Wyoming Legal Ages Laws

By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed January 24, 2023

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We all know it to be true. A teenaged boy with facial hair can look old enough to buy a case of beer. A mature-looking teenaged girl can look old enough to get into a nightclub. But in the end, the age of majority is the final arbiter. That is where the legal system draws the line between minors and adults.

Here's a brief summary of legal age laws in Wyoming.

Age of Majority in Wyoming

In most states, the age of majority is 18. However, each state has laws that dictate what a person can and can't do at certain ages. The age of majority is the age when a person is considered an adult in the eyes of the law.

Wyoming Age Statutes

Legal ages in Wyoming are highlighted in the chart below.

Age of Majority

Eligibility for Emancipation

 Under §14-1-201, et seq., a minor is eligible for emancipation under the following circumstances:
  • Through marriage
  • Through military service
  • If the minor is at least 17 years of age and living separately from their parents
  • If the parents consent to the living arrangement
  • If the minor is deemed capable of handling their own financial affairs
  • If the minor is earning an incoming through a legal means

Contracts by Minors

Minors' Ability to Sue

Minors' Consent to Medical Treatment
  • Under § 35-4-113, a minor of any age may consent to treatment when it is not possible to obtain the consent of a parent or guardian.
  • Under § 6-2-309, a minor of any age may consent to medical exams following an assault.
  • Under § 35-4-131, a minor may consent to medical care related to a communicable disease, including sexually transmitted infections.
  • Under § 14-1-101, a minor may consent to medical care if they are married, they are in the military, or a parent can't be located. Under the same statute, a minor may consent to medical treatments if they are living apart from their parents, are self-supporting, or are emancipated.

Legal Responsibilities of Minors and Parents

There is a legal process, called the emancipation of a minor, by which a minor can become an adult in the eyes of the law. Although the age of majority in Wyoming is 18, emancipation can allow for a minor at age 17 to be responsible for their own decisions regarding school, healthcare, and other matters. In most cases, until they are emancipated or they turn 18, juveniles will normally be treated as such in criminal cases, including age and status offenses.

Wyoming Legal Age Laws: Related Resources

State laws regulating legal ages are subject to change. If you would like legal assistance with a juvenile case or a family law matter, you can contact a Wyoming family law attorney. You can also visit FindLaw's Family Law section for more articles and resources.

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