What Is an Expired PDF: Reasons, Causes & How to Fix It

An expired PDF is a document that can no longer be accessed because it has passed its set expiration date.

Some PDFs, such as subscription-based files, have limited time access, so once they have expired, you will not be able to view them. Others can be locked after certain conditions, like the number of times it has been opened or printed, to ensure secure sharing.

Usually, companies, legal and HR professionals, as well as educators, set for files to expire. In this guide, you will learn more about what an expired PDF is, what happens when the time is up, other ways to protect your document, and more.

Why do PDFs expire?

PDFs expire because their creators or distributors want to control document access, protect their licenses and copyrights, and maintain data sensitivity and security compliance. Also, DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection can play a role. Let’s take a closer look at each reason with examples:

• Controlled document access. An organization might want to limit who can see a PDF and for how long to safeguard sensitive information. For example, if they share a legal document, such as a contract that should only be accessed within 7 days, after that, the PDF expires, so no one can keep accessing it.
• Licensing restrictions and copyrights. Publishers might want to protect their paid content, like e-books, reports, presentations, and courses. For instance, if you buy a digital product with access for 30 days, you cannot go back to it later or share it with someone else and hurt publishers’ sales.
• Data sensitivity and compliance. In certain industries, outdated documents need to be withdrawn to meet laws and regulations and ensure that no one uses old details by mistake. Financial statements, for example, are generally not valid after a certain date.
• DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection. Creators use DRM to control how their files are used. For example, if they set a PDF to expire after 15 days, it stops unauthorized sharing, printing, or archiving. This way, creators enforce limits without having to manually check in with their PDF’s recipients.

How Are PDFs Set to Expire?

PDFs are set to expire using JavaScript, DRM software, and cloud platforms.

#1. JavaScript

Using JavaScript is one way to make a PDF expire after a certain date. You can write a script that obscures the PDF’s content or displays an access denied PDF message if it has passed the expiration date.

Attach the script to a specific document action, such as opening the document. Then, implement expiration logic within it, like getting the current date, defining the expiration dates, comparing the two dates, and taking action after the comparison.

However, note that this approach to locking PDF files only works if your recipients' PDF reader has JavaScript enabled. Moreover, not all PDF readers fully support JavaScript.

#2. DRM

To secure a PDF with expiry dates and conditions, you can use DRM software. Here are few tools and how they compare:

#3. Cloud Platforms

Cloud platforms like Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox allow you to set expiration dates on shared links to PDFs. This method is ideal for temporary access without needing to alter the actual document or use third-party tools. It works well for client-facing proposals, presentations, or offers that should only be available for a set period.

What Happens When a PDF Expires?

When a PDF expires, the PDF document will no longer be available, and the person trying to access it might see a message like “PDF access time has expired” or “Access denied.”

Also, links to the PDF might break or redirect to a 404 page when you try to open an expired PDF online.

Can You Reopen an Expired PDF File?

Whether you can reopen an expired PDF file depends on how the expiration was applied and where it is stored.

If it is hosted on a server and access was restricted through a temporary PDF link, then once the link expires, you will have to contact the sender and request access.

If it is stored locally on a device, it might still be accessible unless there are built-in restrictions like embedded JavaScript or DRM settings. In this case, you will not be able to open the PDF even though you have the file.

Expired PDFs vs. Expired Links to PDFs

Expired PDFs and expired links might seem similar, but there is a key difference.

An expired PDF means the PDF itself has built-in restrictions like embedded scripts or DRM settings. Even if you copy the file to another device, it will remain expired.

An expired PDF link occurs when a PDF is stored in the cloud, such as Google Drive. In this case, the file has no expiry, but the shared link has a limited access time. Once the link expires, the PDF is locked, and you will not be able to view it anymore.

To determine if it is an expired PDF file or an expired PDF link, save the file to your device before the expiration date. If it still opens later, only the link has expired.

How to Set an Expiry Date to PDF?

#1. Google Drive

Follow these steps to set a PDF expiration date on Google Drive:

1. Open your PDF in Google Drive. If it is not already in your Google Drive, upload it by clicking New in the top-left corner and File upload.
   1. If you have a Docx file, convert it to PDF, and then go from there.
      
2. Right-click your PDF and select Share in the dropdown that pops up.
   
3. Enter the email addresses of your PDF recipients in the Add people, groups, and calendar events input field. Set their access level: Viewer, Commenter, or Editor.
   
4. Share the file by clicking Send.
5. Right-click your PDF and select Share again to open the Share dialog box. Look under People with access and click the dropdown arrow next to the recipient whose access to the PDF you want to expire.
6. Choose Add expiration in the dropdown that appears. A calendar will display.
7. Select when you want the document access to expire, and then click Save.
8. Check that in the Share dialog box, the PDF expiration date appears under the recipient’s name or email address.
9. Select Done.

This is one of the easiest ways to set a PDF to expire on a specific date; however, you will need a paid Google Workspace account.

#2. OneDrive

Set an expiry date for your PDF using OneDrive by following these steps:

1. Go to OneDrive and open your PDF. Click + Create or upload > Files upload.
   
2. Find the PDF in My files. Click on its name, and then Copy link.
   
3. Click Settings in the Link copied box that appears.
   
4. Customize your sharing access under The link works for.
   
5. Set an expiration date in MM/DD/YY format under More settings.
   

You will need to go Premium for this expired PDF feature.

#3. Dropbox

1. Upload your PDF to Dropbox. Click the black Upload or drop button > File, drag and drop it into the Drop anything here box, or select Upload > File in the same box.
   
2. Click Share.
   
3. Select Copy link.
   
4. Click Manage next to Anyone with this link can view.
   
5. Toggle Expiration on.
   

Note that you will need Dropbox Essential to set the PDF expiration date.

Alternative Ways of Protecting PDF Files

Alternative ways to protect your PDF files include:

• Adding password protection. This requires the recipient to enter a password to open the file or perform other actions like add text, highlight it, or sign it.
• Certifying it. A certified PDF includes a trusted digital signature that is invalidated if any changes are made after it has been certified. It can help confirm your PDF’s authenticity and protect it from tampering.
• Setting strict restrictions. This can include designating what recipients can do with your file, like copying, printing, editing, or sharing with others. You can control all this without blocking access entirely.
• Including a watermark. A watermark is a faintly visible image or text in the background of your PDF to discourage unauthorized use. It can say something like “Confidential” or display your business’s logo, for instance.
• Redacting it. This means removing sensitive information from the PDF permanently, so it cannot be recovered even if someone tries to edit the file later.

You can use these methods in addition to making your PDF expire after certain dates and conditions.

Protect Your PDFs Easily with PDF.net

PDF.net comes with a full suite of tools that you can use right from your browser. You can change some PDF permissions, remove certain details by editing the text, and save your PDF in minutes.

Also, you can prepare files by rearranging pages, adding images, and inserting fillable fields to make them interactive.

PDF.net uses encrypted connections, so you do not have to worry about potential security issues while handling files on it. Whether you are preparing personal records, reports, or contracts, PDF.net helps you do so with total confidence.

Final Thoughts

An expired PDF no longer provides access to recipients after certain dates or conditions. PDF expiration is used for many reasons, from protecting copyrights to staying compliant with legal document storage regulations.

If you need to protect your PDF, lock and limit actions on your file, in addition to setting it to expire with JavaScript, DRM software, or a Cloud Platform. If you are trying to access a PDF that has expired, it is best to reach out to the creator or distributor. Do not try to bypass restrictions, as you can violate data protection laws.

Expired PDF FAQs

#1. Can I remove expiration from a PDF?

You can remove expiration from a PDF if you are the creator or distributor. If you want to do so as a recipient, it depends on how the PDF expiration date was set. If the file uses embedded scripts or DRM settings, you typically cannot remove the expiry.

#2. Is it legal to bypass an expired PDF?

It is generally not legal to bypass an expired PDF. Trying to circumvent expiration measures can violate copyright laws or contract terms.

#3. How do I send a PDF that expires after 7 days?

To send a PDF that expires after 7 days, use secure file-sharing services with time-limited links or send the PDF through email and make sure the recipient knows to review it within 7 days.

#4. Can I set an expiration date on a PDF for free?

You can set an expiration date on a PDF for free using OpenDrive or Dropbox; these can create temporary PDF links and add basic restrictions. However, options like DRM or Google Drive usually require a paid plan.

#5. How to recover old PDF files?

To recover old PDF files that have been deleted, check your device’s Trash first. For corrupted or damaged PDFs, look in your file backups or use file recovery software. A PDF that will not open might also be because of the Internet, so double-check your connection.