Can a Gift Certificate legally expire?

According to California law, it is unlawful to sell a gift certificate that contains any of the following; a service fee, including one for dormancy (except in the case of severe restrictions), a term that makes the redemption or other use of the gift certificate invalid in the case of bankruptcy or an expiration date. Furthermore, any gift certificate sold after January 1, 1997 is redeemable for cash at its cash value or must be replaced by a new gift certificate without additional charge to the purchaser. However, gift certificates issued on or after January 1, 1998 may provide an expiration date in capital letters in at least 10-point font on the face of the gift certificate in the case of a gift certificate that is given for free, such as an award, or promotional program; if the gift certificate is sold below face value at a discount to non-profit or charitable organizations or to employers, but only if the expiration date is not more than 30 days from the date of sale; or gift certificates that are issued specifically for food products. Otherwise, any gift certificate sold without an expiration date is considered valid until redeemed or replaced.

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