How many days before renewal must a Virginia business send an auto-renewal reminder?
Quick answer
Between 30 and 60 days before the cancellation deadline or the end of the current term. This applies to plans that renew after more than 30 days and extend for more than 12 months, such as annual plans. The reminder must say the plan renews unless cancelled, give the date to cancel by and how to cancel, and include a copy of the renewal terms (Va. Code 59.1-207.46(E)).
What does the law say? Key facts and official sources
| Item | What the law says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Which plans | Automatic renewal or continuous service offers that renew after a period of more than 30 days and extend for more than 12 months (59.1-207.46(E)) | Official source |
| Timing | No less than 30 days and no more than 60 days before the cancellation deadline or the end of the current contract term (59.1-207.46(E)) | Official source |
| What the notice says | (i) the plan renews unless the consumer cancels, (ii) the date to cancel by, (iii) how to cancel, (iv) a copy of the renewal or continuous service provisions (59.1-207.46(E)) | Official source |
| Format | Each disclosure must on its own be "clear and conspicuous" as defined in 59.1-207.45 (59.1-207.46(F)) | Official source |
| Material changes | Before a material change takes effect, a clear and conspicuous notice of the change plus how to cancel, in a form the consumer can keep (59.1-207.46(C)) | Official source |
| Who is a consumer | Individuals buying for personal, family or household use, and small businesses (250 or fewer employees, or $10 million or less in average annual gross receipts) (59.1-207.45) | Official source |
| Enforcement | A violation is a prohibited practice under 59.1-200, enforced under the Virginia Consumer Protection Act (59.1-207.49) | Official source |
| Last verified | October 24, 2026 | Astor Ventures |
Does a month-to-month plan need this reminder?
Not under subsection E as written. That subsection covers plans that renew after more than 30 days and extend the agreement for more than 12 months. A plan that renews one month at a time does not extend it for more than 12 months. Monthly plans still need the sign-up disclosures, affirmative consent, the acknowledgment and an easy way to cancel.
What counts as clear and conspicuous for an email reminder?
For a website or app, Virginia says the disclosure must be unavoidable and written in plain words. For a visual disclosure it must stand out: larger type, contrasting type or color, or set off by symbols. Nothing else in the message can contradict it (59.1-207.45).
Do I also need to notify customers of a price increase?
Yes. Section 59.1-207.46(C) requires a clear and conspicuous notice before any material change to the renewal terms takes effect, with information on how to cancel, in a form the customer can keep. The statute does not set a number of days for that notice.
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What else do people ask?
Does this cover business customers?
Yes for small businesses as Virginia defines them (250 or fewer employees, or $10 million or less in average annual gross receipts). Larger business buyers are not "consumers" under 59.1-207.45.
What is the fine?
Section 59.1-207.49 makes a violation a prohibited practice under the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. It sets no separate dollar fine; see our Virginia auto-renewal penalty guide.
Is there a separate free-trial reminder?
Yes, for free trials longer than 30 days (59.1-207.46(D)). See our free-trial guide.
Is this legal advice?
No. General information only.
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