How to find your car seat's expiration date
Every car seat sold in the United States has a label showing the date of manufacture (DOM), usually on the side, back or underside of the shell. Many seats also have the expiration date or the phrase "Do not use this child restraint after…" molded into the plastic. The owner's manual states the seat's useful life, which is typically between 6 and 10 years from the date of manufacture, not the date you bought it.
- Remove the seat from the car and look for a white sticker with the model number and date of manufacture.
- Look for a molded stamp or a "do not use after" date on the shell.
- Check the manual (or the manufacturer's website) for the useful life in years.
- Enter the date and years above. The checker adds the lifespan to the manufacture date.
The formula
Expiration date = date of manufacture + useful life (years). Example: a seat made on March 15, 2021 with a 7-year life expires on March 15, 2028. If the label only shows a month, use the first day of that month to stay on the safe side.
Why do car seats expire?
Plastic shells degrade with heat, cold and UV exposure in a parked car, so small cracks can form that you can't see. Harness webbing and adjusters wear out. Safety standards and testing also improve over time, and manufacturers only test and support their seats for a fixed period. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises parents to check the label for the expiration date and to replace a seat after a moderate or severe crash.
Official lifespans by brand
The dropdown uses lifespans published by the manufacturers themselves: Graco (7 or 10 years), Britax (6 to 10 years), Chicco (6 to 10 years), Evenflo (10 years for seats made from January 2025) and Clek (9 years). Lifespans differ by model, even within one brand, so always use the exact number on your seat's label or in the manual. For any other brand, enter the number from your label.
What to do with an expired car seat
Don't sell or donate an expired seat. Cut the harness straps, remove the cover and write "EXPIRED – DO NOT USE" on the shell. Some retailers run car seat trade-in events that give store credit for old seats, and some cities recycle them.
Used car seats: what to check
Only accept a second-hand seat if you know its full history. Confirm it's well within its lifespan, has never been in a crash, has all its parts and labels, and isn't under a recall. You can check recalls on NHTSA's website using the model number and date of manufacture.
Frequently asked questions
When should I replace my car seat?
Most car seats are good for 6 to 10 years from the date of manufacture. The exact useful life depends on the model and is printed on the seat's label or in the manual. See how long car seats are good for.
Does the expiration date start from the purchase date?
Usually not. Most manufacturers, including Britax and Chicco, count the lifespan from the date of manufacture (DOM) printed on the seat. Evenflo notes some brands may differ, so check your manual. See how long car seats are good for.
Where is the date of manufacture on a car seat?
It's usually on a white sticker on the side, back or bottom of the seat shell, next to the model number. Some seats also have a date molded into the plastic.
Is it illegal to use an expired car seat?
Laws vary by state and country, but safety agencies and manufacturers all advise against using an expired seat because its materials and safety performance can't be guaranteed.
Do booster seats expire too?
Yes. Booster seats also have a useful life set by the manufacturer, so check the label or manual.