If you’ve ever had a debt linger for years, you might have wondered: can a creditor still legally collect it?
The answer often depends on something called the statute of limitations—a legal time limit for creditors or debt collectors to file a lawsuit to collect a debt. But here’s where it gets tricky: this time limit varies by state, and it depends on the type of debt, too.
In this article, we’ll break down what the statute of limitations means, why it matters, and how it differs across the United States.
What Is the Statute of Limitations on Debt?
The statute of limitations on debt is a law that sets the maximum time after a debt becomes overdue that a creditor or debt collector can take legal action against you to recover it. If this time period passes, the debt becomes “time-barred,” meaning the creditor can no longer sue you for it.
However, the debt doesn’t magically disappear. You still owe the money, and creditors can still try to collect it—but only through voluntary payment, not through court action.
Why It Matters
Knowing the statute of limitations is crucial because:
- It can protect you from being sued for old debts.
- Making a payment or even acknowledging the debt can reset the clock.
- It empowers you to respond properly if you’re contacted about an old account.
Types of Debt Covered
Statutes of limitations typically apply to these categories of debt:
- Oral contracts: Agreements made verbally.
- Written contracts: Most loan agreements and credit cards fall here.
- Promissory notes: These include student loans and personal loans with signed repayment terms.
- Open-ended accounts: Credit cards and lines of credit.
Each type may carry a different statute of limitations, even within the same state.
Statute of Limitations by State
Below is a general overview of the statute of limitations on written contracts and open-ended accounts (e.g., credit card debt) by state. Keep in mind, this is a simplified summary; consult your state laws or an attorney for details.
| State | Written Contract | Open Account |
| Alabama | 6 years | 3 years |
| Alaska | 3 years | 3 years |
| Arizona | 6 years | 6 years |
| Arkansas | 5 years | 3 years |
| California | 4 years | 4 years |
| Colorado | 6 years | 6 years |
| Connecticut | 6 years | 6 years |
| Delaware | 3 years | 3 years |
| Florida | 5 years | 4 years |
| Georgia | 6 years | 4 years |
| Hawaii | 6 years | 6 years |
| Idaho | 5 years | 4 years |
| Illinois | 10 years | 5 years |
| Indiana | 10 years | 6 years |
| Iowa | 10 years | 5 years |
| Kansas | 5 years | 3 years |
| Kentucky | 10 years | 5 years |
| Louisiana | 10 years | 3 years |
| Maine | 6 years | 6 years |
| Maryland | 3 years | 3 years |
| Massachusetts | 6 years | 6 years |
| Michigan | 6 years | 6 years |
| Minnesota | 6 years | 6 years |
| Mississippi | 3 years | 3 years |
| Missouri | 10 years | 5 years |
| Montana | 8 years | 5 years |
| Nebraska | 5 years | 4 years |
| Nevada | 6 years | 4 years |
| New Hampshire | 3 years | 3 years |
| New Jersey | 6 years | 6 years |
| New Mexico | 6 years | 4 years |
| New York | 6 years | 6 years |
| North Carolina | 3 years | 3 years |
| North Dakota | 6 years | 6 years |
| Ohio | 8 years | 6 years |
| Oklahoma | 5 years | 3 years |
| Oregon | 6 years | 6 years |
| Pennsylvania | 4 years | 4 years |
| Rhode Island | 10 years | 10 years |
| South Carolina | 3 years | 3 years |
| South Dakota | 6 years | 6 years |
| Tennessee | 6 years | 6 years |
| Texas | 4 years | 4 years |
| Utah | 6 years | 4 years |
| Vermont | 6 years | 6 years |
| Virginia | 5 years | 3 years |
| Washington | 6 years | 6 years |
| West Virginia | 10 years | 5 years |
| Wisconsin | 6 years | 6 years |
| Wyoming | 10 years | 8 years |
Source: The Balance
Note: Time limits can also depend on whether the debt is based on an oral or written agreement, so the clock may vary.
Can the Clock be Restarted On the Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection?
One of the lesser-known details about debt collection is that acknowledging or paying the debt can reset the statute of limitations clock in many states. This means that:
- Making a partial payment,
- Agreeing in writing that you owe the debt,
- Or even confirming the debt over the phone
…can all restart the time period, making it legally collectible in court once again. That’s why it’s so important to avoid saying anything until you know your rights.
What Should You Do If You’Contacted About Old Debt?
If a collector contacts you about a debt that may be time-barred:
- Don’t admit to the debt.
- Ask for debt validation in writing. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), you’re entitled to request this.
- Check your state’s statute of limitations to determine if it has expired.
- Seek legal advice if you’re unsure how to proceed.
Important Laws to Know
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA): Prohibits abusive and deceptive collection tactics.
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Negative items, including unpaid debts, usually fall off your credit report after seven years—regardless of whether the statute of limitations has passed.
The statute of limitations on debt collection is a powerful legal protection, but it’s not always straightforward. The time limits vary based on state, type of debt, and specific contract details. Knowing the rules can protect your rights and help you navigate interactions with debt collectors more confidently.
If you suspect a debt is time-barred, proceed cautiously. Request verification, know your local laws, and never make a payment or promise without understanding the potential consequences.
When in doubt, consult with a consumer rights attorney or financial advisor to make sure you’re covered—and not getting pulled back into an old financial trap.
