Revoca

Revoca is a term used in law and governance to denote the withdrawal, cancellation, or annulment of a decision, act, license, or authority that was previously in effect. The word derives from Latin revocare, meaning “to call back.” In practice, revocation refers to the ability of a competent authority to undo or reverse a prior act or grant.

In administrative law, revocation describes the withdrawal of a previous administrative act, such as a permit, license, registration, or concession, often due to lapse, noncompliance, a change in circumstances, or public interest. In regulatory contexts, revocation can involve professional licenses or certifications, corporate registrations, or other authorizations, returning the authority to the issuing body.

In contract law, revocation most commonly concerns offers: an offer can be revoked by the offeror at any time before acceptance. Revocation of a contract once formed is generally referred to as termination, rescission, or cancellation, depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the defect or change in circumstances.

Process and due process standards vary by jurisdiction, but revocation typically requires a lawful basis and, in many systems, notice and an opportunity to respond or be heard. The effects usually render the revoked act void from the moment of revocation, although some jurisdictions may impose prospective effects or limit retroactivity.

See-also distinctions include termination (end of an ongoing relationship), annulment or rescission (voiding a contract as if it never existed), and expiration (automatic end by time). Etymologically, revoca reflects the notion of calling back a previously granted authority or permission. In Italian legal usage, revoca is a common term for administrative withdrawal.