All Eagle Scout requirements must be completed before your 18th birthday, barring an exception for special needs. This includes u201cmerit badges, service project, active participation, Scout spirit, position of responsibility, and unit leader conference.u201d Guide to Advancement 2022 section 9.0.1.1 [As of 11/6/16 the 2022 version is the most current.]However the signatures need not be dated before the Scoutu2019s 18th birthday. (ibid, 9.0.1.3 #2, also 9.0.1.4) Section 9.0.1.5 mentions that a copy should be made of the application, service project workbook, etc. and once the copies are in safekeeping, the originals should be delivered promptly to the council service center. It says timeliness is especially critical if the candidate is approaching or has already turned 18.So clearly, although the work must be completed before the 18th birthday, the application neednu2019t be turned in by then. The Guide to Advancement recommends that the work be hand delivered if possible, but suggests registered or certified mail if that is not possible.u201cThere is no requirement that the application must be completed or submitted before the 18th birthday. Councils do not have the authority to reject applications submitted on or after that date.u201d (Guide to Advancement section 9.0.1.5)The Board of Review will be scheduled after all records have been submitted to National and verified, then returned to the local council. No special permission is required for a Board of Review within 3 months after the 18th birthday (hence a good reason to submit your packet in a timely fashion).Between 3 and 6 months after the 18th birthday a letter of explanation for the delay is required, as is special permission from the local council. At 6 months past the 18th birthday or beyond, it becomes a real pain. Letters must be sent to National and permission granted to have a late Board of Review. Donu2019t be in this situation.Best bet, as everyone will tell you, is to get it all done as early as possible.