California Auto-Renewal Law (ARL) Checklist
Audit your SaaS subscription against California's Auto-Renewal Law (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 17600 et seq.). Actionable statutory checklist.
Audit Compliance Score
0% (0 of 4 requirements satisfied)
Online Direct-Link Cancellation
Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17602(c)Must provide a prominent, direct link or button in the account settings or user profile to cancel immediately.
Pre-Renewal Reminder Notices (Annual/Long Plans)
Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17602(b)For subscriptions with terms of one year or longer, send written reminder notice 15 to 45 days prior to auto-renewal.
Trial & Promotional Conversion Notice
Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17602(a)(4)For free trials exceeding 31 days, send notice 3 to 21 days before the initial full billing charge.
Clear Summary of Cancellation Mechanics
Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17602(a)(3)Post-checkout confirmation must include step-by-step instructions on how to cancel.
About this checklist
California's Auto-Renewal Law (ARL), codified in California Business and Professions Code §§ 17600 et seq. and updated by Assembly Bill 390, represents one of the strictest state-level consumer protection statutes in the United States. Under California law, any subscription sold to California residents must provide clear pre-purchase disclosures, explicit affirmative consent, an easily accessible direct-link cancellation mechanism within account settings, and mandatory pre-renewal notices for annual contracts. Violating California's ARL can render all collected subscription payments 'unconditional gifts' under state law, exposing companies to class-action lawsuits and full restitution claims. Because internet software cannot easily segment users by geography at checkout, adhering to California standards is the safest baseline for all SaaS businesses. Use this checklist to audit your compliance.
How It Works
- 1Review the statutory checkpoints mandated by California Bus. & Prof. Code § 17602.
- 2Verify whether your checkout presents clear recurring billing disclosures in visual proximity to the consent request.
- 3Confirm that account settings include a direct, unhindered cancellation link.
- 4Ensure automated pre-renewal email notices are configured for annual plans.
Worked Practical Example
A SaaS sells annual plans ($600/yr) but sends no notification before the automatic renewal charge.
Calculation / Steps
Fails Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17602(b) (Mandatory notice required 15 to 45 days prior to annual renewal).
Expected Result
Non-compliant; must configure automated 30-day pre-renewal reminder emails to protect against restitution claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What notice is required for annual subscriptions under California ARL?+
Businesses must send a written notice 15 to 45 days before the annual auto-renewal date, clearly detailing the charge amount, date, and cancellation instructions.
What is the direct-link cancellation requirement?+
California mandates a prominent, direct link or button in the account profile or settings that allows immediate online cancellation without contacting support.
Does California ARL apply to out-of-state or international SaaS companies?+
Yes. The law applies to any business that sells subscriptions to consumers residing in California, regardless of where the company is headquartered.
Automate retention on your cancel button
BoolBul fulfills California's online direct-link mandate by providing an in-app widget that executes verified, self-serve cancellations immediately.
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