FAQ: How do I cite a resource with no date in MLA Style?

Generally speaking, if you cannot identify the publication date, DO NOT substitute n.d. for “no date.” If no date is provided, skip that information in your citation. It is recommended that you add the date you accessed the work at the end of the citation in your Works Cited list. Access date is given by putting the word "Accessed" followed by the date you viewed or accessed the work (format =  Day Month (shortened) Year). Here are examples of how it works in MLA citation style:

Works Cited Entry

If there isn't a date, you just omit that information entirely.

General Format

Title. Publisher.

"Article Title." Journal Title, vol. #, no. #. pp. #-#. DOI.

Accessed Date Format

"Audit and Assurance." Chartered Professional Accountants Canada, www.cpacanada.ca/en/business-and-accounting-resources/audit-and-assurance. Accessed 6 Sept. 2023.

If a source has an approximate date (e.g. circa 1500 or early 17th century), the MLA Handbook states that you should record the date as given. You will write out dates (e.g. 15th century becomes fifteenth century). See page 186 for more information.

If a source has an uncertain date (e.g. possibly 1890 or 1765?) list the date followed by a question mark. See page 186 for more information.

Works Cited Entry Examples

Chaucer, Geoffrey. The Canterbury Tales. Circa 1400-10, British Library, London, Harley MS 7334.

Dickinson, Emily. "Distance - is not the Realm of Fox." 1870?, Pierpont Morgan Library, New York City. Manuscript.

For additional examples and tips on citing sources with no date in MLA Style, check out the Purdue OWL (Works Cited This link opens in a new window Parenthetical Reference This link opens in a new window).

More Information

• Citing Your Sources Guide (Shapiro Library)  

Disclaimer

This information is intended to be a guideline, not expert advice. Please be sure to speak to your professor about the appropriate way to cite sources in your class assignments and projects.

References

The Modern Language Association of America. (2016). MLA Handbook. Modern Language Association of America.