To Buy Stocks: Requirements

: You generally must be at least 18 years old to open a standard brokerage account on your own. In some states, this requirement may be as high as 21.

Workaround for Minors : If you are under 18, a parent or guardian can open a (like a UGMA or UTMA) on your behalf. requirements to buy stocks

: Brokerages are required to report your investment income and capital gains to the IRS, so providing an SSN or Taxpayer Identification Number is mandatory. 2. Financial Prerequisites: The "Pre-Flight" Checklist : You generally must be at least 18

: You will need a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport , to verify your identity. to verify your identity.