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Defamation Laws in Virginia

How long you have to sue for libel or slander in Virginia, and any retraction rules, from the state code.

Short answer: In Virginia, a lawsuit for libel, slander, insulting words or defamation must be filed within one year after the claim arises. Va. Code § 8.01-247.1

Deadline to sue for defamation (libel and slander)In Virginia, a lawsuit for libel, slander, insulting words or defamation must be filed within one year after the claim arises. If the statements were published anonymously or under a false identity on the internet, the deadline is paused until the publisher's identity is discovered or reasonably should have been.
Source: Va. Code § 8.01-247.1
Retraction (correction) rulesVirginia has a mitigation statute: a prompt and fair apology or retraction can reduce damages, and these sections do not make a retraction demand a condition of suing. In suits against a newspaper, magazine or periodical, the defendant may offer a reasonably prompt and fair apology or retraction (and its good faith and sources) to reduce general and punitive damages, but not actual money losses. In any defamation case, a defendant who gives written notice may show it made or offered an apology to the plaintiff to reduce damages.
Source: Va. Code §§ 8.01-48, 8.01-46

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FAQ

How long do you have to sue for defamation in Virginia?
In Virginia, a lawsuit for libel, slander, insulting words or defamation must be filed within one year after the claim arises. If the statements were published anonymously or under a false identity on the internet, the deadline is paused until the publisher's identity is discovered or reasonably should have been.
Does Virginia have a defamation retraction law?
Virginia has a mitigation statute: a prompt and fair apology or retraction can reduce damages, and these sections do not make a retraction demand a condition of suing. In suits against a newspaper, magazine or periodical, the defendant may offer a reasonably prompt and fair apology or retraction (and its good faith and sources) to reduce general and punitive damages, but not actual money losses. In any defamation case, a defendant who gives written notice may show it made or offered an apology to the plaintiff to reduce damages.

Last verified against official sources: October 27, 2026.

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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.