The Age of Majority
755 ILCS 5/11-1 — at 18 a person is of legal age for all purposes, unless another law says otherwise
A minor is a person who has not reached 18. A person who has reached 18 is of legal age for all purposes, except as otherwise provided.
Who handles this in Illinois: legal aid programs, lawyer referral and the state offices, listed in the Illinois directory.
Some laws set other ages. Buying, holding or drinking alcohol stays forbidden until 21.
Sources for this section (2)
- 755 ILCS 5/11-1 — Definitions
- 235 ILCS 5/6-20 — Transfer, possession, and consumption of alcoholic liquor; restrictions
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Illinois attorney.