Arkansas Legal Ages
The key age-based rights and duties in Arkansas, 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.
Marks which ages are reached and counts the days to the next one. It stays in your browser: it is never stored, sent, or added to the page address.
Legal ages in Arkansas
Age 6
Car seat or booster age requirement ends
The child car seat or booster requirement ends at age 6; after that a seat belt can be used.
Or earlier once the child weighs 60 pounds.
Arkansas law · Ark. Code Ann. § 27-34-104(c)
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)
Can work (state minimum age)
Arkansas bars paid work by children under 14, with listed exceptions.
Exceptions include work for a parent during vacations, newspaper delivery and permitted entertainment work.
Arkansas law · 11 CAR § 12-102(b) (implementing Ark. Code § 11-6-104)
Can get a learner's permit
Arkansas issues a learner's license for supervised driving to teens 14 and 15.
An instruction permit after the written test comes first; the learner license follows a skills test.
Arkansas law · Ark. Code Ann. § 27-16-604; Arkansas DFA
Age 16
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
An intermediate license for driving alone is available at 16 and 17.
Arkansas law · Ark. Code Ann. § 27-16-604; Arkansas DFA
Can get a tattoo with a parent's consent
From 16, a person can be tattooed with a parent's written consent and the parent present.
Both must show photo ID and the parent must prove guardianship. Under 16 is barred regardless of consent, except physician-authorized repigmentation.
Arkansas law · Ark. Code § 20-27-1502(b)
Court emancipation (adult status) can be sought
From 16, a circuit court can remove the disabilities of minority so a minor can do business and make contracts as an adult.
The minor petitions the circuit court in the county where they live. Separately, in a dependency-neglect, FINS or delinquency case already in court, a party can ask to emancipate a 17-year-old (Ark. Code 9-35-109).
Arkansas law · Ark. Code Ann. § 9-26-104(a)
Age 17
Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent
With a parent's notarized consent, the lowest age to marry is 17.
Arkansas law · Ark. Code Ann. § 9-11-102(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)
The Arkansas intermediate license is for ages 16 and 17 and expires a month after the 18th birthday.
The regular unrestricted license at 18 requires a clean driving record for the previous year; some teens 16 or older (married, graduated, enlisted, or emancipated at 17) can get one sooner by waiver.
Arkansas law · Ark. Code Ann. § 27-16-604; Arkansas DFA
Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent
From 18, a person can be tattooed without a parent's consent.
Arkansas law · Ark. Code § 20-27-1502(a)
Becomes a legal adult (age of majority)
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18.
Arkansas law · Ark. Code Ann. § 9-25-101(a)
Can make a will
A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18.
Arkansas law · Ark. Code Ann. § 28-25-101
Can marry without a parent's consent
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18.
Arkansas law · Ark. Code Ann. § 9-11-102(b)(1)(A)
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.
Arkansas law · Ark. Code § 16-31-102(a)
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)
Arkansas 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.
Arkansas law · Ark. Code § 9-27-303 (Act 518 of 2025)
Can buy a lottery ticket
Arkansas Scholarship Lottery games are limited to players 18 and older.
Arkansas law · Arkansas Scholarship Lottery (Ark. Code § 23-115-402(e))
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)
Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate
An adult adoptee can request the adoption file, usually including the original birth certificate, from age 21.
The file usually includes the original birth certificate and the adoption decree.
Arkansas law · Act 519 of 2017 (Ark. Code Ann. § 20-18-406); Arkansas Department of Health
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)
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
Age 30
Can serve as governor
Arkansas's constitution requires the governor to be at least 30 years old.
Arkansas law · Ark. Const. art. 6, § 5
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 80
Can ask to be excused from jury service because of age
From age 80, a person can ask to be excused from jury service because of age.
The person may decline to serve at any time.
Arkansas law · Ark. Code Ann. § 16-31-103(d)
Rules with no set age in Arkansas
- 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. Ark. Code Ann. § 27-34-104(b)
- Must be enrolled in school: We could not confirm this rule at an official source. Check the official link. Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-201
- Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends): We could not confirm this rule at an official source. Check the official link. Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-201
- No work permit needed: This state does not require a work permit. 2023 Ark. Acts 195, § 2 (repealing Ark. Code § 11-6-109)
- Can pre-register to vote: Arkansas sets no fixed pre-registration age; a person may register if they will turn 18 by the next election. Ark. Secretary of State
- 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. Ark. Const. art. 3, § 1(a)
Share card
Makes an image of your next and most recent milestones, drawn in your browser. It shows ages only, never dates.
Add a birth date to make a card.
Runs in your browser. Nothing you choose or type is stored or sent.
Legal ages in Arkansas, rule by rule
Each row is one rule, the age it sets in Arkansas, 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 | Ark. Code Ann. § 27-34-104(b) |
| Car seat or booster age requirement ends The child car seat or booster requirement ends at age 6; after that a seat belt can be used.Or earlier once the child weighs 60 pounds. | 6 | Ark. Code Ann. § 27-34-104(c) |
School
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Must be enrolled in school We could not confirm this rule at an official source. Check the official link.A commercial copy of the 2023 code covers children "five (5) years of age through seventeen (17) years of age"; we could not open the official code to confirm current text. | Not confirmed | Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-201 |
| Can leave school (compulsory attendance ends) We could not confirm this rule at an official source. Check the official link.A commercial copy of the 2023 code reads "through seventeen (17) years of age," which would end attendance at the 18th birthday; a 16- or 17-year-old may get a district waiver to enroll in adult education. | Not confirmed | Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-201 |
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) Arkansas bars paid work by children under 14, with listed exceptions.Exceptions include work for a parent during vacations, newspaper delivery and permitted entertainment work. | 14 | 11 CAR § 12-102(b) (implementing Ark. Code § 11-6-104) |
| No work permit needed This state does not require a work permit.Act 195 of 2023 repealed the employment certificate that workers under 16 used to need. Child performers still need an entertainment permit. | No permit required | 2023 Ark. Acts 195, § 2 (repealing Ark. Code § 11-6-109) |
| 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 Arkansas issues a learner's license for supervised driving to teens 14 and 15.An instruction permit after the written test comes first; the learner license follows a skills test. | 14 | Ark. Code Ann. § 27-16-604; Arkansas DFA |
| Can get a first license to drive alone An intermediate license for driving alone is available at 16 and 17. | 16 | Ark. Code Ann. § 27-16-604; Arkansas DFA |
| Teen license limits end (varies, see rule) The Arkansas intermediate license is for ages 16 and 17 and expires a month after the 18th birthday.The regular unrestricted license at 18 requires a clean driving record for the previous year; some teens 16 or older (married, graduated, enlisted, or emancipated at 17) can get one sooner by waiver. | 18 | Ark. Code Ann. § 27-16-604; Arkansas DFA |
| 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 From 16, a person can be tattooed with a parent's written consent and the parent present.Both must show photo ID and the parent must prove guardianship. Under 16 is barred regardless of consent, except physician-authorized repigmentation. | 16 | Ark. Code § 20-27-1502(b) |
| Can get a tattoo without a parent's consent From 18, a person can be tattooed without a parent's consent. | 18 | Ark. Code § 20-27-1502(a) |
Adulthood and family
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Court emancipation (adult status) can be sought From 16, a circuit court can remove the disabilities of minority so a minor can do business and make contracts as an adult.The minor petitions the circuit court in the county where they live. Separately, in a dependency-neglect, FINS or delinquency case already in court, a party can ask to emancipate a 17-year-old (Ark. Code 9-35-109). | 16 | Ark. Code Ann. § 9-26-104(a) |
| 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 | Ark. Code Ann. § 9-25-101(a) |
| Can make a will A person of sound mind can make a valid will at 18. | 18 | Ark. Code Ann. § 28-25-101 |
| Can marry without a parent's consent A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. | 18 | Ark. Code Ann. § 9-11-102(b)(1)(A) |
| Lowest marriage age with parent or court consent With a parent's notarized consent, the lowest age to marry is 17. | 17 | Ark. Code Ann. § 9-11-102(a) |
| Adult adoptee can get the original birth certificate An adult adoptee can request the adoption file, usually including the original birth certificate, from age 21.The file usually includes the original birth certificate and the adoption decree. | 21 | Act 519 of 2017 (Ark. Code Ann. § 20-18-406); Arkansas Department of Health |
Voting, juries and office
| Rule | Age | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Can pre-register to vote Arkansas sets no fixed pre-registration age; a person may register if they will turn 18 by the next election. | No set pre-registration age | Ark. Secretary of State |
| 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 | Ark. Const. art. 3, § 1(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 | Ark. Code § 16-31-102(a) |
| 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 Arkansas's constitution requires the governor to be at least 30 years old. | 30 | Ark. Const. art. 6, § 5 |
| 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) Arkansas 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 | Ark. Code § 9-27-303 (Act 518 of 2025) |
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 Arkansas Scholarship Lottery games are limited to players 18 and older. | 18 | Arkansas Scholarship Lottery (Ark. Code § 23-115-402(e)) |
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 80, a person can ask to be excused from jury service because of age.The person may decline to serve at any time. | 80 | Ark. Code Ann. § 16-31-103(d) |
| 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 Arkansas 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 Arkansas 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 Arkansas'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 Arkansas?
State law makes a person a legal adult, with full rights to contract and sue, at 18. (Ark. Code Ann. § 9-25-101(a))
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Arkansas?
Arkansas issues a learner's license for supervised driving to teens 14 and 15. An instruction permit after the written test comes first; the learner license follows a skills test. (Ark. Code Ann. § 27-16-604; Arkansas DFA)
How old do you have to be to drive alone in Arkansas?
An intermediate license for driving alone is available at 16 and 17. (Ark. Code Ann. § 27-16-604; Arkansas DFA)
How old do you have to be to work in Arkansas?
Arkansas bars paid work by children under 14, with listed exceptions. Exceptions include work for a parent during vacations, newspaper delivery and permitted entertainment work. (11 CAR § 12-102(b) (implementing Ark. Code § 11-6-104))
Do minors need a work permit in Arkansas?
This state does not require a work permit. Act 195 of 2023 repealed the employment certificate that workers under 16 used to need. Child performers still need an entertainment permit. (2023 Ark. Acts 195, § 2 (repealing Ark. Code § 11-6-109))
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in Arkansas?
From 18, a person can be tattooed without a parent's consent. From 16, a person can be tattooed with a parent's written consent and the parent present. Both must show photo ID and the parent must prove guardianship. Under 16 is barred regardless of consent, except physician-authorized repigmentation. (Ark. Code § 20-27-1502(a); Ark. Code § 20-27-1502(b))
How old do you have to be to get married in Arkansas?
A person can marry without a parent's or court's consent at 18. With a parent's notarized consent, the lowest age to marry is 17. (Ark. Code Ann. § 9-11-102(b)(1)(A); Ark. Code Ann. § 9-11-102(a))
How old do you have to be to buy a lottery ticket in Arkansas?
Arkansas Scholarship Lottery games are limited to players 18 and older. (Arkansas Scholarship Lottery (Ark. Code § 23-115-402(e)))
Sources
- Ark. Secretary of State
- Ark. Const. art. 3, § 1(a)
- Ark. Code Ann. § 9-25-101(a)
- Ark. Code § 16-31-102(a)
- Ark. Code Ann. § 16-31-103(d)
- Ark. Code Ann. § 27-34-104(b)
- Act 519 of 2017 (Ark. Code Ann. § 20-18-406); Arkansas Department of Health
- Ark. Code Ann. § 27-16-604; Arkansas DFA
- Arkansas Scholarship Lottery (Ark. Code § 23-115-402(e))
- Ark. Code § 9-27-303 (Act 518 of 2025)
- Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-201
- Ark. Code § 20-27-1502(b)
- 11 CAR § 12-102(b) (implementing Ark. Code § 11-6-104)
- 2023 Ark. Acts 195, § 2 (repealing Ark. Code § 11-6-109)
- 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.
Related
Know someone who could use this? Share this free tool: