Debt statute of limitations by state
Pick your state and debt type. The tool returns the SOL years, the state code citation, and the warnings most collectors hope you never hear.
Data last reviewed: 2026-04. Verify current law before relying on this for legal action.
Most credit card debt and revolving lines of credit fall under open account.
What is a statute of limitations on debt?
A statute of limitations (SOL) sets a legal time limit on how long a creditor or debt collector has to sue you to collect a debt. When the SOL expires, the debt becomes “time-barred”. A collector can still ask you to pay, but they cannot win a lawsuit if you raise the SOL as a defense in court.
Three things almost always trip people up:
- The clock can restart. In many states, a partial payment, a signed acknowledgment, or a written promise to pay resets the SOL. A single $5 payment can revive a 10-year-old debt.
- SOL is separate from credit reporting. The 7-year credit reporting window under the Fair Credit Reporting Act runs independently. A debt can be time-barred but still on your report, or off your report and still technically suable depending on state.
- Collectors can still contact you. The FDCPA does not bar collection attempts on time-barred debt. What it bars is suing on it, threatening to sue, or misrepresenting it as enforceable.
How the SOL applies to credit card debt vs. other debts
Most credit card debt is classified as an “open account”, a revolving line where the balance changes over time. Personal loans, auto loans, and most signed agreements are “written contracts.” Each category typically has a different SOL in your state. Pick the right category in the tool above to see the number that applies to your situation.
What to do when a collector contacts you about old debt
- Do not acknowledge the debt. Do not pay anything, sign anything, or promise to pay until you have done your homework.
- Send a written validation request. Within 30 days of first contact, send a request under FDCPA §1692g requiring the collector to validate the debt.
- Check the SOL in your state for that debt type using this tool, then verify against your state code.
- Document everything. Keep copies of every letter, every certified mail receipt, and every recorded call.
- Consult an attorney , many consumer protection lawyers offer free initial consultations and take cases on a fee-shifting basis under the FDCPA.
Sources & methodology
Statute values were compiled from public sources and cross-referenced for consistency: state revised statutes (cited per row), state-level legal aid publications, NCLC materials, and CFPB consumer guidance. Each row includes its state-code citation. Update cycle: quarterly. Last reviewed: 2026-04.
State law changes. Material recent changes include New York CPLR §214-i (2021, consumer credit reduced from 6 to 3 years), Ohio Rev. Code §2305.06 (2012, written contracts reduced from 15 to 8 years), and Florida Stat. §95.11 (2023, open accounts extended to 5 years). Always verify against current state code.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'statute of limitations on debt' mean?+
The statute of limitations (SOL) is the legal time window during which a creditor or collector can sue you to collect a debt. After the SOL expires, the debt is 'time-barred'. The collector can still ask you to pay, but they cannot win a lawsuit if you raise the SOL as a defense.
When does the clock start?+
In most states the clock starts from the date of last activity on the account, typically the date of last payment or the date you defaulted. It does not start from the date the account was opened. State law and case law vary, so confirm with a licensed attorney in your state.
Can a partial payment restart the statute of limitations?+
Yes, in many states. Making a payment of any amount, signing a written acknowledgment of the debt, or promising in writing to pay can restart the SOL clock in some states. This is one of the most common mistakes consumers make on collector calls. When in doubt, do not pay or acknowledge anything until you have validated the debt and consulted an attorney.
Does the statute of limitations remove the debt from my credit report?+
No. The credit reporting time limit is a separate rule under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, typically 7 years from the date of first delinquency. A debt can be off-limits for lawsuits (time-barred) and still appear on your credit report, or vice versa.
Can a collector still call me after the statute of limitations expires?+
Yes. The FDCPA does not prohibit collection attempts on time-barred debt. What it (and CFPB rules) require is honesty. A collector cannot threaten to sue you on time-barred debt, and in most states must disclose the debt is time-barred if they attempt to collect it.
What's the difference between an open account, written contract, and oral agreement?+
Open accounts are revolving accounts where the balance changes over time, most credit card debt falls here. Written contracts are signed agreements for a fixed sum or set of obligations (personal loans, auto loans). Oral agreements are unwritten promises. Each category often has a different SOL in your state.
Is the data on this tool legal advice?+
No. This is publicly-sourced reference data compiled from state codes and legal aid resources. Statutes change, and the application to your specific case depends on facts only an attorney can evaluate. Use this tool to start your research, not to make a final decision.
What should I do if a collector contacts me about an old debt?+
First, do not acknowledge the debt or make any payment. Send a written validation request under FDCPA §1692g within 30 days of first contact. Document everything. Consult a licensed consumer-protection attorney in your state. The Defense Kit on this site provides templates for the validation letter and follow-up.
The 5-phrase debt collector call script
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The Debt Defense Kit
Knowing the SOL is the first step. The Defense Kit gives you the validation letter, follow-up, and phone script that put it to work. 10 documents in total: federal and California-specific validation letters, the inadequate-response follow-up, the credit bureau dispute pack, the cease & desist, the zombie debt re-validation, the phone call script, the how-to guide with the 90-day playbook, and the complaint cheat sheet.
Important disclaimer
The Debt Defense Kit and its free tools provide educational templates and information about consumer rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. §1692 et seq.) and related state consumer protection laws. They are not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created. Individual circumstances vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific matter. Testimonials reflect individual experiences and do not guarantee similar results.