how old do you have to be  to sign a contract?
A contract is an agreement that the law will enforce. A contract does not have to be in writing to be enforceable (but verbal contracts are often more difficult to enforce, as they are more difficult to prove). When you are 18 or older, you may contract with others. If you are under 18, you may also be able to contract with others, but you are generally limited to: 1  contracts that may benefit you; and. 2  contracts for the necessities of life.