The car seat expiration checker calculates your seat's expiration date based on the manufacturer, seat type, and manufacture date. Most car seats expire 6–10 years from manufacture — never use an expired seat.
Check Your Car Seat
How to Find Your Car Seat Expiration Date
Every car seat expiration date is determined by the manufacturer and varies by brand and seat type. Most infant seats expire 6 years from manufacture; convertible and booster seats often last 7–10 years. Here's how to find and verify your seat's expiration.
Step 1: Find the Manufacture Date
Look on the back or bottom of the seat for a molded or printed manufacture date label. It may say "DOM" (Date of Manufacture) or just show month/year format. If the date is worn off, contact the manufacturer with the model number (usually on the same label).
Step 2: Find the Expiration Year
Many manufacturers print the expiration year directly on the seat — look for a sticker or molded text saying "Useful Life Expires" or "Do Not Use After." If you only see the manufacture date, use this calculator to estimate the expiration based on the brand's standard policy.
Step 3: Never Use a Secondhand Seat Without Verification
If you receive a car seat from someone else, verify it hasn't been in a crash, check its expiration date, and confirm it was never recalled (NHTSA recall lookup at nhtsa.gov). The NHTSA advises replacing any seat that was in a moderate-to-severe crash, even if it appears undamaged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this car seat expiration checker free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required.
Why do car seats expire?
Car seats expire because the plastic components degrade over time due to temperature extremes, UV exposure, and normal wear. Degraded plastic may not perform as designed in a crash. Additionally, safety standards and installation instructions are updated over time, making older seats potentially non-compliant with current best practices.
Where do I find my car seat's manufacture date?
The manufacture date is typically stamped or molded into the plastic on the back or bottom of the seat, or printed on a label on the side or underside. It may appear as a full date (MM/YYYY) or just a year. Check the instruction manual if you can't find it on the seat itself.
Can I use an expired car seat?
The NHTSA and AAP both advise against using expired car seats. While there is no federal law prohibiting use of expired seats, the manufacturer's warranty and safety certification are void after expiration. Most pediatricians and safety experts recommend against using any expired restraint system.
What should I do with an expired car seat?
Cut the harness straps and write 'EXPIRED - DO NOT USE' on the seat before discarding to prevent reuse. Many manufacturers have recycling programs. Target's Car Seat Trade-In event (twice yearly) accepts expired seats for recycling with a discount on a new seat.