This page sets out what Section 10 of the Illinois Automatic Contract Renewal Act asks of a seller, the timing numbers and what follows a violation. See the overview for coverage and the checklist and FAQs for steps. Online sellers can also read our ecommerce and online sellers page.
What the law requires
| Requirement | In plain words | Section |
|---|---|---|
| Clear terms | Show the renewal terms in the contract, clearly and conspicuously, next to the consent request. | 10(a)(i) |
| Consent first | No charge to a card or other payment method until the consumer consents to the terms. | 10(a)(ii) |
| Acknowledgment | Give a record the consumer can keep, repeating the terms, cancellation policy and how to cancel. | 10(a)(iii) |
| Free gift or trial | Disclose how to cancel, and allow cancellation before paying. | 10(a)(iv) |
| Trial reminder | For a trial or promotion of 15 days or longer, remind the consumer at least 3 days before the cancellation deadline. | 10(a-5) |
| Renewal notice | For a specified term of 12 months or more that renews for a specified term over one month, send a retainable written notice 30 to 60 days before the deadline. | 10(b) |
| Online cancel | Online sign-ups must be able to cancel exclusively online. | 10(b-5) |
| Safe harbor | No liability if written procedures are enforced, the failure was an error, and billing since the renewal is refunded or credited. | 10(c) |
Clear and conspicuous means larger or contrasting type or color, or being set off by symbols (Section 5).
Key numbers and dates
| Item | Amount or date | Year in force | Source label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written renewal notice | 30 to 60 days before the cancellation deadline, on terms of 12 months or more | 2026 | ACRA 10(b) |
| Trial reminder | At least 3 days before the deadline, for trials of 15 days or longer | 2026 | ACRA 10(a-5) |
| Civil penalty in an Attorney General or State's Attorney action | Up to $50,000; up to $50,000 per violation if intent to defraud; plus up to $10,000 per violation if the victim is 65 or older | Text as amended 2022 | CFA 7(b), (c) |
| Private damages suit deadline | 3 years after the claim accrues | 2026 | CFA 10a(e) |
Source: 815 ILCS 601/10
Recent and pending changes
Public Act 103-70 (effective January 1, 2024) and Public Act 103-919 (effective January 1, 2025) are the two amendments since 2023 in the source notes; this page credits no rule to either.
Penalties and enforcement
The Act has no penalty clause. Section 15 makes a violation an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud Act, so that Act's remedies apply.
| Tier | What can follow | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Government action | The Attorney General or a State's Attorney can seek the civil penalty above | CFA 7 |
| Private suit | Actual economic damages or other proper relief, an injunction, fees and costs, within 3 years | CFA 10a |
| Safe harbor | No liability under either Act if the seller shows the Section 10(c) conditions | ACRA 10(c) |
Official sources
- Illinois General Assembly: Automatic Contract Renewal Act (815 ILCS 601)
- Illinois General Assembly: Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act (815 ILCS 505)
- Illinois General Assembly: Senate Bill 3562 status
- Illinois General Assembly: Senate Bill 3380 status
This page is a plain-language summary. The official source controls if there is any difference.