If you’re responsible for workplace compliance, you already know that labor law posters are required. The real question is whether the ones hanging in your workplace are still valid.
While labor law posters don’t technically “expire,” they must be updated whenever a federal or state agency releases a new version. Relying on outdated posters after an official update can put your business at risk.
Federal agencies update posters whenever workplace laws change, and states often issue multiple updates each year for wage laws, family leave, or workers’ compensation. A poster that was compliant last year, or even last quarter, may already be outdated.
To stay compliant, it’s important to understand when posters expire, what posters are required by OSHA, and how National Safety Compliance’s labor law poster subscription can protect your business—and your employees!
Do Labor Law Posters Expire?
Technically, labor law posters don’t have an expiration date. However, they must reflect the most recent federal and state regulations once official updates are issued.
If a law changes but the agency hasn’t released a new poster yet, your current version remains valid. Once an updated poster becomes available, employers are required to replace the old version promptly to stay compliant. Laws can change when:
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The Department of Labor (DOL) adjusts federal minimum wage rules.
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OSHA issues a new standard requiring a revised posting.
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States update laws on paid leave, workers’ compensation, or unemployment benefits.
What About Fines?
The financial risk of outdated or missing posters is real—but it’s not as simple as a one-size-fits-all penalty. Fines are only issued when employers fail to post required notices or don’t replace posters after an official update has been released.
As of 2025, penalties vary by law and agency:
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EEOC “Know Your Rights” Poster: Up to $680 per violation
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FMLA Poster: Up to $216 per violation
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OSHA Job Safety & Health Poster: Up to $16,550 per violation
What This Means for Employers
A single location could face over $43,000 in combined federal posting fines if multiple posters are missing or outdated. And that’s before factoring in state or local penalties, which often range from $100 to $1,000 per violation.
Tip: Stay compliant with NSC’s up-to-date labor law posters!
What Posters Are Required by OSHA and Other Agencies?
Many employers want clarity on what posters are required by OSHA. At the federal level, the following are considered mandatory for most workplaces:
OSHA Job Safety and Health Protection Poster
Required under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, this poster informs employees of their rights to a safe and healthy workplace. It outlines how workers can report unsafe conditions directly to OSHA.
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Poster
Covers federal minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labor protections. Employers subject to the FLSA are required to post this notice so employees understand basic wage and hour standards.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Poster
Required for covered employers, this poster explains employee rights to unpaid, job-protected leave for family and medical reasons. It also highlights employer responsibilities under the FMLA to ensure workers can access these protections.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Poster
Summarizes federal anti-discrimination laws and informs employees of their rights to a workplace free from discrimination or harassment. It covers protections based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and genetics.
Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) Poster
Applies to most private employers and informs employees of their rights regarding lie detector tests. It explains that employers generally cannot require or request a polygraph as a condition of employment, with only limited exceptions.
Beyond federal requirements, every state mandates its own workplace compliance posters. These often cover:
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State minimum wage and overtime
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Paid sick or family leave
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Workers’ compensation coverage
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Unemployment insurance benefits
Employers must display these posters in a visible, accessible area where employees can review them—most often in break rooms, near time clocks, or other high-traffic areas.
Why Outdated Posters Put Employers at Risk
Outdated posters are more than a compliance oversight. They can damage your business in several ways:
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Financial penalties: Federal fines can exceed $43,000 per location; state and local penalties add even more risk.
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Legal exposure: In disputes, failure to display accurate notices can be used against employers.
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Employee relations: Workers rely on posters for information about their rights and benefits. Outdated postings signal neglect and undermine trust.
At National Safety Compliance, we prioritize ensuring that every labor law poster we provide reflects the most up-to-date federal and state requirements.
Our team monitors regulatory changes year-round, ensuring your business stays up-to-date and never misses an update.
When paired with NSC’s poster subscription service, you’ll have complete assurance that your business remains compliant!
How Often Do Labor Law Posters Change?
Poster update frequency depends on the laws themselves. Some changes happen annually, while others occur mid-year or unexpectedly:
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Federal updates: Less common but nationwide in scope. (Example: a federal minimum wage change.)
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State updates: Often annual, with many states updating on January 1 to reflect new wage laws. Some states also introduce mid-year changes for leave or compensation laws.
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Local updates: Cities and counties may require their own postings for paid sick leave or minimum wage ordinances.
Tip: If you’d like to cross-check requirements directly, the U.S. Department of Labor offers a Poster Advisor Tool. This online resource guides employers through federal requirements based on company size and industry.
The Smart Solution: Labor Law Poster Subscription
Keeping up with changing posting requirements can be challenging. NSC makes it easier with a labor law poster subscription that automatically tracks and updates all federal and state-level poster requirements for you!
With a subscription, you’ll receive:
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Automatic updates whenever a federal or state agency issues a new mandatory poster
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Accurate, compliant replacements shipped directly to your business
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Peace of mind knowing your workplace meets posting requirements year-round
Learn more about this time-saving solution on our labor law poster subscription page.
Why Employers Trust NSC for Workplace Compliance
National Safety Compliance is more than just a labor poster provider— we’re a compliance partner trusted nationwide.
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Decades of experience: Over 20 years helping employers meet posting and training requirements.
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Thousands of satisfied clients: From small businesses to national enterprises.
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Full-service solutions: Safety posters, training videos, and compliance guides, including OSHA training requirements by job role.
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Commitment to service: Backed by a team focused on making compliance easier for employers.
Labor Law Poster FAQs
Q: Do labor law posters expire?
A: No. However, they must display the most current information once an agency issues an official update. If a law changes but no new poster has been released, your existing version remains valid until an updated one becomes available.
Q: What posters are required by OSHA?
A: At a minimum, the OSHA Job Safety and Health Protection Poster. Additional federal postings like FLSA and FMLA are required, depending on your workforce.
Q: How often do posters change?
A: There’s no set schedule. Federal changes occur occasionally, but many states update their laws annually or even multiple times a year.
Q: How can I keep up with changes to labor law postings?
A: The easiest way is through NSC’s labor law poster subscription. When laws change or an agency issues an update, we automatically send you brand-new, fully compliant posters.
Q: What is a labor law poster subscription?
A: A labor law poster subscription is the easiest way to stay compliant year-round. With a one-year subscription, NSC automatically ships you updated posters whenever mandatory changes occur—at no extra cost.
Q: Do I need posters at every location?
A: Yes. Each workplace must display its own posters in a clearly visible and accessible area for employees.
Q: Can posters be digital?
A: No. Federal and state regulations require that physical posters be displayed in the workplace.
Q: What happens if I don’t update posters?
A: Employers face federal fines (up to $43,000 combined per location), plus additional state and local penalties.
Stay Ahead of Compliance Every Year
Labor law posters may not have a printed expiration date, but they must always display the latest official updates. When agencies release new postings, employers are responsible for replacing outdated versions quickly to maintain compliance.
With NSC, that process is simple. Our labor law posters are always accurate, and our poster subscription automatically sends you new posters whenever official updates occur.
Stay compliant, protect your employees, and keep your workplace inspection-ready throughout the year. Explore our labor law posters, and add a poster subscription today!