What is typically the age at which a person is considered an adult, depending on state laws?

In most jurisdictions in the United States, the age at which a person is considered an adult is either 18 or 21 years. The age of 18 is significant because it is when individuals typically gain the legal rights associated with adulthood, such as the ability to vote, enter into contracts, and be tried as an adult in criminal proceedings.

Some states may set their legal drinking age at 21, which is a separate consideration but also highlights the distinction between different rights afforded as adulthood is recognized. This creates a framework where an 18-year-old can be considered an adult in terms of most legal rights, while the age of 21 may apply to specific privileges like alcohol consumption.

The ages of 16, 25, or 30 do not reflect the statutory age of majority across the majority of states. Therefore, the most accurate answer regarding when legal adulthood is recognized in a general sense aligns with the age of either 18 or 21 years.