Automatic renewal law in District of Columbia

We read D.C. Code §§ 28A-201 et seq. on the state's official site and list what it requires below. A summary leaves out detail; the linked text is the authority.

In the law's own words:

• “shall disclose the automatic renewal provision and cancellation procedure clearly and conspicuously in the contract” (D.C. Code § 28A-203(a))
• “If the notice is provided by email, include active weblinks to allow the consumer to cancel the automatic renewal.” (D.C. Code § 28A-203(b)(2)(C))
• “no fewer than 30 days and no more than 60 days before the cancellation deadline for the first automatic renewal” (D.C. Code § 28A-203(b)(2)(A))
• “obtain the consumer's affirmative consent to the automatic renewal before charging the consumer for the automatic renewal” (D.C. Code § 28A-203(c)(2))

The cancellation route differs by company; see Software subscriptions, Streaming services, Dating apps and Adobe for the details we hold.

1. 1

   Note how and when you agreed

   Look up the sign-up confirmation and the renewal date. Under District of Columbia law the way you joined matters for how you can leave.

2. 2

   Use the cancellation route the law protects

   The contract must spell out the cancellation procedure, and renewal notices sent by email must include active links that let you cancel. The law does not guarantee any other specific cancellation channel. Take a screenshot or keep the email that confirms it.

3. 3

   Back it up with a letter

   A short letter that names D.C. Code §§ 28A-201 et seq. and the date you are cancelling from gives you a dated record. The letter template generator lays it out for you.

4. 4

   When a charge still goes through

   Contact the business with your dated proof first, then your card issuer. The steps are in when a company keeps charging after you cancel.

A mailed letter does not replace the routes District of Columbia law requires the business to offer, but it gives you proof that holds up: the delivery record shows who received your notice and when.

Which mail service proves what is set out in certified mail for cancellations.

The federal Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act requires online sellers using automatic renewals to provide simple mechanisms to stop recurring charges. The FTC's 2024 click-to-cancel amendments are not in force: on July 8, 2025 the Eighth Circuit vacated them (Custom Communications, Inc. v. FTC, No. 24-3137), on February 12, 2026, in a rule effective that day, the FTC recodified its Negative Option Rule "as it existed before the effective date" of the 2024 amendments (91 FR 6507), and on March 13, 2026 it asked for public comment on "the need for amendments" (91 FR 12318). Our state-by-state overview and the FTC click-to-cancel guide have the details.