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Becoming independent

Being in charge of your own life means you may have to think about finding a job and a place to live. You have to vote and you may want to open a bank account. You might also want to make a Will, travel overseas and drive a car. This section tells you about the law and gives you a few tips about how to do some of these things.

Bank accounts

You can open a bank account at any age. You need more than one form of identification, like your birth certificate and photo ID. Ask the bank what kind of ID they need. If you have a tax file number, tell the bank. If you don’t give the bank your tax file number you may be taxed at a higher rate.

See ‘Young people and work – frequently asked questions’ (link below) for more information about tax file numbers.

Voting

You can register to vote when you turn 17, but you can’t vote until you are 18.

Once you are 18, if you are an Australian citizen it is compulsory to enrol and vote in state, federal and local government (council) elections. You will be fined if you are registered and don’t vote.

You can download enrolment forms from the Australian Electoral Commission website (link below).

Passports

You need a passport to travel outside of Australia. You can apply for a passport before you turn 18 if your parents or guardian agree. If your parents or guardian can’t or won’t agree, there are steps you can take. Phone the Australian Passport Information Service on 131 232.

Passport applications are available from your local post office or can be downloaded from the Passports website (link below).

You don’t need your parents’ or guardian’s consent to get a passport if you are married.

Making a Will

When you are 18 you can make your Will. This is a document that says who you want your belongings to go to after you die. Your Will is only valid if you sign it and two other people witness it. Get legal advice if you want to make a Will.

Some agencies offer free Wills, but check to see if they will ask for a commission or payment from your estate after your death.

If you are under 18 you can only make a Will if you are married or plan to marry. The Will is only valid if you actually marry or if you have court approval.

More information

Wills & estates (general information)

Young people and work – frequently asked questions

Related publications

Am I old enough?

Related websites

Australian Electoral Commission (new window)

Passports (new window)

How we can help

Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) has a Youth Legal Service that provides legal information and assistance to children, young people and parents.

Call VLA’s Legal Information Service for free information over the phone about the law and how we can help you with your legal problem. You can speak to a legal information officer in English or ask for an interpreter. Phone (03) 9269 0120 or 1800 677 402 (country callers), Monday to Friday from 8.45 am to 5.15 pm.

VLA’s free legal services include:

  • advice at VLA offices and other locations across Victoria
  • lawyers who are on ‘duty’ to help at many courts and tribunals, including the Children’s court
  • advice at many correctional facilities, remand and detention centres, including the Melbourne Juvenile Justice Centre, Parkville Youth Residential Centre and secure welfare facilities.

For some matters we can provide you with a lawyer to help you run your case.

To find out more about any of our legal services see What we do.

Who else can help?

Youthlaw is a community legal centre for young people up to the age of 25. Youthlaw can help with:

  • confidential legal advice, information and casework services
  • information about your legal rights and responsibilities.

See the Youthlaw website (new window), call them on (03) 9611 2412 or email info@youthlaw.asn.au.