If you are turning 18, read this page!
At 18, you become a legal adult. You will then have all of the legal responsibilities of an adult, including making your own decisions and being responsible for them.
Voting: You can register at the Department of Motor Vehicles, your city or town hall or by mail, once you turn 18. If you change your address, you will need to reregister.
Selective Services: All males between the ages of 18-25 are legally required to register for the selective service (the draft). You can do this at your local post office. You cannot receive financial aid for college unless you register.
Personal Records: You have the right to obtain your own copies of these items:
1) your birth certificate (from the town hall where you were born or from Vital Records, 244 Water Street SHS #11, Augusta 04333-0011)
2) your Social Security Card (Social Security Office)
3) a photo ID (Department of Motor Vehicles)
MaineCare: MaineCare is health insurance for all youth in custody who do not have other medical coverage. Youth who age out of foster care are eligible for MaineCare up to their
27th birthday. You must reapply for MaineCare each year or you may be closed out! If your income is under a certain amount, you can continue to receive MaineCare. Ask your caseworker for help. You can apply for MaineCare at your local DHHS office, or you may call the member services toll-free number, 1-800-977-6740 (TTY 1-800-977-6741).
Driver’s License: If you are under 18, you will need permission from DHHS to get your driver’s license. Your caseworker and care provider should agree that you are ready for this huge responsibility. Maine requires that everyone under 18 take driver’s education before getting a permit or license. You must be covered by insurance on the car you will be driving, and this is your responsibility. If you are under 18 and in custody, you may not own a car, motorcycle, snowmobile, or another off-road vehicle.
Free Credit Report: It is important to know if you have good credit. By state and federal law, you can access your free credit report by calling 1-877-322-8228 or online at www.AnnualCreditReport.com, or by sending your request by mail to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, PO Box 105283, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.
Here is a checklist of things you may want to do:
□ Sign the V-9 contract or talk with your caseworker about it.
□ Get a copy of your Social Security Card.
□ Get a copy of your birth certificate.
□ Register for the Selective Service (if you are a male).
□ Ask your caseworker if you eligible for social security/disability.
□ Apply for MaineCare or other health insurance.
□ Apply for SSI and other benefits.
□ Get a picture ID.
□ Register to vote.
□ Check your free credit report.
□ Make a list of important phone numbers and addresses (doctors, friends, family).
□ Think about designating a Health Care Proxy by visiting the website: www.caringinfo.org