How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy a Dildo? Age Rules Explained

If you’re wondering how old do you have to be to buy a dildo, you’re not alone. The short version in most places: 18+. That said, the details can get confusing fast—because there isn’t one, universal “sex-toy law.” Instead, age rules are shaped by a mix of national or state/provincial laws, “obscenity” statutes, and store policies (both online and in-person). Most reputable retailers simply require that customers be the legal age of majority where they live, which is 18 in many countries (and most U.S. states). Online shops also commonly verify age at checkout or in their terms of sale.

In the U.S., there’s no single federal statute that says “you must be X age to buy a sex toy,” but federal obscenity laws and state/local rules still shape how products can be promoted, shipped, and sold. Retailers frequently follow a bright-line 18+ policy to stay compliant everywhere and to avoid selling to minors. Some U.S. states are even moving toward mandatory age-verification for online sex-toy purchases (e.g., recent Texas bills), which reinforces the de-facto 18+ norm.

Below, you’ll find a clear, practical guide to age requirements, in-store vs online purchasing, ID checks, parent/guardian issues, travel considerations, and what to expect at major chains—so you can shop confidently and legally.

The global baseline: 18+ is the norm (but policies vary)

Across much of the world—Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Japan, many Latin American countries—the assumed retail standard is that you must be 18 or older to buy sex toys. Even where there’s no explicit national statute, mainstream retailers treat sex toys as adult products and apply the 18+ rule. Always check local laws and the store’s terms; policy, not just law, often decides whether staff will complete the sale.

Why retailers default to 18+:

• To align with the age of majority and with how other adult-only goods are handled.
• To avoid violating obscenity or youth-protection rules in stricter jurisdictions.
• To maintain consistent, conservative compliance across borders.

The U.S. snapshot: no single federal “age law,” but 18+ in practice

Federal law: There’s no blanket federal statute setting a purchase age for vibrators/dildos. However, federal obscenity laws regulate the transport and sale of obscene materials; retailers play it safe with an 18+ policy.

State & local reality:

• Historically, a few states had “obscene device” provisions affecting sex-toy sales (e.g., Texas, Alabama). Today, outright bans are largely unenforceable or narrowed by courts, but they left a legacy of caution and stricter store practices.
• Some states are moving toward online age-verification rules for sex-toy purchases. In Texas, SB 3003 would require retailers to verify buyers are 18+ with photo ID or a third-party age-verification service (if enacted, set to take effect Sept 1, 2025). Keep an eye on local updates.

What this means for you: In practice, U.S. stores and sites nearly always require you to be 18+ (and may ask for ID)—even if your state doesn’t have a specific age statute.

Store policies: what big chains actually require

Most chain retailers that stock any adult items, or adult-adjacent categories, write the age-of-majority requirement into their terms of sale. For example, Spencer’s explicitly states that to place an online order, you must be at least the age of majority where you reside (which is 18 in most U.S. states). In practice, the same expectation carries over in stores: staff can refuse a sale if a shopper appears underage or can’t produce ID when asked.

Bottom line: Even if there’s no police officer checking you at the mall, the store’s policy controls whether the purchase goes through. Expect 18+ as the default at national chains and most boutiques.

Online vs. in-person: ID checks, age gates, and shipping

Online shops:

• Many sites use an age gate (click “I am 18+”) and reserve the right to cancel orders if the buyer is underage.
• Some now require hard age-verification (photo ID or a third-party age-check) in states considering new laws (e.g., Texas proposals). If those pass, you’ll see more ID checks at checkout.

Shipping & pickup:

• Carriers rarely check age at the door unless the sender uses “adult signature required.”
• If you pick up at a parcel shop, you’ll be asked for government-issued ID that matches the name on the label—if you’re under 18, you probably won’t receive the parcel.

In-store:

• Some shops card only in the adult/“18+” section; others card at purchase.
• Staff can decline the sale if you can’t verify 18+.

“Can a minor buy a sex toy if a parent approves?” (and other edge cases)

• With a parent present: Most stores will still apply 18+ to the purchaser; staff are trained not to sell adult products to or for minors.
  
• Gift cards: Acceptable as payment, but the store may still refuse the product if they believe it’s for a minor.
• Medical context: Pelvic-floor trainers or dilators may be purchased under medical guidance by an adult on behalf of a younger patient, but the buyer is still 18+ and medical devices are handled separately from “adult novelty” items.
• Returns: Opened sex toys are final sale in most places for hygiene reasons—age doesn’t change that policy.

Traveling or moving? Read this before you buy

• Cross-border shopping: What’s allowed at home may be restricted elsewhere. Some countries screen packages labeled as “adult goods,” and customs officers can seize items that violate local standards.
• College dorms / shared housing: Your school or building might have package rules—learn them first so you’re not stuck proving you’re 18 at the desk.
• Military bases / federal property: Federal obscenity rules can be stricter about what’s sold or displayed on federal property, even though adults can legally own and use sex toys.

Practical buying tips (so checkout is smooth)

• Check the shop’s terms and your local age-of-majority (usually 18).
• Have ID ready for store pickup or any place with an “18+ section.”
• Use a reputable retailer (clear age policy, discreet billing/shipping, hygiene-safe returns for unopened items).
• For online orders in stricter states, expect ID verification or a third-party age check, particularly if laws like Texas’s SB 3003 take effect.

Why retailers treat sex toys as 18+ (even if you find exceptions)

• Selling obscene material to minors or violating community decency rules.
• Reputation and chargebacks stemming from underage sales.
• The patchwork of state/provincial restrictions.

Because of that risk, most retailers choose a consistent 18+ rule, full stop. The occasional corner store or novelty shop that “doesn’t check” isn’t your reliable benchmark—and policies can change without notice.

Conclusion 

So, how old do you have to be to buy a dildo? In almost every real-world scenario, the answer is 18+. Even where the law doesn’t spell out a specific age, store policies do—and they’re what decide whether your purchase is approved. In the U.S., there’s no one federal “sex-toy age law,” but obscenity rules and a patchwork of state measures (including new age-verification bills for online sales) keep the retail standard firmly at 18 or older. Internationally, 18+ is also the common baseline.

If you’re of age, shop from reputable retailers, be ready to show ID (especially for pickup), and expect that online orders may require age verification depending on your state or country. If you’re under 18, the best and simplest answer is to wait—or speak with a trusted adult or healthcare provider for safe, accurate guidance.

Clear info, a little planning, and the right store make the process straightforward. Once you’re of age, you’ll be able to buy confidently and discreetly, with the peace of mind that you’re following the rules where you live.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do you have to be 18 to buy a sex toy?

In practice, yes. Most retailers require buyers to be 18+ (age of majority) even when local law is silent, and some jurisdictions are adding online age-verification requirements.

How old do you have to be to buy a vibrator?

Same rule as dildos: 18+ at most stores and sites. Check the retailer’s terms of sale.

Do you have to be 18 to buy a dildo at Spencer’s?

Spencer’s online Terms of Sale say you must be the age of majority where you reside (18 in most states) to complete an order; in stores, staff can require ID for adult items.

Why is there confusion about U.S. laws?

Because there’s no single federal “sex-toy age law.” Federal obscenity rules and various state histories (like Texas/Alabama’s “obscene device” statutes) make retailers err on the side of 18+.

Can states force ID checks for online sex-toy sales?

Some are trying. Texas SB 3003 would require photo ID/third-party age checks for online sex-toy purchases and penalize non-compliant sellers if enacted. Watch local updates.

If my country’s legal age is lower than 18, can a store still refuse me?

Yes. Store policy can be stricter than the legal minimum. If their terms say “18+,” staff can lawfully refuse the sale.

Is possession illegal for minors?

Rules vary. Even where possession isn’t criminalized, selling to minors can be restricted. Retailers minimize risk by sticking to 18+ sales policies. (When in doubt, check local law or ask the retailer.)