Does Virginia require a reminder before a free trial turns into a paid subscription?
Quick answer
Yes, if the free trial lasts more than 30 days. Within 30 days of the end of the trial, the seller must tell the consumer they can cancel before the trial ends to avoid paying (Va. Code 59.1-207.46(D)). For any free trial, the acknowledgment sent at sign-up must also explain how to cancel before the consumer has to pay (59.1-207.46(A)(3)).
What does the law say? Key facts and official sources
| Item | What the law says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Reminder | Free trials lasting more than 30 days: within 30 days of the end of the trial, notify the consumer of the option to cancel before the trial ends to avoid paying (59.1-207.46(D)) | Official source |
| Acknowledgment | An acknowledgment the consumer can keep, with the renewal terms, cancellation policy and how to cancel; with a free trial it must also say how to cancel the trial before paying (59.1-207.46(A)(3)) | Official source |
| Consent before charging | No charge without the consumer's affirmative consent to the agreement containing the renewal terms (59.1-207.46(A)(2)) | Official source |
| Easy cancellation | At least as easy as signing up; available through each method used to sign up; no required chat with a live or virtual agent unless sign-up only happens that way (59.1-207.46(B)(1), (2), (4)) | Official source |
| In-person sign-ups | Must be able to cancel through a website or app, or by phone (59.1-207.46(B)(6)) | Official source |
| Goods sent without consent | Treated as an unconditional gift to the consumer, with no duty to pay or ship them back (59.1-207.47) | Official source |
| Enforcement | 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 |
What about trials of 30 days or less?
The reminder in subsection D only covers free trials lasting more than 30 days. Shorter trials still need the sign-up disclosures, affirmative consent, and an acknowledgment that explains how to cancel the trial before paying.
When exactly should the reminder go out?
The statute says "within 30 days of the end of any such free trial" and gives no other window. We quote it as written. Sending it with enough time for the customer to act is the safe reading; ask a Virginia lawyer if your timing is tight.
Can the customer cancel the trial online?
Cancellation must be at least as easy as sign-up and available through each method the customer could use to sign up. If they signed up in person, the seller must offer cancellation by website, app or phone (59.1-207.46(B)).
Want it done in an afternoon? The Virginia auto-renewal & cancellation kit turns these rules into fill-in templates, a checklist and a tracker, with the official sources quoted. One-time payment, instant download.
What else do people ask?
Is there a dollar fine in this section?
No. Section 59.1-207.49 sends enforcement to the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. See our Virginia auto-renewal penalty guide.
Do the rules apply to small business customers?
Yes. Virginia's definition of "consumer" includes small businesses with 250 or fewer employees or $10 million or less in average annual gross receipts (59.1-207.45).
What if the free trial includes physical goods?
If goods are sent under a renewal plan without the consumer's affirmative consent, they are treated as a gift (59.1-207.47).
Is this legal advice?
No. General information only.
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