What does Virginia's click-to-cancel law require?
Quick answer
Since July 1, 2026, Virginia sellers of auto-renewing plans must show the terms before sign-up, get clear consent, send a confirmation with cancel steps, and make cancelling as easy as joining (Va. Code 59.1-207.46). Customers can recover $500 or actual damages; willful violations cost up to $1,000 or triple damages, plus a $2,500 state penalty.
Not legal advice.
Key facts and official sources
| Item | What the law says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Law | Va. Code §§59.1-207.45 to 59.1-207.49, amended by 2026 Acts Chs. 931/932 | Official source |
| Effective | July 1, 2026 | Official source |
| Requirements | Clear terms before consent; affirmative consent; retainable acknowledgment; cancellation as easy as sign-up | Official source |
| Private damages | Actual damages or $500, whichever is greater; willful: up to 3x or $1,000 (§59.1-204(A)) | Official source |
| Civil penalty | Willful: up to $2,500 per violation (§59.1-206(A)) | Official source |
What to do now
- Show renewal terms right before checkout consent.
- Send a retainable acknowledgment with terms and cancel steps.
- Offer cancellation through every channel customers use to sign up, plus web/app or phone for in-person sign-ups.
- Keep a log of cancellations.
Want it done in an afternoon? The Virginia click-to-cancel kit turns these steps into fill-in templates, a checklist and a tracker, with the official sources quoted. One-time payment, instant download.
FAQ
How do I cancel a contract in Virginia?
For auto-renewing consumer plans, the seller must let you cancel the same way you signed up, and online or by phone if you joined in person (Va. Code 59.1-207.46). Other contracts depend on their own terms.
When did Virginia's click-to-cancel changes take effect?
July 1, 2026. Chapter 932 (SB 493) has no emergency clause, so the regular July 1 effective date applies.
What does cancellation have to look like?
At least as easy as sign-up, available through each initiation method, with special rules for in-person sign-ups.
What are the damages?
Under §59.1-204(A): actual damages or $500, whichever is greater; if willful, up to three times actual damages or $1,000, whichever is greater.
Is there a state civil penalty?
Yes. §59.1-206(A) authorizes a willful civil penalty of not more than $2,500 per violation.
Is this legal advice?
No. General information only.