The District of Columbia generally prohibits expiration on gift certificates with values above a minimum threshold and restricts post-sale fees.
Federal context
Under the federal Credit CARD Act of 2009 and its implementing Regulation E (12 CFR 1005.20), gift certificates and most general-use and store gift cards sold in the United States must remain valid for at least five years from the date of issuance or last load. Federal law also restricts dormancy, inactivity, and service fees: a fee can generally be charged only if the card has been inactive for at least 12 months, the fee is disclosed, and no more than one fee is charged per month. State laws may add stronger consumer protections on top of this federal floor.
For a deeper federal explainer, see our CARD Act overview.
Expiration rules in DC
DC generally prohibits expiration on gift certificates above a statutory threshold.
Dormancy and service fees in DC
Service and dormancy fees on gift certificates are prohibited.
Cash redemption for small balances
No statutory threshold.
Disclosure requirements
Federal Regulation E disclosures apply, supplemented by DC Consumer Protection Procedures Act standards.
Unclaimed property and escheatment
DC's unclaimed property regime may apply.
Enforcement and penalties
The DC Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection Section enforces local rules.
Recent updates
No material recent changes.
Last reviewed: May 24, 2026. Statutes change. Verify the current text of the cited statute before acting on this summary.
District of Columbia compliance checklist
A short operational checklist for selling gift certificates in District of Columbia. Adapt with counsel before publishing your final policy.
- Configure certificates to never expire.
- Do not charge service or dormancy fees.
- Disclose terms clearly on the certificate.
- Maintain perpetual redemption records.
Frequently asked questions about District of Columbia gift card law
Are federal agencies subject to DC gift card rules?
Federal agency vouchers and gift programs have separate treatment under federal procurement rules.
Related legal basics
- Do Gift Certificates Expire? — A practical overview of federal and state rules on gift certificate expiration, written in plain English.
- Can You Charge Fees on Gift Certificates? — Federal and state rules on inactivity, dormancy, and service fees for gift cards.