What is the minimum age for board of directors

**youngmarketplace** · 12-02-2008 06:57 AM

Hey guys

Question here.

Is the age limit for board of directors 18 in the USA? Can someone be younger if there parent gives, written consent. Would the parent have to be part of each Board meeting?

Also at what age can some one become a officer of a company.
I know that someone under 18 can not own stocks directly because of their age. What would have to be done to get initial stock to that person.
Thanks

**youngmarketplace** · 12-02-2008 11:38 AM

Well according to one website"

Is there a minimum age for officers of a corporation?
No. Members of the Board of Directors must be at least 18 years old.
I have yet to find any other website saying any other information regarding this matter? I haven't spent 1 hour so far searching and am quite frustrated by not finding it anywhere. This should be a common question.

Any help here, I have a deadline finding this out for someone today.

thanks in advance

**Encrypted** · 12-02-2008 12:48 PM

Considering no one can take legal action against you if you are under the age of 18. I would have to say you arn't allowed you.

**kimbeckers** · 12-02-2008 02:27 PM

I would have to agree with that statement. I do not see how your parents could be held responsible for your actions in this case but I could be wrong. Perhaps someone else may chime in.

Good luck,
Kim

Originally Posted by Yusio

Considering no one can take legal action against you if you are under the age of 18. I would have to say you arn't allowed you.

**youngmarketplace** · 12-02-2008 02:30 PM

Lol I am 23, this question is actually because one of my partners is 16 and quite bright, but two different lawyers have told us two different responses, so it hasn't helped.

thanks

**BioSpherical** · 12-02-2008 02:56 PM

I was a Director of a UK Limited company at the age of 15, there seemed to be no issue with that. But it may be different in the US of course!

**youngmarketplace** · 12-02-2008 03:01 PM

The laws here in the USA are different then that of the UK, and by the way according to the laws of the UK, anyone under 16 can not hold a board position on a company, I am citing 3 articles of law I have be able to read over when trying to find USA law.

thanks

**Mega B** · 12-02-2008 03:05 PM

I have just checked with companies house in the UK and the minimum age is 16 as of 1st Oct 2008 but it was possible prior to that to be younger but after the 1st Oct if you are under 16 you have to cease being a director.

**BioSpherical** · 12-02-2008 03:06 PM

Originally Posted by youngmarketplace

The laws here in the USA are different then that of the UK, and by the way according to the laws of the UK, anyone under 16 can not hold a board position on a company, I am citing 3 articles of law I have be able to read over when trying to find USA law.

thanks

Hmmm maybe the laws have changed since I opened my company then...I was definitely 15, I was Company Director with a 50% stake and the other Director was 16 years old; he also had a 50% stake.

EDIT: Thanks for clarifying that Mega B.

**Mega B** · 12-02-2008 03:10 PM

Here you go source Corporate directors and under-age directors – Sections 155 to 159 companies house.

Underage Directors
The Act introduces a minimum age for a director of 16 years old, this came into force on 1st October 2008.

What happens to existing directors under the age of 16 on the 1st October 2008?
Existing under-age directorships will cease, with no notification to the Registrar required.

**youngmarketplace** · 12-02-2008 03:40 PM

thanks guys, but I am trying to figure out USA law

**youngmarketplace** · 12-02-2008 04:26 PM

okay a lawyer I just called answered my question.

You have to be 18 to be a director or officer. A stockholder can be any age. However, his parent or guardian must approve any transaction and be give a proxy to vote for him.