't throw away your first paycheck!  Gamble responsibly!

11. Travel

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You've probably felt like an adult for a long time already, but at 21 years old, now you are an actual full-blown adult.  And especially if you're in that 'in-between' stage between education and a job, it might be the perfect time to pack a backpack and travel around the world!  Go to places you've never been to before - you only live once!

12. Rent a car

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If you're thinking of exploring a little closer to home, you might want to consider renting a car if you don't have one already.  This is because many car rental companies do actually have a minimum age requirement of 21.  And some charge more fees and add more restrictions if you're younger.

13. Book a hotel room

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Now you're officially all grown-up at 21 years old, believe it or not, but you can now also book a hotel room without any parental consent!  And to be honest, this would be super useful if you're traveling around and prevent you from sleeping in a bush.

14. Serve on a jury

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Now that you are 21, you're now eligible to be selected for jury duty and live your best Elle Woods life (you remember Legally Blonde, right?).  Serving as a juror in a trial gives you an amazing chance to participate in the judicial process.  And who knows, maybe you'll find your career in the courtroom (not as a defendant, of course!).

15. Run for office

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You might have dreams of becoming the U.S. President one day, being a voice for citizens, or fighting for causes close to your heart.  And the good news is that you can actually get started right now!  It's true, now that you're 21, you can actually run for public office at the local, state, or federal level.

16. Buy fireworks!

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At 21, in some states, you are now able to buy fireworks legally.  So if you're sights are on creating the best and most magical fireworks display in the world, you're in luck!  But buying and possessing fireworks legally for personal use doesn't mean you can gamble with your's or anyone else's safety!  So be careful - you want it to end in a BANG but in a good way!

17. Body modification

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In some states, it is a legal requirement for people to be over 18 in order to get any kind of body modification, including tattoos, scarification, and body piercings.  But there are certain procedures that some states legally require you to actually be 21 years old for.

18. Make your own decisions regarding medical treatment

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Now that you're an adult, you now have the legal right to make your own decisions about your own medical treatment.  Before the age of 21, you'll probably be aware that for medical treatment or procedures to actually go ahead, you'd need parental consent.

19. Make decisions about your own body and reproductive health

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As well as making your own decisions about your own medical treatment, you are now also legally able to make decisions about your own body and reproductive health without gaining consent from parents or guardians.  This includes contraception, family planning, and reproductive health.

20. Adopt a child

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21 years of age may or may not seem young to be thinking about starting a family, and we're not suggesting that this is the right or wrong time to start.  But at 21, the crazy thing is that you're also now legally eligible to pursue adoption and become a legal parent to a child.

21. Rent a property independently

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If you're ready to move out and live more independently, at 21 you're now legally able to rent a property that you can call your home without getting any parental consent.  Everything can be in your own name which sounds great!  But be aware that you're now responsible for actually reading the contract and paying your rent on time!

22. Get a commercial driver's license

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You might have been driving for a number of years already, but at 21, you can not only get a pilot's license but if you want to stay grounded, you can also get a commercial driver's license (CDL).  This will allow you to drive commercial vehicles for work purposes, opening up another new possibility for your new career.

23. Apply for certain professional licenses

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If you've been looking into your new profession now that you are 21 and probably out of full-time education, you will be glad to hear that your horizons have expanded even more!  Certain professional licenses, like those for real estate agents, insurance agents, or financial advisors might have a minimum age requirement of 21 in some states.

24. Work in certain industries

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Certain work industries also have a minimum age requirement of 21 in the US and you can't actually work in certain roles until you're 21 years old.  These roles include bartending or serving alcohol in bars or other establishments and this is because of the nature of the work.

25. Donate your organs

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At 21, you can now legally register yourself as an organ donor if this is important to you.  By doing this, you are making the decision to donate your organs either before you die (obviously depending on the organ!), or upon your death.  This is important as you may potentially save lives when you die!

26. You have to be even older to serve in Congress

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21 isn't the be-all and end-all age though and you can't do absolutely everything when you hit this important milestone.  For example, if you wanted to serve in the United States Congress, you'd have to wait until you were 25.  And if you wanted to serve in the United States Senate, you have to be really old - like 30! (Note: we don't actually think 30 is 'really old')

27. 'Adulting'

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Becoming an adult might scream freedom to you.  You're free to be independent, to make your own decisions, and the world seems to just open up so much more.  But with this comes its own set of cons too, including the responsibilities and pressures of adulthood, including financial obligations, and career demands, which can, in truth, be pretty overwhelming and stressful at times.

28. Freedom vs. Responsibilities

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With your newfound freedom and autonomy, you have the ability to shape your own life with your decisions and according to your values and aspirations which can add to your personal growth and self-discovery, instilling a great sense of accomplishment and confidence.  Yes, you have responsibilities, but it's important to find ways of reducing your stress and developing your adaptability and resilience to life's demands.

29. Considerations

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It's such an exciting time of life, and it's really easy to get carried away with what you're able to do.  So it's super important that you remember to consider a few elements including your own personal interests, your values, safety, and also your budget when choosing new activities.

30. Enjoy this new chapter

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The most important thing to do though is to just enjoy this new chapter of your life.  Being 21 is such an exciting time because there are so many possibilities and experiences waiting for you in the future.  Don't panic about your direction at the moment, just enjoy the ride.