Baird HallThere is no single US automatic renewal law. Each state sets its own, and the strict ones keep multiplying. The common thread is simple: disclose the renewal terms, remind customers, and make cancelling easy.
This guide summarizes each state's rules and links to a full breakdown, then shows how to comply everywhere at once.
A quick note
This is a practical guide, not legal advice. Several states are updating these rules through 2026. Confirm your setup with counsel.
A checklist to comply across states
These obligations recur across state laws. Meeting them keeps you compliant in most of the country.
Disclose renewal terms clearly. State the auto-renewal, term length, recurring charge, and cancellation policy before signup.
Get affirmative consent. Have the customer actively agree to the auto-renewal terms.
Send renewal and trial reminders. Notify customers before renewals and before a free trial converts, on the timelines each state sets.
Make cancelling easy and symmetrical. Offer an online cancel that is at least as easy as signup.
Respect state-specific rules. Some states, like Minnesota, restrict save offers, so tailor the flow by location.
The laws by state
California
California's Automatic Renewal Law requires clear disclosure, affirmative consent, and easy cancellation, with recent updates tightening consent and online cancellation.
New York
New York's Automatic Renewal Law requires conspicuous disclosure of renewal terms and a simple way to cancel auto-renewing subscriptions.
Colorado
Colorado requires renewal reminders and, under SB25-145 effective February 2026, a one-step online cancel for anyone who signed up online. Penalties reach $20,000 per violation.
Minnesota
Minnesota, effective 2025, requires easy online cancellation and renewal notices, and uniquely limits the save offers you can show without the subscriber's permission.
Virginia
Virginia requires affirmative consent, and from July 1, 2026 adds a conspicuous online cancel and a rule that cancelling be as easy as signing up.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts regulates auto-renewals through the Attorney General's 940 CMR 38.00, effective September 2025, requiring a simple cancellation on the same channel used to sign up.
Why it matters for subscription businesses
A cancel flow that satisfies one state can breach another. Minnesota limits save offers, Colorado wants a one-step online cancel, and Virginia requires cancelling to be as easy as signup. Penalties climb quickly, and Colorado alone reaches up to $20,000 per violation.
How Churnkey helps you stay compliant and reduce churn
Churnkey offers a Cancel Flow that is compliant and retains customers, two outcomes that are hard to balance at once.
Getting started is easy, with an SDK, an embedded option, or a self-serve hosted page.
Churnkey's automatic compliance detects each customer's location and shows the right cancel option for their state, from a one-step online cancel to holding save offers where they are restricted.
We work with businesses across many states and countries, each with its own evolving rules, so we can help you configure flows that support compliance. Review the rules with your legal team and meet with ours to set up your flows.
Before a customer confirms, Churnkey can offer a pause or discount they are free to decline, and you can A/B test flows to find what saves revenue. On average, companies using Churnkey save 20 to 40% of the revenue they would otherwise lose to churn.
Churnkey is GDPR compliant and SOC 2 Type II certified.
FAQ
Is there a single US automatic renewal law?
No. Auto-renewal rules are set state by state. Many states share a common core of disclosure, reminders, and easy cancellation, but the specifics and penalties differ.
Which states have automatic renewal laws?
Many do. This guide covers California, New York, Colorado, Minnesota, Virginia, and Massachusetts, several of which updated their rules for 2025 and 2026.
Do these laws apply if my business is not based in the state?
Yes. They apply based on where your customer lives. If you sell auto-renewing subscriptions to consumers in a state, that state's law applies to you.
What is the strictest state rule to watch?
Minnesota is notable for limiting save offers shown without permission. Colorado, Virginia, and Massachusetts each require an easy online cancel, and Colorado penalties reach $20,000 per violation.
How can Churnkey help across states?
Churnkey detects each customer's location and shows the right cancel option for their state, in one flow set up without code. You can present a fair offer before the customer confirms while leaving them free to cancel. We can help you configure flows that support compliance, but review the rules with your legal team.