Statute of Limitations on Debt by State

Understanding Debt Statutes of Limitations in All 50 States

The statute of limitations on debt is the legal time limit a creditor or debt collector has to file a lawsuit to collect a debt. Once this time period expires, the debt is considered “time-barred”, meaning creditors cannot legally sue you for repayment. However, debt collectors may still attempt to collect the debt through other means.

Each state has different statutes of limitations based on the type of debt. Below, we provide a general guideline of the statute of limitations for written contracts, oral contracts, promissory notes, and open-ended accounts (such as credit cards) in all 50 states.

📌 Important Disclaimer: This information is provided as a general reference. Laws frequently change, and specific circumstances may affect your case. For the most up-to-date legal guidance, please consult an attorney in your state or contact your state attorney general’s office.

Statute of Limitations on Debt by State

State	Written Contract	Oral Contract	Promissory Note	Open-Ended Account (Credit Cards)
Alabama	6 years	6 years	6 years	3 years
Alaska	6 years	6 years	3 years	3 years
Arizona	6 years	3 years	6 years	6 years
Arkansas	5 years	3 years	5 years	3 years
California	4 years	2 years	4 years	4 years
Colorado	6 years	6 years	6 years	3 years
Connecticut	6 years	3 years	6 years	6 years
Delaware	3 years	3 years	3 years	4 years
Florida	5 years	4 years	5 years	4 years
Georgia	6 years	4 years	6 years	4 years
Hawaii	6 years	6 years	6 years	6 years
Idaho	5 years	4 years	5 years	5 years
Illinois	10 years	5 years	10 years	5 years
Indiana	10 years	6 years	10 years	6 years
Iowa	10 years	5 years	10 years	5 years
Kansas	5 years	3 years	5 years	3 years
Kentucky	10 years	5 years	15 years	5 years
Louisiana	10 years	10 years	10 years	3 years
Maine	6 years	6 years	6 years	6 years
Maryland	3 years	3 years	6 years	3 years
Massachusetts	6 years	6 years	6 years	6 years
Michigan	6 years	6 years	6 years	6 years
Minnesota	6 years	6 years	6 years	6 years
Mississippi	3 years	3 years	3 years	3 years
Missouri	10 years	5 years	10 years	5 years
Montana	8 years	5 years	8 years	5 years
Nebraska	5 years	4 years	5 years	4 years
Nevada	6 years	4 years	3 years	4 years
New Hampshire	3 years	3 years	6 years	3 years
New Jersey	6 years	6 years	6 years	6 years
New Mexico	6 years	4 years	6 years	4 years
New York	6 years	6 years	6 years	6 years
North Carolina	3 years	3 years	5 years	3 years
North Dakota	6 years	6 years	6 years	6 years
Ohio	8 years	6 years	15 years	6 years
Oklahoma	5 years	3 years	5 years	3 years
Oregon	6 years	6 years	6 years	6 years
Pennsylvania	4 years	4 years	4 years	4 years
Rhode Island	10 years	10 years	10 years	10 years
South Carolina	3 years	3 years	3 years	3 years
South Dakota	6 years	6 years	6 years	6 years
Tennessee	6 years	6 years	6 years	6 years
Texas	4 years	4 years	4 years	4 years
Utah	6 years	4 years	6 years	4 years
Vermont	6 years	6 years	5 years	6 years
Virginia	5 years	3 years	6 years	3 years
Washington	6 years	3 years	6 years	3 years
West Virginia	10 years	5 years	10 years	5 years
Wisconsin	6 years	6 years	10 years	6 years
Wyoming	10 years	8 years	10 years	8 years

📌 Disclaimer: Debt laws change frequently, and the specific circumstances of your case may affect the statute of limitations. If you are facing a debt collection lawsuit or legal action, we strongly recommend consulting an attorney in your state for personalized legal guidance.

Get Legal Assistance for Debt Collection Issues

If you are being pursued for an old debt or have questions about your legal rights, our team at Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC can help you navigate the situation.

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