Do letters of recommendation expire?

[kermitthefrog2]

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If I plan to take two gap years after my undergrad, my letters from professors will be 1-2 years old when i apply. Can I use letters that are 2 years old? Is there even an age limit for letters? thanks!

 

[<3ClinicalResearch]

I applied 6 years after I graduated from college and used 3 letters from college without a problem. One of those professors died like a year after I graduated so I was happy to have it. I also reached out to my pre-health advisors and they wrote me an updated committee letter to incorporate the new letters from physicians I worked with in the 6 years since I graduated.

 

[zorcandpals]

Reach out to the professors and have them update/redate the letter if you can.

 

[TragicalDrFaust]

I used interfolio to save up letters for a handful of years and it wasn't an issue. I think 5+ yrs might be pushing it because a lot can change in that time period but it seems adcoms understand it's not always feasible to get a fresh science and physician LOR the exact semester you apply to school.