Introduction
The age of consent in the US, which is generally around 16-18 years old depending on the state, is similar to many other countries around the world.
In the United States, each state has its own laws regarding the age of consent for sexual activities. These laws are designed to protect minors from sexual exploitation and to prevent adults from engaging in sexual activities with children. The age of consent typically ranges from 16 to 18 years old, although there are some variations across states.
While states may set their own age of consent, they only range from sixteen to eighteen. There are eleven states where the age of consent is the same as the age of majority and eight states where the age of consent is seventeen. The remaining states have an age of consent of sixteen.
Some states have also implemented a tiered system, where the age of consent may vary depending on the age difference between the partners involved.
It’s important to note that even if the age of consent in a particular state is 16 years old, engaging in sexual activities with a minor who is under the age of 18 may still be considered illegal if there is a significant age difference between the partners. This is known as statutory rape and is a serious criminal offense that can result in jail time, fines, and registration as a sex offender.
Age of Consent in America
State | Age of Consent | Maximum Age Difference | Minimum Marriage Age |
---|---|---|---|
Alabama | 16 Years Old | 2 Years | 16 Years Old |
Alaska | 16 Years Old | 3 Years | 16 Years Old |
Arkansas | 16 Years Old | 3 Years | 17 Years Old |
Connecticut | 16 Years Old | 2 Years | 16 Years Old |
District of Columbia | 16 Years Old | 4 Years | |
Georgia | 16 Years Old | 16 Years Old | |
Hawaii | 16 Years Old | 5 Years | 15 Years Old |
Indiana | 16 Years Old | 17 Years Old | |
Iowa | 16 Years Old | 4 Years | 16 Years Old |
Kansas | 16 Years Old | 16 Years Old | |
Kentucky | 16 Years Old | 18 Years Old | |
Maine | 16 Years Old | 5 Years | 16 Years Old |
Maryland | 16 Years Old | 4 Years | 16 Years Old |
Massachusetts | 16 Years Old | 14 Years Old | |
Michigan | 16 Years Old | 16 Years Old | |
Minnesota | 16 Years Old | 3 Years | 16 Years Old |
Mississippi | 16 Years Old | 2 Years | |
Montana | 16 Years Old | 16 Years Old | |
Nebraska | 16 Years Old | 17 Years Old | |
Nevada | 16 Years Old | 16 Years Old | |
New Hampshire | 16 Years Old | 14 Years Old | |
New Jersey | 16 Years Old | 4 Years | 16 Years Old |
North Carolina | 16 Years Old | 4 Years | 16 Years Old |
Ohio | 16 Years Old | 16 Years Old | |
Oklahoma | 16 Years Old | 16 Years Old | |
Pennsylvania | 16 Years Old | 4 Years | 16 Years Old |
Rhode Island | 16 Years Old | 16 Years Old | |
South Carolina | 16 Years Old | 16 Years Old | |
South Dakota | 16 Years Old | 3 Years | 16 Years Old |
Vermont | 16 Years Old | 16 Years Old | |
Washington | 16 Years Old | 2 Years | 17 Years Old |
West Virginia | 16 Years Old | 4 Years | 18 Years Old |
Colorado | 17 Years Old | 4 Years | 16 Years Old |
Illinois | 17 Years Old | 16 Years Old | |
Louisiana | 17 Years Old | 3 Years | 18 Years Old |
Missouri | 17 Years Old | 15 Years Old | |
New Mexico | 17 Years Old | 4 Years | 16 Years Old |
New York | 17 Years Old | 16 Years Old | |
Texas | 17 Years Old | 3 Years | 16 Years Old |
Wyoming | 17 Years Old | 4 Years | 16 Years Old |
Arizona | 18 Years Old | 2 Years | 16 Years Old |
California | 18 Years Old | ||
Delaware | 18 Years Old | 16 Years Old | |
Florida | 18 Years Old | 16 Years Old | |
Idaho | 18 Years Old | 16 Years Old | |
North Dakota | 18 Years Old | 16 Years Old | |
Oregon | 18 Years Old | 3 Years | 17 Years Old |
Tennessee | 18 Years Old | 4 Years | 16 Years Old |
Utah | 18 Years Old | 10 Years | 16 Years Old |
Virginia | 18 Years Old | 16 Years Old | |
Wisconsin | 18 Years Old | 16 Years Old |
Maximum Age Difference
In addition to setting an age of consent, many states also have laws regulating the maximum age difference between partners who engage in sexual activities. These laws are intended to prevent adults from taking advantage of minors who may not have the emotional maturity to understand the implications of their actions.
The maximum age difference laws typically specify the maximum number of years that can exist between the partners. For example, in Alabama, the maximum age difference is 2 years, while in Utah, it is as high as 10 years.
Minimum Marriage Age
In addition to setting an age of consent, some states also regulate the minimum age at which a person can legally get married. These laws are intended to prevent forced marriages and to ensure that minors are not coerced into entering into marriages that they may not fully understand.
The minimum marriage age typically ranges from 16 to 18 years old, although some states may allow younger individuals to marry with parental consent or a court order. It’s important to note that even if a minor is legally allowed to get married, engaging in sexual activities with their partner may still be considered statutory rape if the age of consent laws are not followed.
Age of Consent by State
Alabama
The age of consent in Alabama is 16 years old, and the maximum age difference between the individuals involved in sexual activity is 2 years. Individuals must also be at least 16 years old to marry without parental consent.
Alaska
In Alaska, the age of consent is 16 years old, and the maximum age difference between the individuals involved in sexual activity is 3 years. Additionally, individuals must be at least 16 years old to marry without parental consent.
Arizona
The age of consent in Arizona is 18 years old, and the maximum age difference between the individuals involved in sexual activity is 2 years. Individuals must be at least 16 years old to marry with parental consent, or 18 years old to marry without parental consent.
Arkansas
In Arkansas, the age of consent is 16 years old, and the maximum age difference between the individuals involved in sexual activity is 3 years. Additionally, individuals must be at least 17 years old to marry with parental consent, or 18 years old to marry without parental consent.
California
Age of Consent
18 Years Old
The age of consent in California is 18 years old.
Colorado
In Colorado, the age of consent is 17 years old, and the maximum age difference between the individuals involved in sexual activity is 4 years. Individuals must be at least 16 years old to marry with parental consent, or 18 years old to marry without parental consent.
Connecticut
The age of consent in Connecticut is 16 years old, and the maximum age difference between the individuals involved in sexual activity is 2 years. Additionally, individuals must be at least 16 years old to marry with parental consent, or 18 years old to marry without parental consent.
Delaware
Age of Consent
18 Years Old
16 Years Old
In Delaware, the age of consent is 18 years old. Individuals must be at least 16 years old to marry with parental consent, or 18 years old to marry without parental consent.
District of Columbia
Age of Consent
16 Years Old
Maximum Age Difference
4 Years
The age of consent in the District of Columbia is 16 years old, and the maximum age difference between the individuals involved in sexual activity is 4 years.
Florida
Age of Consent
18 Years Old
16 Years Old
In Florida, the age of consent is 18 years old. Individuals must be at least 16 years old to marry with parental consent, or 18 years old to marry without parental consent.
Georgia
Age of Consent
16 Years Old
16 Years Old
The age of consent in Georgia is 16 years old. Additionally, individuals must be at least 16 years old to marry with parental consent, or 18 years old to marry without parental consent.
Hawaii
In Hawaii, the age of consent is 16 years old, and the maximum age difference between the individuals involved in sexual activity is 5 years. Individuals must be at least 15 years old to marry with parental consent, or 18 years old to marry without parental consent.
Idaho
Age of Consent
18 Years Old
16 Years Old
The age of consent in Idaho is 18 years old. Additionally, individuals must be at least 16 years old to marry with parental consent, or 18 years old to marry without parental consent.
Illinois
Age of Consent
17 Years Old
16 Years Old
In Illinois, the age of consent is 17 years old. Individuals must be at least 16 years old to marry with parental consent, or 18 years old to marry without parental consent.
Indiana
Age of Consent
16 Years Old
17 Years Old
The age of consent in Indiana is 16 years old. Additionally, individuals must be at least 17 years old to marry with parental consent, or 18 years old to marry without parental consent.
Iowa
In Iowa, both the age of consent and the minimum age for marriage is 16 years old.
Kansas
Age of Consent
16 Years Old
16 Years Old
In Kansas, both the age of consent and the minimum age for marriage is 16 years old.
Kentucky
Age of Consent
16 Years Old
18 Years Old
In Kentucky, the age of consent is 16 years old, and there are no additional stipulations regarding maximum age difference. However, the minimum age for marriage in Kentucky is 18 years old, unless the individual has the written consent of a parent or guardian.
Louisiana
Louisiana has an age of consent of 17 years old, and individuals who are at least 17 years old but less than 21 may have sexual contact with someone who is not more than 3 years older. The minimum age for marriage in Louisiana is 18 years old, but individuals who are at least 16 years old may marry with the written consent of a parent or guardian.
Maine
Maine has an age of consent of 16 years old. The minimum age for marriage in Maine is also 16 years old.
Maryland
Maryland has an age of consent of 16 years old, and individuals who are at least 16 years old but less than 18 may have sexual contact with someone who is not more than 4 years older. Additionally, the minimum age for marriage in Maryland is 16 years old.
Massachusetts
Age of Consent
16 Years Old
14 Years Old
Massachusetts has an age of consent of 16 years old, and there are no additional stipulations regarding maximum age difference. However, the minimum age for marriage in Massachusetts is 18 years old with no exception, as of 2022 legislation passed by Governor Baker in a move to end what is commonly referred to as child marriage.
Michigan
Age of Consent
16 Years Old
16 Years Old
Michigan has an age of consent of 16 years old. The minimum age for marriage in Michigan is also 16 years old.
Minnesota
Minnesota has an age of consent of 16 years old. The minimum age for marriage in Minnesota is also 16 years old.
Mississippi
Age of Consent
16 Years Old
Maximum Age Difference
2 Years
Mississippi has an age of consent of 16 years old.
Missouri
Age of Consent
17 Years Old
15 Years Old
Missouri has an age of consent of 17 years old, and the minimum age for marriage is 15 years old with the written consent of a parent or guardian.
Montana
Age of Consent
16 Years Old
16 Years Old
In Montana, both the age of consent and the minimum age for marriage is 16 years old.
Nebraska
Age of Consent
16 Years Old
17 Years Old
Nebraska has an age of consent of 16 years old, and the minimum age for marriage is 17 years old with the written consent of a parent or guardian.
Nevada
Age of Consent
16 Years Old
16 Years Old
In Nevada, both the age of consent and the minimum age for marriage is 16 years old.
New Hampshire
Age of Consent
16 Years Old
14 Years Old
The age of consent in New Hampshire is 16 years old.
New Jersey
New Jersey has an age of consent of 16 years old. The minimum age for marriage in New Jersey is 16 years old with the written consent of a parent or guardian.
New Mexico
In New Mexico, the age of consent is 17 years old, with a maximum age difference of four years. This means that individuals who are at least 17 years old can legally consent to sexual activity with partners who are up to four years older than them. However, any sexual activity with a minor under the age of 17 is considered statutory rape.
New York
Age of Consent
17 Years Old
16 Years Old
New York sets the age of consent at 17 years old, with no specified maximum age difference. Individuals who are at least 17 years old can legally consent to sexual activity with partners of any age who also consent. However, sexual activity with a person under the age of 17 is considered statutory rape.
North Carolina
North Carolina has an age of consent of 16 years old, with a maximum age difference of four years. Individuals who are at least 16 years old can legally consent to sexual activity with partners who are up to four years older than them. Any sexual activity with a minor under the age of 16 is considered statutory rape.
North Dakota
Age of Consent
18 Years Old
16 Years Old
North Dakota sets the age of consent at 18 years old, with a minimum age difference of zero years. This means that individuals who are at least 18 years old can only legally engage in sexual activity with partners who are also 18 years old or older. Sexual activity with a minor under the age of 18 is considered statutory rape.
Ohio
Age of Consent
16 Years Old
16 Years Old
In Ohio, the age of consent is 16 years old, with no specified maximum age difference. Individuals who are at least 16 years old can legally consent to sexual activity with partners who also consent. However, sexual activity with a person under the age of 16 is considered statutory rape.
Oklahoma
Age of Consent
16 Years Old
16 Years Old
Oklahoma sets the age of consent at 16 years old, with no specified maximum age difference. This means that individuals who are at least 16 years old can legally consent to sexual activity with partners who also consent.
Oregon
In Oregon, the age of consent is 18 years old, with a maximum age difference of three years.
Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, the age of consent is 16 years old with a maximum age difference of 4 years. However, the minimum age for marriage in Pennsylvania is also 16 years old, which means that minors who are 16 and 17 years old may be married with the consent of their parents or legal guardians.
Rhode Island
Age of Consent
16 Years Old
16 Years Old
In Rhode Island, the age of consent is 16 years old. There is no maximum age difference specified in the law, but individuals who engage in sexual activity with someone under the age of 14 can face much harsher penalties.
South Carolina
Age of Consent
16 Years Old
16 Years Old
In South Carolina, the age of consent is 16 years old. There is no maximum age difference specified in the law, but it is illegal for an individual who is in a position of authority or trust to engage in sexual activity with someone who is under 18 years old.
South Dakota
In South Dakota, the age of consent is 16 years old with a maximum age difference of 3 years. Additionally, it is illegal for anyone over the age of 18 to engage in sexual activity with someone who is under the age of 16, regardless of the age difference.
Tennessee
In Tennessee, the age of consent is 18 years old with a maximum age difference of 4 years. It is also illegal for someone over the age of 18 to engage in sexual activity with someone who is between the ages of 13 and 17 if the older individual is in a position of authority or trust.
Texas
In Texas, the age of consent is 17 years old with a maximum age difference of 3 years. It is also illegal for an individual who is in a position of authority or trust to engage in sexual activity with someone who is under the age of 18.
Utah
In Utah, the age of consent is 18 years old with a maximum age difference of 10 years. It is also illegal for anyone over the age of 18 to engage in sexual activity with someone who is under the age of 16.
Vermont
Age of Consent
16 Years Old
16 Years Old
In Vermont, the age of consent is 16 years old with no maximum age difference specified in the law. However, it is illegal for anyone over the age of 18 to engage in sexual activity with someone who is under the age of 16.
Virginia
Age of Consent
18 Years Old
16 Years Old
In Virginia, the age of consent is 18 years old with no maximum age difference specified in the law. It is also illegal for anyone over the age of 18 to engage in sexual activity with someone who is under the age of 18 if the older individual is in a position of authority or trust.
Washington
In Washington, the age of consent is 16 years old with a maximum age difference of 2 years. It is also illegal for anyone over the age of 18 to engage in sexual activity with someone who is under the age of 18 if the older individual is in a position of authority or trust.
West Virginia
In West Virginia, the age of consent is 16 years old with a maximum age difference of 4 years. The minimum age for marriage in West Virginia is 18 years old, although minors who are 16 or 17 years old may be married with the consent of their parents or legal guardians.
Wisconsin
Age of Consent
18 Years Old
16 Years Old
In Wisconsin, the age of consent is 18 years old with no maximum age difference specified in the law. It is also illegal for anyone over the age of 18 to engage in sexual activity with someone who is under the age of 18 if the older individual is in a position of authority or trust.
Wyoming
In Wyoming, the age of consent is 17 years old with a maximum age difference of 4 years. It is also illegal for anyone over the age of 18 to engage in sexual activity with someone who is under the age of 16.
FAQs
What is the age of consent in the US ?
The age of consent in the US varies by state and ranges from 16 to 18 years old.
What does age of consent mean ?
The age of consent in the United States refers to the minimum age at which an individual is considered legally competent to consent to sexual activity.
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