# How to Validate Date Ranges MS Access

> To validate date ranges in MS Access, open the table in Design View, select the date field, and enter a validation rule in the Field Properties pane. Next, set an error message in the Validation Text property and save the changes by clicking the save icon to apply the rule.

Canonical: https://livedemo.ai/tutorials/how-to-validate-date-ranges-ms-access/
Updated: 2026-10-05
Interactive demo: https://story-api.livedemo.ai/workspaces/62255d3d3304f17b8f5e2d03/stories/692a5292ab56e05a00fffca2/preview?step=1

## Steps

1. Right-click the table and choose 'Design View'.
2. Click on the field where dates will be entered.
3. In the 'Field Properties' pane, go to the 'Validation Rule' property.
4. Enter a validation rule and click 'OK'.
5. Set the 'Validation Text' and provide an error message in the 'Validation Text' property.
6. Save the changes to apply the validation rule by clicking the save icon.