The expiration date is molded into the plastic shell or printed on a label attached to the seat

Car seat manufacturers stamp or print the expiration date in one of three places: directly into the plastic back or bottom of the seat, on a white label affixed to the seat frame, or on the instruction manual that came with it. The date is usually formatted as a month and year (for example, 06/2028) and appears as a permanent marking, not a sticker you can peel off.

The location varies by brand and model. Graco seats often have the date molded into the back shell. Chicco and Britax typically use a label on the side or bottom. Evenflo seats may have it printed on both the shell and the manual. If you cannot find it on the seat itself, check the original instruction booklet — manufacturers always print it there as a backup reference.

Car seats expire because the plastic degrades over time from exposure to heat, sunlight, and normal wear. The typical expiration window is 6 to 10 years from the manufacture date, though some seats expire sooner. Once the date passes, the seat should not be used, even if it looks fine.

Key Takeaways

  • The expiration date is molded into the plastic, printed on a label, or listed in the instruction manual — check all three locations if you cannot find it when ready.
  • The date is formatted as month and year and represents when the plastic structure is no longer considered safe for use.
  • Expiration dates typically fall 6 to 10 years after manufacture, though the exact window depends on the brand and model.
  • Once expired, a car seat should not be used, even if it has never been in a crash and shows no visible damage.
  • If you cannot locate the expiration date, contact the manufacturer with your seat's model number — they can tell you when it was made.

How to read the date format on your specific brand

Most manufacturers use a month/year format, but the placement and style differ. Graco typically molds the date into the back of the seat in small text — you may need to tilt the seat to see it clearly. Britax and Chicco usually attach a white label to the side or underside of the seat frame with printed text. Evenflo often includes the date on the bottom shell in raised lettering.

Some seats also print a manufacture date separately from the expiration date. The manufacture date tells you when the seat was made; the expiration date tells you when to stop using it. Do not confuse the two. If you see only a manufacture date, add the number of years specified in your manual to find when the seat expires.

What to do if you cannot find the expiration date

Start by checking the instruction manual that came with the seat. If you no longer have the physical copy, visit the manufacturer's website and search for your model number. Most brands offer PDF manuals that list the expiration date and explain where to find it on the seat itself.

If the manual does not help, contact the manufacturer directly with your seat's model and serial number. You can usually find the serial number on the same label or molded section that holds the expiration date. The manufacturer can tell you the exact expiration date based on when the seat was produced. Keep the response in writing for your records.

Why car seats have expiration dates

Car seat plastic degrades over time due to exposure to temperature changes, sunlight, and the stress of normal use. Even if a seat has never been in a crash and looks undamaged, the structural integrity of the plastic shell and harness system weakens as it ages. Manufacturers set expiration dates based on testing that shows when the seat no longer meets safety standards.

Heat is the primary factor. A car parked in the sun can reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher inside, which accelerates plastic degradation. Over years, this repeated heating and cooling causes the material to become brittle and less able to absorb impact in a crash. The harness webbing and buckle mechanisms also weaken over time.

Manufacturers are conservative with these dates because the consequences of failure are severe. An expired seat may not protect a child in a crash the way a new one would. For this reason, used car seats that are past their expiration date should not be purchased or accepted as hand-me-downs, even if they appear to be in good condition.

What happens after the expiration date

Once a car seat reaches its expiration date, it should be removed from use when ready. Some parents donate or sell expired seats, but this is not recommended — the next family may not realize the seat is expired and unsafe. A better option is to recycle the seat through a manufacturer take-back program or a local recycling facility that accepts plastic.

Many manufacturers, including Graco, Britax, and Chicco, run trade-in or recycling programs. You can often mail the seat to them or drop it at a participating retailer. Some programs offer a discount code toward a new seat in exchange. Check the manufacturer's website for details on how to recycle your specific model.

How to keep track of your car seat's expiration date

Write the expiration date on your calendar or phone as soon as you purchase the seat. Take a photo of the expiration date label and store it in your phone or email it to yourself. This way, you have a record even if the label becomes worn or illegible over time.

If you have multiple children and multiple car seats, create a straightforward spreadsheet or list with each seat's model, purchase date, and expiration date. This is especially useful if you are considering hand-me-downs from family or friends — you can quickly check whether a seat is still safe to use before accepting it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a car seat after the expiration date if it has never been in a crash?

No. The expiration date is based on plastic degradation over time, not crash history. Even an unused seat loses structural integrity as the plastic ages. Using an expired seat puts your child at risk in a crash because the seat may not absorb impact the way it should.

Where exactly is the expiration date on a Graco car seat?

Graco typically molds the expiration date into the back or bottom of the plastic shell. It appears as small raised or indented text showing the month and year. You may need to tilt or rotate the seat to see it clearly, especially if the seat is dark-colored.

What if the expiration date on my car seat is worn off or illegible?

Contact the manufacturer with your seat's model number and serial number. Both are usually printed on the same label or molded section. The manufacturer can tell you when the seat was made and calculate the expiration date based on that information.

Is it safe to buy a used car seat if I know the expiration date?

Only if the seat has not expired and has no history of being in a crash. A used seat that is several years old but still within its expiration window is generally safe. Always verify the expiration date before purchasing and ask the seller whether the seat has ever been in a vehicle accident.

How long do car seats typically last before they expire?

Most car seats expire 6 to 10 years after manufacture, depending on the brand and model. Some seats have shorter lifespans — check your manual for the specific expiration window for your seat. The manufacture date is different from the purchase date, so a new-looking seat bought used may be closer to expiration than you think.