How old do you have to be to buy condoms?
The short answer: there is no age requirement to buy condoms in the U.S. If you go to a grocery store, pharmacy, or gas station, the cashier typically will not ask for identification.
While there’s no legal age for buying condoms, there is a legal age for having sex, known as the age of consent, which varies by state. These laws are in place to protect minors from exploitation.
Age of Consent by State
Age 16: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia.
Age 17: Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Texas.
Age 18: Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, North Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Note: These laws can be complex. Some states include “close-in-age exemptions” (sometimes called Romeo and Juliet laws) that may make certain relationships legal when both partners are close in age. Laws also change over time. Always check the most up-to-date laws in your state.
Where to Buy Condoms
Condoms are widely available at:
Pharmacies and drugstores
Grocery stores
Gas stations
Online retailers
You can also get free or low-cost condoms at health centers, clinics, or through community programs.
Let's get back to the buying part for the moment.
When to Buy Condoms
It’s smart to plan ahead. Buying condoms before you need them means you’ll always be prepared. A pack of 12 typically costs around $10, depending on the brand and type.
What Kind to Buy
There are many condom types and brands to choose from:
Different sizes for comfort and fit
Latex, non-latex, or polyurethane materials
Varieties such as lubricated, textured, or ultra-thin
Reading the packaging or doing a little research can help you decide what’s best.
How Many to Buy
Most boxes contain 10–12 condoms, though larger packs are available. Condoms usually have a shelf life of several years, so you don’t need to worry about them going bad quickly. Always check the expiration date before using.
Key Takeaways
There is no minimum age to buy condoms in the U.S.
The age of consent varies by state (16, 17, or 18).
Condoms are available at stores, gas stations, online, and often for free at health centers.
Investing in condoms is a smart way to protect your sexual health.