How Long Must US Employers Keep Time Card Records?
October 23, 2026
Under FLSA recordkeeping requirements (per DOL guidance), US employers generally must retain payroll records, including time cards, for at least 2 to 3 years depending on the specific record type — this is a federal minimum, and some states may require longer retention.
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DOL guidance distinguishes between different record types: payroll records (including time cards) generally need to be kept for at least 3 years, while records used to calculate pay (such as time cards and work schedules specifically) generally fall under a 2-year retention requirement in some DOL guidance — confirming the exact current requirement on dol.gov is worthwhile given these record-type distinctions.
State Requirements Can Differ
Since individual states can impose their own, sometimes longer, recordkeeping requirements, an employer operating in a specific state should confirm that state's specific rule rather than assuming the federal minimum is sufficient everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long must US employers keep time card records?
Generally at least 2 to 3 years under FLSA recordkeeping rules, depending on the specific record type — confirm the current requirement on dol.gov.
Is this the same requirement in every state?
No — some states impose their own, sometimes longer, recordkeeping requirements; check the specific state's rule.
Does this apply only to time cards?
No — it applies to payroll records generally, which include time cards along with other wage and hour documentation.
Where is the official federal guidance on this?
DOL's published recordkeeping guidance at dol.gov.