Today I decided to check out signing up for Google Adwords because I am considering using it for an iPhone game I am developing. I try to sign up but unfortunately I got this page: [color=#888888]Age Limit , because apparently I am not old enough. I then followed the link provided to learn more about suspended accounts so I could see why there was an age limit (the link is here incase you want it). This link, unfortunately, didn't provide me with an answer. My best guess is it has to do with legal reasons but I really have no idea why there is an age limit. Could someone please explain this to me? Additionally, since it appears I will not to be able to get around it, would it be legal if I had someone over 18 years of age (which is the age limit) sign up for an account and then have them help me set it up for my own business and game advertisements? Thank you for your time

Minors -- people under age 18 -- cannot enter that type of legally binding contract.

As a minor you can potentially disavow almost all contracts. There are very few contracts you cannot disavow, such as purchasing groceries or clothing. That is why society prevents minors from most major financial and business transactions. It is foolish to make a contract with someone when they can easily shrug off all responsibility for it.

That is why you cannot open accounts at many sites: You must be an adult (age 18+) to form a legally binding agreement.

This is especially true of banks and financial services like PayPal. Many people do get PayPal accounts before becoming an adult. Misrepresenting your age can lead to very serious fraud charges even as a minor.

I'm surprised that you have pulled down the iPhone material; you must be 18 to consent to that agreement as well.

Yikes--that's not what I wanted to hear at all. I don't believe I had to supply my age for the iPhone program, but it may have been in the fine print. So what would be my best option in this situation? I can only think of making a new account under my Dad's name and information. Another concern I have is that I have created an LLC under my name and information. Firstly, was this a crime because I am a minor? Second, would the fact that I am the founder of this business clash with the idea of using my Dad?

I have created an LLC under my name and information. Firstly, was this a crime because I am a minor? Second, would the fact that I am the founder of this business clash with the idea of using my Dad?

What state are you in? Each state has their own business laws; some will allow it and others will not.

To be clear, minors can certainly engage in business -- they do it all the time with babysitting, lawn care, computer repair, and many other personal businesses. The real question is if your state allows an LLC or other business entity where the Members (owners) are entirely of minority age.

A phone call or visit to your SBA office could help clear everything up.


Until you reach adulthood it is probably best to have a parent directly involved in any agreements.