I am trying to validate membership expiration date. (I am a beginner)

Although this part works fine:
<td class='headerTD'><strong>
 My Discussions | </strong>
   <% =f_name %>&nbsp;<% =l_name %> <% if session("dtlast") <> "" then response.write " | <i>your last visit was:</i> " %><% =session("dtlast") %>&nbsp;<% response.Write("| Your membership expires on ") %><% =dtExpire%>&nbsp;<% response.Write("| current date ") %><% =FormatDateTime(Now(),2) %>
</td>


This part is not working. Is there anything wrong with this code?

...
dtExpire = trim(request("dtExpire"))
    if dtExpire <= FormatDateTime(Now(),2) then
        response.Redirect("login_MEMBERSHIP.asp")
    end if
...

the only thing I can see is that

dtExpire = trim(request("dtExpire"))

is dealing with a string and your comparing it to a date with your if...then.

maybe try:

dtExpire = CDate(trim(request("dtExpire")))

I replaced the suggested line. Same problem. It let's me log in even though the membership expired.

try:

Response.Write(dtExpire & "<br />" & FormatDateTime(Now(),2))

and see if that sheds any light.

I am not sure what you mean...
Response.Write(dtExpire & "<br />" & FormatDateTime(Now(),2))
writes
1/22/04
1/26/04

 ...both dates are formated the same