How long is the statute of limitations on debt?
According to Bankrate, “The statute of limitations on debt varies by state and type of debt, ranging from three years to as long as 20 years.”
For example, the statute of limitations in New York is six years for any type of debt. The statute of limitations on credit card debt in Missouri is five years. The statute of limitations in Pennsylvania is four years for auto loans, credit cards, mortgages and medical debt.
Breakdown of the Statute of Limitation for Credit Card Debt in Every State
| State | Years | State statute |
| Alabama | 3 years | Title 6 Ch.2 Sec. 37 |
| Alaska | 3 years | 9.10.053 |
| Arizona | 6 years | HB 2412 |
| Arkansas | 5 years | 4-3-118 |
| California | 4 years | Code of Civil Procedure S.337 |
| Colorado | 6 years | Colorado Revised Statutes Title 13 S.80-103.5 |
| Connecticut | 6 years | Chapter 926 Sec. 52-576 |
| Washington, D.C. | 3 years | 12-301 |
| Delaware | 3 years | Title 10, Sec. 8106 |
| Florida | 5 years | 95.11 |
| Georgia | 6 years | 9-3-24 |
| Hawaii | 6 years | 657-1 |
| Idaho | 5 years | 5-216 |
| Illinois | 5 years | Code of Civil Procedure 5/13-205 |
| Indiana | 6 years | Title 34 Art.11, 2-9 |
| Iowa | 5 years | Ch. 614.1.4 |
| Kansas | 3 years | 60-512 |
| Kentucky | 5 or 15 years | 413.120 and 413.090 |
| Louisiana | 3 years | Civil Code Sec. 2 Art. 3494 |
| Maine | 6 years | 14-205-752 |
| Maryland | 3 years | Section 5-101 |
| Massachusetts | 6 years | General Laws Part III Title V Ch. 260-2 |
| Michigan | 6 years | Ch. 600.5807.8 |
| Minnesota | 6 years | Civil Procedure Ch.541.05 |
| Mississippi | 3 years | 15-1-29 |
| Missouri | 5 years | Ch. 516-120 |
| Montana | 8 years | 27-2-202 |
| Nebraska | 4 years | 25-206 |
| Nevada | 4 years | 11-190 |
| New Hampshire | 3 years | 382-A:3-118 (g) |
| New Jersey | 6 years | 2A:14-1 |
| New Mexico | 4 years | 37-1-4 |
| New York | 6 years | Civil Practice Law & Rules, 2-213 |
| North Carolina | 3 years | Civil Procedure 1-52.1 |
| North Dakota | 6 years | 28-01-16 |
| Ohio | 6 years | Courts – Common Pleas, Ch. 2305.07 |
| Oklahoma | 5 years | 12-95A(1) |
| Oregon | 6 years | Oregon Revised Statutes, Civil Procedure Ch. 12.080 |
| Pennsylvania | 4 years | Judicial Procedure 42 Pa. C.S. 5525(a) |
| Rhode Island | 10 years | 9-1-13 |
| South Carolina | 3 years | Code of Laws Title 15 Ch. 3 Sec.530 |
| South Dakota | 6 years | 15-2-13 |
| Tennessee | 6 years | Title 28 3-109 |
| Texas | 4 years | Civil Practice and Remedies Code, S.16.004 |
| Utah | 6 years | 78B-2-309 |
| Vermont | 6years | 9A-3-118 |
| Virginia | 3 years | 8.01-246 |
| Washington | 6 years | Revised Code of Washington 4.16.040 |
| West Virginia | 10 years | 55-2-6 |
| Wisconsin | 6 years | 893.43 |
| Wyoming | 8 years | 1-3-105 |
State-by-state statute of limitations on debt collection
| State | Oral | Written | Promissory | Open |
| Alabama | 6 | 6 | 6 | 3 |
| Alaska | 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Arizona | 3 | 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Arkansas | 3 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| California | 2 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Colorado | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Connecticut | 3 | 6 | 6 | 3 |
| Delaware | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Florida | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Georgia | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Hawaii | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Idaho | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Illinois | 5 | 10 | 10 | 5 |
| Indiana | 6 | 10 | 10 | 6 |
| Iowa | 5 | 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Kansas | 3 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Kentucky | 5 | 10 | 15 | 5 |
| Louisiana | 10 | 10 | 10 | 3 |
| Maine | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Maryland | 3 | 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Massachusetts | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Michigan | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Minnesota | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Mississippi | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Missouri | 5 | 10 | 10 | 5 |
| Montana | 5 | 8 | 8 | 5 |
| Nebraska | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Nevada | 4 | 6 | 3 | 4 |
| New Hampshire | 3 | 3 | 6 | 3 |
| New Jersey | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| New Mexico | 4 | 6 | 6 | 4 |
| New York | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| North Carolina | 3 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
| North Dakota | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Ohio | 15 | 15 | 15 | 6 |
| Oklahoma | 3 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Oregon | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Pennsylvania | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Rhode Island | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| South Carolina | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| South Dakota | 3 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Tennessee | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Texas | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Utah | 4 | 6 | 6 | 4 |
| Vermont | 6 | 6 | 5 | 3 |
| Virginia | 3 | 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Washington | 3 | 6 | 6 | 3 |
| West Virginia | 5 | 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Wisconsin | 6 | 6 | 10 | 6 |
| Wyoming | 8 | 10 | 10 | 8 |
What does the statute of limitations on debt mean?
The statute of limitations on a debt is the timeframe in which a lawsuit can be issued in an attempt to collect on a debt. In other words, the statute of limitations on credit card debt is the period in time that a creditor has to sue you over the debt.
The following page will break down each aspect of this law and the images below illustrate the statute of limitations for credit card debt in every state.
Why is it important that you know about the statute of limitations on credit card debt?
Do you have past-due credit card bills?
You need to know about the statute of limitations.
Here’s why: If creditors are illegally attempting to collect on a debt, you can dispute that debt and it could become legally uncollectible. A legally uncollectible debt is one that you don’t have to pay.
Debt validation programs allow you to challenge the legal validity of a debt. If a creditor is attempting to collect on a debt that has expired past the statute of limitations, you can be certain the debt will end up becoming invalidated.
At times, a debt resolution program will use legal violations from creditors as leverage to negotiate the most favorable settlement.
Can a credit card company sue you after 7 years?
We get this question every single day over here at Golden Financial Services.
After a debt is past its statute of limitations, a creditor can no longer sue you over the debt or use the court system in any way whatsoever, to help them collect on it.
The statute of limitations on a debt ranges from 3-15 years, it all depends on what state you live in, not always equaling seven years.
How Can You Use The Statute of Limitations to Dispute a Debt?
If a third-party debt collection account is showing up on your credit report, you can send a notarized debt validation letter to the debt collection agency, requesting:
- Proof of when the statute of limitations expires on the debt
- Details of how the debt collector came up with that date
- Proof; in the form of “documentation”, to back up their claim
- Everything gets notarized
- Also, ask for proof that they are licensed to collect on debt in whatever state you live in (including their debt collector license number and a copy of their debt collector license)
Have Over $10,000 in Credit Card Debt?
- If you have over $10,000 in credit card debt, you could qualify for debt relief
- Pay only a small fraction of what you owe
- A debt can either get reduced or proven to be legally uncollectible
- Monthly payments get consolidated into one single payment
- Flexible and affordable payment plans are available
- Be debt free in 18-42 months
- The debt and its associated negative marks could get removed from credit
IAPDA Certified Counselors All Across The Nation Are Ready To Help – CALL (866) 376-9846
Debt validation uses consumer federal protection laws, like the Credit Card Act of 2009 and the Fair Credit Billing Act, to dispute a debt.
Debt settlement leads to a portion of your balance getting forgiven.
Both credit card debt relief programs let you save money and choose an affordable payment.
Client Walks Away From Paying a $15,643 Credit Card Debt (Example Letter From Debt Validation)
Talk to an IAPDA Certified debt professional at Golden Financial Services. You can get a free consultation and find out if you qualify for debt relief.
Want to avoid a debt relief program? Learn how to get out of debt with0ut a debt relief program, by reading this post next.
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Statute of Limitations
If a debt collection company threatens to sue you over a debt that already reached the statute of limitations, that debt collector is violating your consumer rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). You can then sue the debt collector and easily get that debt dismissed at court.
There are different types of a statute of limitations for different types of claims that range from debt to personal injury, to slander. There is also a criminal statute of limitations that forbids prosecutors from charging someone with a crime that was committed outside the limitations period.
Before we get started let’s clarify one last point. There are two types of debts.
- Oral Contracts:
Sally verbally promised to repay John $200 for a personal loan.
- Written Contract:
Credit card debt is under a written contract agreement.
Some states, like California, have a different time limit for collecting on written contracts and oral contracts.
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Alabama is 3 Years
| Injury to Person | 2 years |
| Libel/Slander | 2 years |
| Fraud | 10 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 6 years |
| Professional Malpractice | Medical not under contract: 2 years §09.10.070; under contract: 6 years §09.10.050 |
| Trespass | 6 years |
| Collection of Rents | 10 years |
| Contracts (a written contract includes credit card debt that was sold to a third-party debt collection company) | 3 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 10 years |
| Judgments | 10 years |
If debt collection companies are harassing you, Alabama residents do have debt relief options to protect themselves. You’ll find a summary of the Alabama debt relief options by visiting this page next.
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Alaska 3 Years
| Injury to Person | 2 years |
| Libel/Slander | 2 years |
| Fraud | 10 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 6 years |
| Professional Malpractice | Medical not under contract: 2 years and under contract: 6 years |
| Trespass | 6 years |
| Collection of Rents | 10 years |
| Contracts | 3 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 10 years |
| Judgments | 10 years |
Alaska residents can use debt validation and debt settlement services to dispute or settle third-party debt collection accounts.
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Arizona is 6 Years
| Injury to Person | False imprisonment; 1 year & if not 2 years |
| Libel/Slander | 1 year |
| Fraud | 3 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 2 years |
| Professional Malpractice | Medical: 2 years |
| Trespass | 2 years |
| Collection of Rents | – |
| Contracts (a written contract includes credit card debt that was sold to a third-party debt collection company) | Written: 6 years Oral: 3 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 3 years |
| Judgments | 4 years foreign judgment |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Arkansas is 5 Years
| Injury to Person | 3 years |
| Libel/Slander | Libel: 3 years & Slander: 1 year |
| Fraud | Common law fraud and fraud and deceit: 3 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 3 years |
| Professional Malpractice | Legal: 3 years & Medical: 2 years |
| Trespass | 3 years |
| Collection of Rents | 3 years |
| Contracts (a written contract includes credit card debt that was sold to a third-party debt collection company) | Written: 5 years Oral: 3 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 3 years if not written or under seal |
| Judgments | 10 years |
The Statute of Limitations for California on Debt & Debt Collection Accounts is 4 Years
| Injury to Person | Personal injury: 2 years False imprisonment: 1-year |
| Libel/Slander | 1-year |
| Fraud | 3 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 3 years |
| Professional Malpractice | Legal: 1 year from discovery, max. of 4 years from the wrong |
| Trespass | 3 years |
| Collection of Rents | 4 years Civ. Proc. |
| Contracts (a written contract includes credit card debt that was sold to a third-party debt collection company) | Written: 4 years Oral: 2 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 4 years (book and stated accounts) Civ. Proc. |
| Judgments | 10 years Civ. Proc. |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Colorado is 3 Years
| Injury to Person | 2 years & 3 years if from use or operation of a motor vehicle |
| Libel/Slander | 1 year |
| Fraud | 1 year for actions under 3 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 3 years if from use or operation of a motor vehicle |
| Professional Malpractice | Vet: 2 years Medical: 2 years upon discovery |
| Trespass | 2 years |
| Collection of Rents | 6 years |
| Contracts (a written contract includes credit card debt that was sold to a third-party debt collection company) | Written: 3 years Oral: 3 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 6 years |
| Judgments | – |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Connecticut is 6 Years
| Injury to Person | 2 years 2years from discovery if by negligent, reckless, or wanton conduct, with max 3 years from wrong |
| Libel/Slander | 2 years |
| Fraud | 3 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 3 years 2 years from discovery if by negligent, reckless, or wanton conduct, with max 3 years from wrong |
| Professional Malpractice | 2 years from discovery; max. of 3 from wrong |
| Trespass | 3 years |
| Collection of Rents | – |
| Contracts (a written contract includes credit card debt that was sold to a third-party debt collection company) | Written: 6 years Oral: 3 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 6 years |
| Judgments | 20 years (variations for small claims judgments) |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Delaware is 3 Years
| Injury to Person | 2 years |
| Libel/Slander | 2 years |
| Fraud | – |
| Injury to Personal Property | 2 years |
| Professional Malpractice | 2 years |
| Trespass | 3 years |
| Collection of Rents | – |
| Contracts (a written contract includes credit card debt that was sold to a third-party debt collection company) | Written: 3 years Oral: 3 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 3 years |
| Judgments | 5 years |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in D.C. is 3 Years
| Injury to Person | 3 years |
| Libel/Slander | 1 year |
| Fraud | 3 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 3 years |
| Professional Malpractice | 3 years |
| Trespass | 3 years |
| Collection of Rents | 3 years |
| Contracts | Written: 4 years (sales contract) 3 years (simple contract, including debt collection accounts) |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 3 years |
| Judgments | 12 years |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Florida is 5 Years
Statutes of Limitation in Florida
| Injury to Person | 4 years |
| Libel/Slander | 2 years |
| Fraud | 4 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 4 years |
| Professional Malpractice | 2 years |
| Trespass | 4 years |
| Collection of Rents | – |
| Contracts (a written contract includes credit card debt that was sold to a third-party debt collection company) | Written: 5 years Oral: 4 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | |
| Judgments | 20 years domestic 5 years foreign judgment |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Georgia is 6 Years
| Injury to Person | 2 years |
| Libel/Slander | 1 year |
| Fraud | 2 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 4 years |
| Professional Malpractice | Medical: 2 years |
| Trespass | 4 years |
| Collection of Rents | |
| Contracts | Written: 6 years Oral: 4 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 4 years |
| Judgments | 5 years foreign judgment |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Hawaii is 6 Years
| Injury to Person | 2 years |
| Libel/Slander | 2 years |
| Fraud | 2 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 2 years |
| Professional Malpractice | Medical: 2 years from reasonable discovery |
| Trespass | 2 years |
| Collection of Rents | 6 years |
| Contracts | Written: 6 years Oral: 6 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 6 years |
| Judgments | 10 years from ct. of record 6 years if judgment from a court not of record |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Idaho is 5 Years
| Injury to Person | 2 years |
| Libel/Slander | 2 years |
| Fraud | 3 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 3 years |
| Professional Malpractice | 2 years |
| Trespass | 3 years |
| Collection of Rents | 5 years |
| Contracts | Written: 5 years Oral: 4 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | – |
| Judgments | 6 years |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Illinois is 10 Years
| Injury to Person | 2 years |
| Libel/Slander | 1 years |
| Fraud | For concealment of a cause of action: 5 years Fraud by decedent: 2 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 5 years |
| Professional Malpractice | Medical: 2 years |
| Trespass | 5 years |
| Collection of Rents | – |
| Contracts | Written: 10 years Oral: 5 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | – |
| Judgments | Judgment may be revived within 20 years, |
In Illinois, debt relief programs can dispute and/or settle third-party debt collection accounts. Learn about Illinois debt relief programs by visiting this page next.
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Indiana is 6 Years (including credit card debt)
| Injury to Person | 2 years |
| Libel/Slander | 2 years |
| Fraud | 6 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 2 years |
| Professional Malpractice | 2 years |
| Trespass | 2 years |
| Collection of Rents | 6 years |
| Contracts | Written: 10 years 6 years for a contract for payment of money Oral: 6 years 2 years employment agreements |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 6 years |
| Judgments | 20 years |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Iowa is 10 Years (including credit card debt)
| Code Section | Iowa Code 614, et seq.: Limitation of Actions |
| Injury to Person | 2 years |
| Libel/Slander | 2 years |
| Fraud | 5 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 5 years |
| Professional Malpractice | Medical: 2 years from reasonable discovery; max. of 6 from act |
| Trespass | 5 years |
| Collection of Rents | If rent is prescribed in a written contract then 10 years |
| Contracts | Written: 10 years Oral: 5 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | If rent is prescribed in a written contract then 10 years |
| Judgments | 20 years: a judgment of a court of record 10 years: a judgment of court not of record |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Kansas is 5 Years (including credit card debt)
| Code Section | Kansas Statutes 60-501, et seq.: Limitations of Actions |
| Injury to Person | 2 years 60-514(b) |
| Libel/Slander | 1 year 60-514(a) |
| Fraud | 2 years does not begin accruing until fraud is discovered |
| Injury to Personal Property | 2 years |
| Professional Malpractice | 2 years from reasonable discovery, 4 max. |
| Trespass | 2 years |
| Collection of Rents | If pursuant to an oral or implied contract: 3 years (5 years for all written contracts, however) |
| Contracts | Written: 5 years Oral: 3 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | If pursuant to a contract, express or implied: 3 years |
| Judgments | – |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Kentucky is 15 Years (including credit card debt)
| Code Section | Kentucky Revised Statutes 413.010, et seq.: Limitation of Actions |
| Injury to Person | 1 year |
| Libel/Slander | 1 year |
| Fraud | 5 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 2 years |
| Professional Malpractice | Professional service: 1 year Medical: 1 year |
| Trespass | 5 years |
| Collection of Rents | If prescribed by written contract then 15 years |
| Contracts | Written: 15 years Oral: 5 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 5 years |
| Judgments | 15 years |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Louisiana is 10 Years (including credit card debt)
| Injury to Person | 1 year |
| Libel/Slander | 1 year |
| Fraud | 1 year |
| Injury to Personal Property | 1 year |
| Professional Malpractice | 1 year |
| Trespass | 1 years |
| Collection of Rents | 3 years |
| Contracts | Written: 10 years Oral: 10 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 3 years Civ. Code |
| Judgments | Monetary judgments: 10 years |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Maine is 6 Years (including debt collection accounts)
| Injury to Person | Typically, 6 years, unless based on assault, battery, or false imprisonment, then it’s 2 years. |
| Injury to Personal Property | All civil acts must commence within 6 years, unless another limit is provided by law elsewhere, under Maine Code Revised |
| Fraud | Must start legal proceedings within 6 years |
| Libel or Slander | 2 years under Maine Code Revised |
| Trespass | 6 years |
| Professional Malpractice | Depends on the type of professional:
|
| Contracts | 6 years for credit card debt and debt collection accounts |
| Collection of Rent | 6 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 6 years |
| Court Judgments | Court judgments and decrees are presumed paid at the end of 20 years, under Maine Code Revised |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Maryland is 3 Years
| Injury to Person | 3 years Cts. & Jud. Proc. |
| Libel/Slander | 1 year Cts. & Jud. Proc. |
| Fraud | 3 year general limit Cts. & Jud. Proc. |
| Injury to Personal Property | 3 years generally Cts. & Jud. Proc. |
| Professional Malpractice | Medical: 5 years from injury or 3 years from discovery, whichever is shorter (max. 7) Cts. & Jud. Proc. |
| Trespass | 3 year general limit Cts. & Jud. Proc. |
| Collection of Rents | 3 years general limit Cts. & Jud. Proc. |
| Contracts | Written: 3 years 12 years if under seal Cts. & Jud. Proc. |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 3 years Cts. & Jud. Proc. |
| Judgments | 12 years Cts. & Jud. Proc. |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Massachusetts is 6 Years (all debts)
| Injury to Person | 3 years |
| Libel/Slander | 3 years |
| Fraud | 3 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 3 years |
| Professional Malpractice | 3 years, max. 7 years (personal injury) |
| Trespass | 3 years |
| Collection of Rents | 3 years |
| Contracts | 6 years for any debt |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 6 years |
| Judgments | 6 years |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Michigan is 6 Years
| Injury to Person | 3 years |
| Libel/Slander | 1 year |
| Fraud | 6 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 3 years |
| Professional Malpractice | 2 years |
| Trespass | 6 years |
| Collection of Rents | 6 years |
| Contracts | Written: 6 years Oral: 6 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 6 years |
| Judgments | 10 years ct. of record; 6 years ct. not of record |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Minnesota is 6 Years (all debts)
| Injury to Person | 2 years |
| Libel/Slander | 2 years |
| Fraud | 6 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 6 years |
| Professional Malpractice | Medical and veterinary: 2 years |
| Trespass | 6 years |
| Collection of Rents | – |
| Contracts | Written: 6 years Oral: 6 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | – |
| Judgments | 10 years |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Mississippi is 3 Years
| Injury to Person | 3 years |
| Libel/Slander | 1 year |
| Fraud | – |
| Injury to Personal Property | 3 years |
| Professional Malpractice | 2 years from act or discovery |
| Trespass | – |
| Collection of Rents | – |
| Contracts | Oral: 3 years; unwritten contract based on employment: 1 year |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 3 years |
| Judgments | 7 years domestic and foreign judgments |
The Statute of Limitations on Credit Card Debt in Missouri is 5 Years (with promissory notes 10 years)
| Injury to Person | 5 years |
| Libel/Slander | 2 years |
| Fraud | 10 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 5 years |
| Professional Malpractice | Medical: 2 years from discovery, max. |
| Trespass | 5 years |
| Collection of Rents | 10 years |
| Contracts | Written: 5 years Written: 10 years with a promissory note Oral: 5 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 10 years if in writing |
| Judgments | 10 years |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Montana is 8 Years
| Injury to Person | Injury: 3 years ; Assault & Battery: 2 years Wrongful Death: 3 years |
| Libel/Slander | 2 years |
| Fraud | 2 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 2 years |
| Professional Malpractice | Legal: 3 years from discovery, max. 10 years Medical: 3 years, max. 5 years |
| Trespass | 2 years |
| Collection of Rents | 3 years obligation or liability other than contract not in writing |
| Contracts | Written: 8 years Oral: 5 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 3 years obligation or liability other than contract not in writing |
| Judgments | 10 years §27-2-201(2) |
| Product Liability | 3 years §27-2-204(1) |
| False Imprisonment | 2 years § 27-2-204(3) |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Nebraska is 5 Years
| Injury to Person | 4 years |
| Assault and Battery | 1 year |
| Libel/Slander | 1 year |
| Fraud | 4 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 4 years |
| Professional Malpractice | 2 years or 1 year from discovery 2 years |
| Trespass | 4 years |
| Collection of Rents | 4 years |
| Contracts | Written: 5 years Oral: 4 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 4 years |
| Judgments | 5 years (foreign) |
| Wrongful Death | 2 years |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Nevada is 6 Years
| Injury to Person | 2 years |
| Libel/Slander | 2 years |
| Fraud | 3 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 3 years |
| Professional Malpractice | Accountant, Attorney, Veterinarian: 4 years; Medical: 2 years after discovery or 4 years |
| Trespass | 3 years |
| Collection of Rents | 4 years |
| Contracts | Written: 6 years Oral: 4 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 4 years |
| Judgments | 6 years |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in New Hampshire is 3 Years
| Injury to Person | 3 years |
| Libel/Slander | 3 years |
| Fraud | 3 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 3 years |
| Professional Malpractice | 3 years |
| Trespass | 2 years |
| Collection of Rents | – |
| Contracts | Written contracts & open contracts 3 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | – |
| Judgments | 20 years |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in New Jersey is 6 Years
| Libel/Slander | 1 year |
| Fraud | 6 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 6 years |
| Professional Malpractice | 2 years |
| Trespass | 6 years |
| Collection of Rents | 16 years |
| Contracts | Written: 6 years Oral: 6 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 6 years |
| Judgments | 20 years from court of record |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in New Mexico is 6 Years
| Code Sections | New Mexico Statutes Chapter 37, Article 1: Limitations of Actions |
| Fraud | 4 years |
| Libel or Slander | 3 years |
| Injury to Person | 3 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 4 years |
| Trespass | 4 years |
| Professional Malpractice | Medical Malpractice: 3 years, Legal Malpractice: 4 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 4 years |
| Contracts | 6 years for written contracts 4 years for oral contracts |
| Judgments | 14 years from the date of judgment |
| Other Actions | Typically, if it’s not provided in these statutes, it’ll be a 4-year limit. |
| Child Sexual Abuse | 3 years from the date the person had reason to know the child sexual abuse injured the person as established by medical or psychological testimony. |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in New York is 6 Years
| Injury to Person | 3 years |
| Libel/Slander | 1-year N.Y. |
| Fraud | 6 years N.Y. |
| Injury to Personal Property | 3 years |
| Professional Malpractice | 3 years; medical: |
| Trespass | 3 years |
| Collection of Rents | 6 years |
| Contracts | Written: 6 years Oral: 6 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 6 years |
| Judgments | 20 years |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in North Carolina is 3 Years
| Injury to Person | 3 years |
| Libel/Slander | 1 year |
| Fraud | 3 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 3 years |
| Professional Malpractice | 2 years or more after the occurrence of the last act of the defendant, max. 4 years; damages by reason of a foreign object left in body; 1 year upon discovery, max. 10 years |
| Trespass | 3 years |
| Collection of Rents | 3 years |
| Contracts | Written: 3 years Oral: 3 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | – |
| Judgments | 10 years |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in North Dakota is 6 Years
| Injury to Person | 6 years |
| Libel/Slander | 2 years |
| Fraud | 6 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 6 years |
| Professional Malpractice | 2 years; (Medical: max.6) |
| Trespass | 6 years |
| Collection of Rents | 6 years |
| Contracts | Written: 6 years Oral: 6 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 6 years |
| Judgments | 10 years |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Ohio is 8 Years
| Injury to Person | 2 years |
| Libel/Slander | 1 year |
| Fraud | 4 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 2 years |
| Professional Malpractice | 1 year; Medical: 1 year to give notice which extends time 180 days after notice, max. 4 years |
| Trespass | 4 years |
| Collection of Rents | – |
| Contracts | Written: 8 years Oral: 6 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 6 years |
| Judgments | 21 years |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Oklahoma is 5 Years
| Injury to Person | 2 years |
| Defamation (Libel/Slander) | 1 years |
| Fraud | 2 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 2 years |
| Professional Malpractice | 2 years |
| Trespass | 2 years |
| Collection of Rents | 5 years |
| Contracts | Written: 5 years Oral: 3 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 5 years |
| Judgments | 3 years foreign judgment |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Oregon is 6 Years
| Injury to Person | 2 years |
| Libel/Slander | 2 years |
| Fraud | 2 years from discovery |
| Injury to Personal Property | 6 years |
| Professional Malpractice | Medical: 2 years from act or reasonable discovery (max. 5 years) |
| Trespass | 6 years |
| Collection of Rents | 1 year |
| Contracts | Written: 6 years Oral: 6 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 6 years |
| Judgments | 10 years |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Pennsylvania is 4 Years (including credit cards, medical bills, personal loans)
| Injury to Person | 2 years |
| Libel/Slander | 1 year |
| Fraud | 2 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 2 years |
| Professional Malpractice | 2 years |
| Trespass | 2 years |
| Collection of Rents | 21 years |
| Contracts | 4 years for all debts |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 2 years Tit. 42§5524 |
| Judgments | 4 years Tit. 42 §5525(5) |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Rhode Island is 10 Years (for All Debts)
| Injury to Person | 3 years |
| Libel/Slander | Slander: |
| Fraud | 10 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 10 years |
| Professional Malpractice | Medical, Legal, Veterinarian, Accounting, Insurance, or Real Estate: 3 years |
| Product Liability | 3 years |
| Trespass | – |
| Collection of Rents | – |
| Contracts | 10 years for written and oral contracts, and open-ended accounts |
| Collection of Debt on Account | – |
| Judgments | 20 years |
| Wrongful Death | 2 years |
Note: State laws are subject to change at any time through the enactment of newly signed
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in South Carolina is 3 Years (for All Debts)
| Injury to Person | 3 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 3 years |
| Libel, Slander, or False Imprisonment | 2 years |
| Fraud | 3 years |
| Professional Malpractice | For medical malpractice: Generally, a lawsuit must be brought within 3 years from the act (i.e. surgery) or the date the harm should reasonably have been discovered, with a maximum time limit is 6 years. If a foreign object is left in the body, the time limit is 2 years. The most the statute of limitations will be tolled for an injured child is 7 years total or 1 year after turning 18. For architects, contractors, and professional engineers malpractice: Typically 8 years |
| Trespass | 3 years |
| Contracts | 3 years for all debt |
| Judgments | 10 years |
| Sexual Abuse or Incest Civil Remedies | 6 years after the person turns 21 years old or within 3 years of the time of discovery of the injury, whichever occurs later |
| Wrongful Death | 3 years |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in South Dakota is 6 Years (for All Debts)
| Injury to Person | 3 years |
| Libel and Slander | 2 years |
| Fraud | 6 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 6 years |
| Professional Malpractice | Medical: 2 years Legal: 3 years CPA: 4 years |
| Trespass to Real Estate | 6 years 15-2-13(3) |
| Collection of Rents | – |
| Contracts | 6 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | – |
| Court Judgments | 20 years Domestic judgments 10 years Foreign judgments |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Tennessee is 6 Years (for All Debts)
| Injury to Person | 1 year |
| Libel/Slander | Libel: 1 year Slander: 6 mos. |
| Fraud | Not specified |
| Injury to Personal Property | 3 years |
| Professional Malpractice | Legal: 1 year |
| Trespass | 3 years |
| Collection of Rents | 6 years |
| Contracts | Written and oral: 6 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 6 years |
| Judgments | 10 years |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Texas is 4 Years
| Injury to Person | 2 years Civ. Prac. & Rem. 5 years for sex crimes |
| Libel/Slander | 1-year Civ. Prac. & Rem. |
| Fraud | 4 years Civ. Prac. & Rem. |
| Injury to Personal Property | 2 years Civ. Prac. & Rem. |
| Professional Malpractice | – |
| Trespass | 2 years Civ. Prac. & Rem. |
| Collection of Rents | – |
| Contracts | Written: 4 years (works alongside the Texas Debt Collection Act) |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 4 years Civ. Prac. & Rem. |
| Judgments | – |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Utah is 6 Years
| Code Sections | Utah Code Title 78B: Judicial Code, Chapter 2: Statute of Limitations |
| Wrongful Death | Cases for the wrongful death of a family member must be brought within two years or one year if against a city, town, or county government |
| Injury to Person | 4 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 3 years |
| Injury to Real Property or Trespass | 3 years |
| Libel or Slander | 1 year |
| Fraud | 3 years |
| Medical Malpractice | 2 years |
| Contracts | Written: 4 years Oral: 6 years |
| Collection of Rent | For commercial leases, four years, but can agree to a shorter time limit for rent collection in the original lease, as short as one year. For residential leases, typically, a money judgment is entered after eviction and the judgment can be enforced for eight years, see below. |
| Collection of Debt for a Credit Card or Account | Four years |
| Judgments | Eight years |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Vermont is 3 Years (for open-end accounts, like credit cards)
| Injury to Person | 3 years |
| Libel/Slander | 3 years |
| Fraud | 6 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 3 years |
| Professional Malpractice | Medical: 3 years from incident or 2 from reasonable discovery (max. 7 years) |
| Trespass | , 3 years, Tit. 12 Vt. Stat. § 512(5) |
| Collection of Rents | – |
| Contracts | 3 years for Open End Accounts Including Credit Cards 6 years for Written & Oral Contracts 5 years Promissory Notes |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 6 years |
| Judgments | 10 years |
| Product Liability | 3 years |
| False Imprisonment | 3 years |
Statute of Limitations on Debt in Virginia is 5 Years (for open-end accounts, like credit cards)
| Injury to Person | 2 years |
| Libel/Slander | 2 years |
| Fraud | 2 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 5 years |
| Professional Malpractice | Health care providers: 1 to 2 years; 10 max. |
| Trespass | 5 years |
| Collection of Rents | – |
| Contracts | Written: 5 years Oral: 3 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | – |
| Judgments | 20 years 10 years to enforce a lien |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Washington is 6 Years
| Injury to Person | 3 years |
| Libel/Slander | 2 years |
| Fraud | 3 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 3 years |
| Professional Malpractice | Medical: 3 years of injury or 1 year upon discovery (max. 8 years) |
| Trespass | 3 years |
| Collection of Rents | 6 years |
| Contracts | Written: 6 years Oral: 3 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 6 years |
| Judgments | 10 years |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in West Virginia is 10 Years
| Code Section | West Virginia Code 55-2-101, et seq.: Limitation of Actions and Suits |
| Injury to Person | 2 years |
| Libel/Slander | 1 year |
| Fraud | – |
| Injury to Personal Property | 2 years |
| Professional Malpractice | 2 years |
| Trespass | 2 years |
| Collection of Rents | 5 years |
| Contracts | Written: 10 years Oral: 5 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | – |
| Judgments | 10 years Foreign judgment |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Wisconsin is 6 Years
| Injury to Person | 3 years |
| Libel/Slander | 2 years |
| Fraud | 6 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 6 years |
| Professional Malpractice | Medical: the later of 3 years from an incident or 1 year from discovery (max. 5 years) |
| Trespass | 6 years |
| Collection of Rents | 6 years |
| Contracts | Written: 6 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | – |
| Judgments | 20 years; 6 years ct. not of record |
The Statute of Limitations on Debt in Wyoming is 10 Years
| Injury to Person | 4 years |
| Libel/Slander | 1 year |
| Fraud | 4 years |
| Injury to Personal Property | 4 years |
| Professional Malpractice | – |
| Trespass | 4 years |
| Collection of Rents | – |
| Contracts | Written: 10 years Oral: 8 years |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 5 years |
| Judgments | 5 years foreign judgment |
Source:
FindLaw, https://codes.findlaw.com, 07/10/2018
