The Gift Card
Va. Code 59.1-531 — the expiration date or where to find it on the certificate, and no dormancy or service fees
The expiration date. A gift certificate issued by a merchant in the Commonwealth that has an expiration date includes either the date, or a telephone number or internet address where the holder can find it.
Value that shrinks. A certificate that diminishes in value over time includes a telephone number or internet address for information about that.
No fees. No gift certificate imposes a dormancy fee, an inactivity charge or fee, or a service fee, unless it was given through an award, loyalty or promotional program with no other money or value exchanged.
On the card. The required information is clearly and permanently imprinted on the certificate.
Federal rules on gift cards are not on this page. A particular card is a question for the merchant, the Office of the Attorney General, or a licensed Virginia attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- Va. Code 59.1-531 — Required disclosures
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Virginia attorney.