Arizona Legal Ages
The key age-based rights and duties in Arizona, with the law or official source behind each one: driving, work, school, tattoos, marriage, voting, jury service and more. Add a birth date to see which ages are reached and what comes next. It runs in your browser; nothing is stored.
Sources checked on October 21, 2026.
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Legal ages in Arizona
Age 6
Must be enrolled in school
Arizona requires children to attend school, or approved private or home instruction, from age 6.
Arizona law · A.R.S. § 15-802(A)
Age 8
Car seat or booster age requirement ends
The child car seat or booster requirement ends at age 8; after that a seat belt can be used.
Earlier once the child is taller than 4 feet 9 inches.
Arizona law · A.R.S. § 28-907(B)
Age 14
Can work limited hours in non-hazardous jobs (federal rule)
Federal law lets 14- and 15-year-olds work in permitted non-hazardous jobs, outside school hours and within weekly hour limits.
Limits: no more than 3 hours on a school day and 18 hours in a school week; 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week when school is out; only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day) (29 C.F.R. 570.35).
Federal rule, applies in every state · 29 CFR 570.2(a)(1)
Age 15 and 6 months
Can get a learner's permit
Arizona issues an instruction permit at 15 and 6 months.
A restricted instruction permit is available at 15 to a student enrolled in an approved driver training program (A.R.S. § 28-3155).
Arizona law · A.R.S. § 28-3153(A)(1)(b)
Age 16
Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends)
Arizona's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 16th birthday.
Arizona law · A.R.S. § 15-802(A)
Can work any non-hazardous job (federal rule)
At 16, the general federal minimum working age applies: any job except those the Labor Department declares hazardous.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 29 CFR 570.2(a)(1)
Can get a first license to drive alone
A Class G graduated license for driving alone is available at 16 after six months with a permit.
Arizona law · A.R.S. § 28-3174(A)
Court emancipation (adult status) can be sought
A minor can petition a court to be declared emancipated starting at age 16.
Arizona law · A.R.S. § 12-2451
Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent
With a parent's consent or an emancipation order, the lowest age to marry is 16.
Under 16 cannot marry. With an emancipation order, the spouse can be no more than 3 years older.
Arizona law · A.R.S. 25-102(A)-(C); 25-128(A)(1); 25-129(A)
Age 18
Can work in jobs federal law calls hazardous
At 18, the federal bar on jobs the Labor Department declares hazardous for minors ends for non-farm work.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 29 CFR 570.2(a)(1)
Teen license limits end (varies, see rule)
Class G night, passenger and phone limits stop applying at 18 at the latest.
The limits apply only for the first six months a Class G license is held, so a teen licensed at 16 is free of them at 16 and 6 months.
Arizona law · A.R.S. § 28-3174(D)-(G)
Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent
From 18, a person can be tattooed without a parent's consent.
Arizona law · A.R.S. § 13-3721(A)(1)
Becomes a legal adult (age of majority)
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18.
Arizona law · A.R.S. § 1-215(3)
Can make a will
A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18.
Arizona law · A.R.S. 14-2501
Can marry without a parent's consent
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18.
Arizona law · A.R.S. 25-102(A)
Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate
An adult adoptee can request a copy of the original birth certificate from age 18.
Arizona law · A.R.S. 36-340
Can vote
The U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to vote at 18 in every federal, state and local election.
Federal rule, applies in every state · U.S. Const. amend. XXVI, § 1
Must register with Selective Service (men)
Men 18 through 25 who are U.S. citizens or live in the United States must register with the Selective Service System.
Men admitted on a nonimmigrant visa are exempt while they keep that status (50 U.S.C. 3802(a)).
Federal rule, applies in every state · 50 U.S.C. § 3802(a)
Can be called for state jury service
A person can be called for state jury service from age 18.
Arizona law · A.R.S. § 21-201
Can be called for federal jury service
Federal courts may call U.S. citizens 18 or older who have lived in the judicial district for a year.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 28 U.S.C. § 1865(b)(1)
Charged as an adult by default (juvenile court age ends)
Arizona tries people charged with a crime in adult court by default from age 18; younger defendants start in juvenile court.
A juvenile court can transfer some younger defendants to adult court for serious offenses.
Arizona law · A.R.S. § 8-201(6)
Age 21
Can drive a commercial truck across state lines
Federal rules require drivers of commercial vehicles in interstate commerce to be at least 21.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 49 C.F.R. § 391.11(b)(1)
Can buy tobacco or vapes
Federal law bars any retailer from selling cigarettes, vapes or other tobacco products to anyone under 21, in every state.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 21 U.S.C. § 387f(d)(5)
Can buy alcohol
Federal highway funding law withholds funds from any state that lets anyone under 21 buy alcohol or possess it in public, so every state sets 21.
Federal rules let states exempt possession (not purchase) for a religious purpose, with a parent, spouse or legal guardian 21 or older, for medical use, in private clubs, or in lawful employment (23 C.F.R. 1208.3).
Federal rule, applies in every state · 23 U.S.C. § 158(a)
Can buy a lottery ticket
State law bars anyone under 21 from buying a lottery ticket.
Arizona law · A.R.S. § 5-565.02
Under-21 credit card limits end (no cosigner or independent income needed)
Under 21, a card issuer may open a credit card only with a cosigner or proof that you can repay on your own.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 15 U.S.C. § 1637(c)(8)
Age 25
Can serve in the U.S. House
The Constitution sets 25 as the minimum age for the U.S. House of Representatives.
Federal rule, applies in every state · U.S. Const. art. I, § 2, cl. 2
Can serve as governor
Arizona's constitution requires the governor to be at least 25 years old.
Arizona law · Ariz. Const. art. V, § 2
Age 30
Can serve in the U.S. Senate
The Constitution sets 30 as the minimum age for the U.S. Senate.
Federal rule, applies in every state · U.S. Const. art. I, § 3, cl. 3
Age 35
Can serve as President
The Constitution sets 35 as the minimum age for President.
Federal rule, applies in every state · U.S. Const. art. II, § 1, cl. 5
Age 62
Can start Social Security retirement benefits (reduced)
Social Security retirement benefits can start at 62, permanently reduced.
Federal rule, applies in every state · SSA, Retirement Benefits: Benefit reduction for early retirement
Age 65
Eligible for Medicare by age
Medicare hospital insurance by age begins at 65 for people entitled, or who would be entitled, to Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 42 U.S.C. § 426(a)
Age 67
Full Social Security retirement age (born 1960 or later)
Full Social Security retirement age is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later.
Federal rule, applies in every state · SSA, Full Retirement and Age 62 Benefit By Year Of Birth
Age 73
Retirement-account minimum withdrawals begin
Required minimum distributions from traditional retirement accounts begin at 73 for people who turn 72 after 2022.
Federal rule, applies in every state · 26 U.S.C. § 401(a)(9)(C)(v)
Age 75
Can ask to be excused from jury service because of age
From age 75, a person can ask to be excused from jury service because of age.
The excuse can be temporary or permanent.
Arizona law · A.R.S. § 21-202(C)
Rules with no set age in Arizona
- Rear-facing car seat age requirement ends: State law sets no rear-facing age; the car seat maker's limits govern when a child turns forward. A.R.S. § 28-907(A)
- Can work (state minimum age): State law sets no general minimum age; the federal minimum of 14 for limited hours applies to most employers. A.R.S. §§ 23-230 to 23-242
- No work permit needed: This state does not require a work permit. A.R.S. §§ 23-230 to 23-242
- Can get a tattoo with a parent's consent: With a parent or guardian physically present, state law sets no minimum age. A.R.S. § 13-3721(A)(1)
- Can pre-register to vote: Arizona sets no fixed pre-registration age; a person may register if they will be 18 by the next general election. A.R.S. § 16-101(A)(2)
- Can vote in a primary if 18 by the general election: Voters must be 18 on primary day; 17-year-olds cannot vote in primaries. A.R.S. § 16-121(A)
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Legal ages in Arizona, rule by rule
Each row is one rule, the age it sets in Arizona, and the law it comes from. Federal rules apply in every state and are marked as federal.
Childhood
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Rear-facing car seat age requirement ends State law sets no rear-facing age; the car seat maker's limits govern when a child turns forward. | No rear-facing age set | A.R.S. § 28-907(A) |
| Car seat or booster age requirement ends The child car seat or booster requirement ends at age 8; after that a seat belt can be used.Earlier once the child is taller than 4 feet 9 inches. | 8 | A.R.S. § 28-907(B) |
School
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Must be enrolled in school Arizona requires children to attend school, or approved private or home instruction, from age 6. | 6 | A.R.S. § 15-802(A) |
| Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends) Arizona's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 16th birthday. | 16 | A.R.S. § 15-802(A) |
Work
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can work limited hours in non-hazardous jobs (federal rule) Federal law lets 14- and 15-year-olds work in permitted non-hazardous jobs, outside school hours and within weekly hour limits.Limits: no more than 3 hours on a school day and 18 hours in a school week; 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week when school is out; only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day) (29 C.F.R. 570.35). | 14 | 29 CFR 570.2(a)(1)Federal, all states |
| Can work (state minimum age) State law sets no general minimum age; the federal minimum of 14 for limited hours applies to most employers.Arizona bars listed jobs for workers under 16 and under 18, limits hours under 16, and bars street newspaper sales under 10. | No state minimum | A.R.S. §§ 23-230 to 23-242 |
| No work permit needed This state does not require a work permit. | No permit required | A.R.S. §§ 23-230 to 23-242 |
| Can work any non-hazardous job (federal rule) At 16, the general federal minimum working age applies: any job except those the Labor Department declares hazardous. | 16 | 29 CFR 570.2(a)(1)Federal, all states |
| Can work in jobs federal law calls hazardous At 18, the federal bar on jobs the Labor Department declares hazardous for minors ends for non-farm work. | 18 | 29 CFR 570.2(a)(1)Federal, all states |
Driving
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can get a learner's permit Arizona issues an instruction permit at 15 and 6 months.A restricted instruction permit is available at 15 to a student enrolled in an approved driver training program (A.R.S. § 28-3155). | 15 and 6 months | A.R.S. § 28-3153(A)(1)(b) |
| Can get a first license to drive alone A Class G graduated license for driving alone is available at 16 after six months with a permit. | 16 | A.R.S. § 28-3174(A) |
| Teen license limits end (varies, see rule) Class G night, passenger and phone limits stop applying at 18 at the latest.The limits apply only for the first six months a Class G license is held, so a teen licensed at 16 is free of them at 16 and 6 months. | 18 | A.R.S. § 28-3174(D)-(G) |
| Can drive a commercial truck across state lines Federal rules require drivers of commercial vehicles in interstate commerce to be at least 21. | 21 | 49 C.F.R. § 391.11(b)(1)Federal, all states |
Tattoos
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can get a tattoo with a parent's consent With a parent or guardian physically present, state law sets no minimum age.Arizona requires the parent or legal guardian to be physically present; the statute does not require written consent. | No minimum age | A.R.S. § 13-3721(A)(1) |
| Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent From 18, a person can be tattooed without a parent's consent. | 18 | A.R.S. § 13-3721(A)(1) |
Adulthood and family
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Court emancipation (adult status) can be sought A minor can petition a court to be declared emancipated starting at age 16. | 16 | A.R.S. § 12-2451 |
| Becomes a legal adult (age of majority) State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18. | 18 | A.R.S. § 1-215(3) |
| Can make a will A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18. | 18 | A.R.S. 14-2501 |
| Can marry without a parent's consent A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. | 18 | A.R.S. 25-102(A) |
| Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent With a parent's consent or an emancipation order, the lowest age to marry is 16.Under 16 cannot marry. With an emancipation order, the spouse can be no more than 3 years older. | 16 | A.R.S. 25-102(A)-(C); 25-128(A)(1); 25-129(A) |
| Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate An adult adoptee can request a copy of the original birth certificate from age 18. | 18 | A.R.S. 36-340 |
Voting, juries and office
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can pre-register to vote Arizona sets no fixed pre-registration age; a person may register if they will be 18 by the next general election. | No set pre-registration age | A.R.S. § 16-101(A)(2) |
| Can vote in a primary if 18 by the general election Voters must be 18 on primary day; 17-year-olds cannot vote in primaries. | Must be 18 to vote | A.R.S. § 16-121(A) |
| Can vote The U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to vote at 18 in every federal, state and local election. | 18 | U.S. Const. amend. XXVI, § 1Federal, all states |
| Must register with Selective Service (men) Men 18 through 25 who are U.S. citizens or live in the United States must register with the Selective Service System.Men admitted on a nonimmigrant visa are exempt while they keep that status (50 U.S.C. 3802(a)).Law change: The FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (signed December 18, 2025) makes registration automatic; the Selective Service System says it will implement the change by December 2026. | 18 | 50 U.S.C. § 3802(a)Federal, all states |
| Can be called for state jury service A person can be called for state jury service from age 18. | 18 | A.R.S. § 21-201 |
| Can be called for federal jury service Federal courts may call U.S. citizens 18 or older who have lived in the judicial district for a year. | 18 | 28 U.S.C. § 1865(b)(1)Federal, all states |
| Can serve in the U.S. House The Constitution sets 25 as the minimum age for the U.S. House of Representatives. | 25 | U.S. Const. art. I, § 2, cl. 2Federal, all states |
| Can serve as governor Arizona's constitution requires the governor to be at least 25 years old. | 25 | Ariz. Const. art. V, § 2 |
| Can serve in the U.S. Senate The Constitution sets 30 as the minimum age for the U.S. Senate. | 30 | U.S. Const. art. I, § 3, cl. 3Federal, all states |
| Can serve as President The Constitution sets 35 as the minimum age for President. | 35 | U.S. Const. art. II, § 1, cl. 5Federal, all states |
Criminal court
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Charged as an adult by default (juvenile court age ends) Arizona tries people charged with a crime in adult court by default from age 18; younger defendants start in juvenile court.A juvenile court can transfer some younger defendants to adult court for serious offenses. | 18 | A.R.S. § 8-201(6) |
Age-restricted purchases
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can buy tobacco or vapes Federal law bars any retailer from selling cigarettes, vapes or other tobacco products to anyone under 21, in every state. | 21 | 21 U.S.C. § 387f(d)(5)Federal, all states |
| Can buy alcohol Federal highway funding law withholds funds from any state that lets anyone under 21 buy alcohol or possess it in public, so every state sets 21.Federal rules let states exempt possession (not purchase) for a religious purpose, with a parent, spouse or legal guardian 21 or older, for medical use, in private clubs, or in lawful employment (23 C.F.R. 1208.3). | 21 | 23 U.S.C. § 158(a)Federal, all states |
| Can buy a lottery ticket State law bars anyone under 21 from buying a lottery ticket. | 21 | A.R.S. § 5-565.02 |
Money
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Under-21 credit card limits end (no cosigner or independent income needed) Under 21, a card issuer may open a credit card only with a cosigner or proof that you can repay on your own. | 21 | 15 U.S.C. § 1637(c)(8)Federal, all states |
Later life
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can start Social Security retirement benefits (reduced) Social Security retirement benefits can start at 62, permanently reduced. | 62 | SSA, Retirement Benefits: Benefit reduction for early retirementFederal, all states |
| Eligible for Medicare by age Medicare hospital insurance by age begins at 65 for people entitled, or who would be entitled, to Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits. | 65 | 42 U.S.C. § 426(a)Federal, all states |
| Full Social Security retirement age (born 1960 or later) Full Social Security retirement age is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later. | 67 | SSA, Full Retirement and Age 62 Benefit By Year Of BirthFederal, all states |
| Can ask to be excused from jury service because of age From age 75, a person can ask to be excused from jury service because of age.The excuse can be temporary or permanent. | 75 | A.R.S. § 21-202(C) |
| Retirement-account minimum withdrawals begin Required minimum distributions from traditional retirement accounts begin at 73 for people who turn 72 after 2022.Law change: Rises to 75 for people who turn 74 after December 31, 2032. | 73 | 26 U.S.C. § 401(a)(9)(C)(v)Federal, all states |
How Arizona sets these ages
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18. Some rights arrive before that age and some after it, and several rules below give minors a path that needs a parent's consent or a court's approval.
For work, federal child-labor law does not excuse an employer from a Arizona rule with a higher standard (29 U.S.C. § 218(a)), so the stricter rule applies to employers covered by both. A row without an age says why, for example: no permit is required, the law sets no minimum age, or the state has no rule of that kind.
The age of consent
The age of consent is not a milestone and is not part of this ladder. See age of consent laws by state for Arizona's law and its legal context.
What this tool does not do
- It does not give legal advice or say whether a specific person may do something. Many rules have conditions (a parent present, a course passed, a court order) that the rule line names but the tool cannot check.
- It does not cover city or county rules (curfews, local tattoo or business ordinances) or private policies such as rental-car age minimums.
- It does not track pending bills. A rule changes on this page only after it is enacted and we confirm it at an official source.
- It does not show the age of consent. That is covered, with its legal context, on our age of consent page.
- It does not cover every age rule. Firearms, cannabis, casino gambling, the minimum age to adopt and curfews are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age of majority in Arizona?
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18. (A.R.S. § 1-215(3))
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Arizona?
Arizona issues an instruction permit at 15 and 6 months. A restricted instruction permit is available at 15 to a student enrolled in an approved driver training program (A.R.S. § 28-3155). (A.R.S. § 28-3153(A)(1)(b))
How old do you have to be to drive alone in Arizona?
A Class G graduated license for driving alone is available at 16 after six months with a permit. (A.R.S. § 28-3174(A))
How old do you have to be to work in Arizona?
State law sets no general minimum age; the federal minimum of 14 for limited hours applies to most employers. Arizona bars listed jobs for workers under 16 and under 18, limits hours under 16, and bars street newspaper sales under 10. (A.R.S. §§ 23-230 to 23-242)
Do minors need a work permit in Arizona?
This state does not require a work permit. (A.R.S. §§ 23-230 to 23-242)
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in Arizona?
From 18, a person can be tattooed without a parent's consent. With a parent or guardian physically present, state law sets no minimum age. Arizona requires the parent or legal guardian to be physically present; the statute does not require written consent. (A.R.S. § 13-3721(A)(1))
How old do you have to be to get married in Arizona?
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. With a parent's consent or an emancipation order, the lowest age to marry is 16. Under 16 cannot marry. With an emancipation order, the spouse can be no more than 3 years older. (A.R.S. 25-102(A)-(C); 25-128(A)(1); 25-129(A))
At what age can you leave school in Arizona?
Arizona's compulsory attendance requirement ends at the 16th birthday. (A.R.S. § 15-802(A))
How old do you have to be to buy a lottery ticket in Arizona?
State law bars anyone under 21 from buying a lottery ticket. (A.R.S. § 5-565.02)
Sources
- A.R.S. § 16-101(A)(2)
- A.R.S. § 16-121(A)
- Ariz. Const. art. V, § 2
- A.R.S. § 1-215(3)
- A.R.S. § 12-2451
- A.R.S. 14-2501
- A.R.S. § 21-201
- A.R.S. § 21-202(C)
- A.R.S. 25-102(A)
- A.R.S. § 28-907(A)
- A.R.S. 36-340
- A.R.S. § 28-3153(A)(1)(b)
- A.R.S. § 28-3174(A)
- A.R.S. § 5-565.02
- A.R.S. § 8-201(6)
- A.R.S. § 15-802(A)
- A.R.S. § 13-3721(A)(1)
- A.R.S. §§ 23-230 to 23-242
- U.S. Const. amend. XXVI, § 1
- 23 U.S.C. § 158(a)
- 21 U.S.C. § 387f(d)(5)
- 28 U.S.C. § 1865(b)(1)
- 50 U.S.C. § 3802(a)
- 15 U.S.C. § 1637(c)(8)
- 49 C.F.R. § 391.11(b)(1)
- 29 CFR 570.2(a)(1)
- U.S. Const. art. I, § 2, cl. 2
- U.S. Const. art. II, § 1, cl. 5
- SSA, Retirement Benefits: Benefit reduction for early retirement
- 42 U.S.C. § 426(a)
- 26 U.S.C. § 401(a)(9)(C)(v)
Sources checked on October 21, 2026.
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