JusticeRights guide · United States

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Statute of limitations on debt: when an old debt is too old to sue on

STATEEach state sets its own time to sue on a debt. Federal Regulation F bars suing or threatening to sue once that time has run out, and the Fair Credit Reporting Act sets the credit-report clock in every state.Checked by the Justice legal team against official sources · Last reviewed

Short answer

The statute of limitations on debt is the time a creditor or collector has to sue you. Most states allow 3 to 6 years, some 10, counted from your last payment or the missed payment after it. Once it runs out, a collector may still ask you to pay but must not sue or threaten to sue.

Date calculator · 50 states

When is your old debt too old to sue on, and when must it leave your credit report?

Each state’s periods read from its statutes or its courts; the credit-report clock is federal and the same everywhere · checked Oct 22, 2026

Which state?

What kind of debt is it?
Store cards and lines of credit count as cards here. Not sure? Try both and plan on the later date.

Pick your state, the kind of debt and the date of your last payment.

    Rehearse answering the lawsuitEvery period, state by state

    Each rule comes from the official source linked in the result. It runs on your device: nothing you type is stored or sent. General information, not legal advice.

    Key points

    Federal rule
    Once your state’s time to sue has run out, a debt collector must not sue or threaten to sue you over the debt (Regulation F, 12 C.F.R. § 1006.26(b)). It can still ask you to pay.
    By state
    Most states allow 3 to 6 years, says the CFPB; in the 50 jurisdictions on this page the periods run from 3 years (the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, New Hampshire, South Carolina, New York consumer credit) to 10 years (written contracts in Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Iowa, West Virginia and Wyoming, and Rhode Island’s general period).
    Restarting
    In some states a payment or a written promise restarts the clock. In New York, Maryland, Minnesota, the District of Columbia, Nevada, Washington and Wisconsin a payment after the limit does not revive the debt, and in Texas, Connecticut and Maine it does not revive a debt buyer’s or collector’s claim.
    Credit report
    A separate federal clock: a collection or charge-off comes off a standard credit report 7 years after the end of 180 days from the first missed payment, in every state.

    Every state limits how long a creditor or debt collector has to sue you over an unpaid debt. When that time has passed, the debt is time-barred: the collector can still ask you to pay, but federal rules say it must not sue you or threaten to. The CFPB says most states set 3 to 6 years for debts, and some allow longer.

    The time depends on your state and the kind of debt: a credit card or other open account, a written contract or loan, a promissory note or an oral agreement. It usually runs from your last payment or the payment you missed after it, and in some states a new payment or a written promise starts it over. Old debts that come back to life this way, often after being sold to a debt buyer, are what people call zombie debt.

    This page is about old debts and collectors. For deadlines in other kinds of cases, see the general statute of limitations page; for calls and letters from collectors, see debt collectors calling you; and for every other money problem, the money and debt guide.

    What is the statute of limitations on debt?

    A statute of limitations on a debt is the time a creditor or collector has to take you to court over it. It does not erase the debt: the CFPB says there may be a time limit on how long creditors or debt collectors can use legal action to collect, and a collector can keep asking you to pay after that. What changes is that the courts are closed to them, and federal rules make it unlawful to sue or even threaten to.

    • No lawsuit and no threat of one A debt collector must not bring or threaten to bring a legal action against a consumer to collect a time-barred debt. The rule does not cover proofs of claim filed in a bankruptcy case.12 C.F.R. § 1006.26(b)
    • The time depends on your state and the debt Most states set between 3 and 6 years for debts, and some longer. It can depend on the type of debt, the state where you live and the state law your credit agreement names.CFPB, last reviewed December 9, 2024
    • You have to raise it If you are sued over a time-barred debt, do not ignore the lawsuit: show up and tell the court the debt is time-barred. A judge will not always raise it for you.FTC, Debt Collection FAQs, March 2023
    • The credit report runs on its own clock A collection account or charge-off cannot appear on a standard credit report more than 7 years after the 180 days that follow the first missed payment. That clock is federal, and it is not the time to sue.15 U.S.C. § 1681c(a)(4), (c)(1)
    Tip. The general statute of limitations page covers deadlines to sue in injury, property and contract cases in California, Texas, Florida and New York. This page is only about debts and collectors.

    Statute of limitations on debt by state

    The table shows how long a creditor or collector has to sue in 49 states and the District of Columbia, by kind of debt, with the law and the date it took effect. Credit cards are the hard case: many statutes name written contracts and open accounts but not cards, and courts decide which one a card agreement is. Where the statute does not settle it, the calculator above shows the longer period, so you do not count on a date that comes too early. Where a state’s own code site could not be reached from our checking location, the row says which official court or agency page we read instead.

    StateCredit card or open accountWritten contract or loanPromissory noteOral agreementA payment after the limitIn force sinceLaw
    Alabama6 years as a promise in writing or a stated account; 3 years as an open account6 years (10 years under seal)6 years (§ 7-3-118)6 yearsOnly a part payment before the deadline, or a signed written promise, removes the bar (§ 6-2-16)Code of 1940; no later date shownAla. Code §§ 6-2-34(4), 6-2-34(9), 6-2-37(1), 6-2-33(1), 6-2-16, 7-3-118(a)
    Alaska3 years (contract)3 yearsNot checked for this page3 yearsNot checked for this pageAs stated by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Alaska, December 7, 2009AS 09.10.053; In re Boswell, 9 ABR 269 (Bankr. D. Alaska 2009)
    Arizona6 years for credit cards (named in the statute); 3 years for other open accounts6 years6 years (§ 47-3118)3 yearsAn acknowledgment counts only if written and signed (§ 12-508)Current; no date shownA.R.S. §§ 12-548(A)(1), 12-548(A)(2), 12-543, 12-508, 47-3118
    Arkansas5 years with a written card agreement; 3 years as an open account5 years5 years (applied to a note by the Court of Appeals, 2023)3 yearsA voluntary part payment starts a new period (Court of Appeals, 1999)Quoted by the Court of Appeals, March 15, 2023Ark. Code Ann. §§ 16-56-111(a), 16-56-105(1); NP191, LLC v. Branch, 2023 Ark. App. 156; In re Pettingill (Bankr. Ark. 2009); Helms v. University of Missouri-Kansas City (Ark. App. 1999)
    California4 years (open book account for money due; account stated)4 years4 years as a written contract2 yearsSee California on the statute of limitations pageCurrent; court guide read October 21, 2026Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §§ 337, 339; California Courts Self-Help Guide
    Colorado6 years (liquidated debt)6 years for a debt (3 years for other contract claims)6 years6 years for a fixed debt (3 years otherwise)A partial payment can restart it (state supreme court, 2014)As quoted by the Colorado Supreme Court in 2014C.R.S. §§ 13-80-103.5(1)(a), 13-80-101; Hickerson v. Vessels, 2014 CO 2
    Connecticut6 years (an action for an account)6 years6 years (§ 42a-3-118)3 years if unperformed; 6 years once performedA debt buyer cannot sue after the limit, and a later payment does not extend it (§ 36a-814)§ 52-576 as amended by P.A. 82-160; § 36a-814 by P.A. 16-65Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 52-576(a), 52-581(a), 42a-3-118(a), 36a-814
    Delaware3 years3 years6 years (§ 8109; 6 Del. C. § 3-118)3 yearsA signed written acknowledgment gives 6 years from it (§ 8109)August 1, 2014 (79 Del. Laws c. 353)10 Del. C. §§ 8106(a), 8108, 8109; 6 Del. C. § 3-118(a)
    District of Columbia3 years (any consumer debt)3 years3 years for a consumer loan3 yearsDoes not extend the time (§ 28-3814(l))Actions filed on or after September 1, 2021 (D.C. Law 24-154)D.C. Code §§ 28-3814(o), 28-3814(l), 12-301(7)
    Florida5 years if founded on a written instrument; 4 years for store accounts and debts not founded on one5 years5 years (chapter 95 governs notes, § 673.1181)4 yearsA promise to pay a barred debt must be in writing and signed (§ 95.04)§ 95.11 as amended through ch. 2025-153Fla. Stat. §§ 95.11(2)(b), 95.11(3)(j), 95.04, 95.051
    Georgia6 years generally; up to 4 years without a written agreement6 yearsNot checked for this page4 yearsThe Attorney General’s pages differ (2018 and 2021)Attorney General guidance, July 17, 2018 and May 4, 2021Georgia Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division
    Hawaii6 years6 years6 years (a debt founded on a contract)6 yearsNot checked for this pageQuoted by the Intermediate Court of Appeals, January 20, 2017HRS § 657-1(1); Aoyagi v. Estate of Aoyagi (Haw. Ct. App. 2017)
    Illinois5 years usually (Appellate Court, 2009 and 2019); 10 years if a full written contract is proven10 years10 years5 yearsA payment or written promise on a written debt starts a new 10 years (§ 13-206)Quoted by the Appellate Court, May 20, 2009 and April 12, 2019735 ILCS 5/13-206, 5/13-205; Portfolio Acquisitions v. Feltman (2009); Midland Funding v. Schellenger, 2019 IL App (5th) 180202
    Indiana6 years (accounts)6 years (contracts for the payment of money)6 years6 yearsNot checked for this pageP.L.1-1998; confirmed in the courts’ Small Claims Manual, December 23, 2025Ind. Code §§ 34-11-2-7(1), 34-11-2-9; Indiana Small Claims Manual
    Iowa10 years as a written contract; 5 years if unwritten10 years10 years as a written contract (§ 554.3118 sets only when a note claim starts)5 yearsRevived only by a signed written admission or promise (§ 614.11)Iowa Code 2026; last amended 2021 Acts, ch 102Iowa Code §§ 614.1(4), 614.1(5)(a), 614.5, 614.11, 554.3118
    Kansas5 years as a written contract; 3 years if not in writing5 years6 years if negotiable (K.S.A. 84-3-118)3 yearsStarts the period again, as does a signed written acknowledgment (K.S.A. 60-520)January 1, 1966 (L. 1965, ch. 354)K.S.A. 60-511(1), 60-512(1), 60-520, 84-3-118(a)
    Kentucky10 years as a written contract (5 years if not in writing, or a store account)10 years (15 years if executed before July 15, 2014)6 years if negotiable (KRS 355.3-118)5 yearsNone found in KRS chapter 413July 15, 2014 (KRS 413.160)KRS 413.160, 413.090(2), 413.120(1), 413.120(9), 355.3-118
    Louisiana3 years (open account; money lent)10 years (3 years for money lent)5 years10 yearsAn acknowledgment interrupts prescription (art. 3464)Art. 3494 amended 2018 (Acts 2018, No. 471)La. Civ. Code arts. 3494, 3495, 3498, 3499, 3464, 3466, 3449, 3450
    Maine6 years6 years (20 years under seal)6 years (20 years if witnessed)6 yearsDoes not revive a collector’s or debt buyer’s claim (32 M.R.S. § 11013(8))32 M.R.S. § 11013(8): PL 2015, c. 27214 M.R.S. §§ 751, 752, 860, 863; 32 M.R.S. §§ 11013(7), 11013(8); 11 M.R.S. § 3-1118(1)
    Maryland3 years3 years (12 years under seal)6 years if negotiable (12 years under seal)3 yearsNo suit after the limit, and no revival (§ 5-1202)October 1, 2016 (§ 5-1202)Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. §§ 5-101, 5-102, 5-1202; Com. Law § 3-118
    Massachusetts6 years6 years6 years (ch. 106, § 3-118)6 yearsNot checked for this pageQuoted by the U.S. District Court, March 23, 2020Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 2; ch. 106, § 3-118(a)
    Michigan6 years from the last activity on the account6 years6 years (general contract period)6 years (express or implied contract)A partial payment restarts the period (Michigan Supreme Court, 2013)Court answer form MC 03 (2025)MCL 600.5807(9); SCAO form MC 03; Fisher Sand & Gravel Co v Neal A Sweebe Inc (2013)
    Minnesota6 years (consumer debt)6 years6 years (§ 336.3-118)6 yearsNot revived by a payment or a reaffirmation (§ 541.053)August 1, 2013 (§ 541.053)Minn. Stat. §§ 541.053, 541.05, 336.3-118
    Mississippi3 years (an open account, or a written contract)3 years6 years if negotiable (§ 75-3-118)3 yearsDoes not restart the time without a definite written promise (§ 15-1-73)Quoted by the Court of Appeals, 2005 and May 7, 2024Miss. Code Ann. §§ 15-1-29, 15-1-49(1), 15-1-73, 75-3-118(a); Harrison Enterprises v. Trilogy Communications (Miss. 2002)
    Missouri10 years if a writing for the payment of money; 5 years otherwise (not settled for cards)10 years (writing for the payment of money)10 years5 yearsRevived only by a signed written promise; a payment keeps its effect (§§ 516.320, 516.340)August 28, 1939 (RSMo 1939)Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 516.110(1), 516.120(1), 516.100, 516.320, 516.340, 400.3-118
    Montana6 years as a written instrument; 5 years as an account not in writing6 years (8 years for suits filed before October 1, 2025)6 years (§ 30-3-122)5 yearsStarts the period again, as does a signed written acknowledgment (§ 27-2-409)October 1, 2025 (SB 143, ch. 174)Mont. Code Ann. §§ 27-2-202(1), 27-2-202(2), 27-2-409, 30-3-122(1)
    Nebraska5 years as a written contract; 4 years if not in writing5 years5 years (Nebraska Supreme Court, 2021)4 yearsStarts the period again, as does a written acknowledgment (§ 25-216)Reissue 2016, as quoted by the courts in 2021 to 2024Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 25-205, 25-206, 25-216; In re Estate of Lakin, 310 Neb. 271 (2021)
    Nevada6 years as a written instrument; 4 years as an open or store account6 years6 years (NRS 104.3118)4 yearsDoes not revive the debt after the limit (NRS 11.200(2), since October 1, 2023)NRS 11.200(2): October 1, 2023 (S.B. 276)NRS 11.190(1)(b), 11.190(2), 11.200, 104.3118(1), 649.375(1)(j)
    New Hampshire3 years3 yearsNot checked for this page3 yearsNot checked for this pageAs quoted by the U.S. District Court in New Hampshire, 2021RSA 508:4, I
    New Jersey6 years; 4 years for a store-only card (Appellate Division, 2016)6 years6 years (a contractual claim)6 yearsA partial payment after the limit is not enough by itself; a signed written promise restarts it (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-24)Quoted by the U.S. District Court (2016) and the Third CircuitN.J.S.A. 2A:14-1, 2A:14-24, 12A:2-725; Midland Funding LLC v. Thiel (App. Div. 2016)
    New Mexico6 years as a written contract; 4 years as an account6 years6 years4 yearsRevives the claim and restarts the time (§ 37-1-16)§ 37-1-3: June 19, 2015 (Laws 2015, ch. 91)NMSA 1978, §§ 37-1-3(A), 37-1-4, 37-1-6, 37-1-16; 12.2.12 NMAC
    New York3 years (consumer credit transaction)3 years for consumer credit; 6 years for other contracts3 years for consumer credit; 6 years otherwise6 years (3 years if consumer credit)Does not revive or extend it (CPLR 214-i)April 7, 2022N.Y. CPLR 214-i, 213(2), 105(f)
    North Carolina3 years3 yearsNot checked for this page3 yearsCan revive the debt in some cases (Attorney General); a collector must disclose this firstAs restated by the Fourth CircuitN.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 1-52(1), 58-70-115(4)
    North Dakota6 years6 years6 years (§ 41-03-18)6 yearsIts effect is unchanged by the written-promise rule (§ 28-01-36)Current; no date shownN.D.C.C. §§ 28-01-16(1), 28-01-36, 28-01-37, 41-03-18(1)
    Ohio6 years (a consumer transaction, written or not)6 yearsNot checked for this page6 years for a consumer debt (4 years otherwise)Not checked for this pageJune 16, 2021 (S.B. 13)Ohio Rev. Code § 2305.07(A), 2305.07(C)
    Oklahoma5 years as a written contract; 3 years if not in writing5 years6 years if negotiable (12A O.S. § 3-118)3 yearsStarts the period again, as does a signed written acknowledgment (12 O.S. § 101)November 1, 2017 (Laws 2017, c. 378)12 O.S. §§ 95(A)(1), 95(A)(2), 101; 12A O.S. § 3-118(a)
    Oregon6 years (a bank card; an account stated)6 yearsNot checked for this page6 years (contract claims)Not checked for this pageAs applied by the federal courts in Oregon, 2016 to 2023ORS 12.080(1), 72.7250(1)
    Pennsylvania4 years4 years4 years (§ 5525(a))4 yearsCase law: a clear acknowledgment, such as a payment, can toll the timeAs applied by the U.S. District Court, 202542 Pa.C.S. § 5525(a)
    Rhode Island10 years10 yearsNot checked for this page10 yearsNot checked for this pageQuoted by the Rhode Island Supreme Court, July 8, 2026R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-13(a)
    South Carolina3 years3 years6 years if negotiable (§ 36-3-118)3 yearsA payment counts as a written promise (§ 15-3-120)§ 15-3-530 amended 2001 (Act No. 102)S.C. Code §§ 15-3-530(1), 15-3-120, 15-3-130, 36-3-118
    South Dakota6 years6 years (20 years under seal)6 years (§ 57A-3-118)6 yearsIts effect is unchanged by the written-promise rule (§ 15-2-29)Current; history ends with SL 1953, ch 198SDCL §§ 15-2-13(1), 15-2-6(2), 15-2-29, 57A-3-118(a)
    Tennessee6 years (an open account)6 years6 years (applied to a note, 2014)6 yearsRevived only by a renewed promise with an acknowledgment (Wilson v. Harris, 2009)Quoted by the U.S. District Court, April 14, 2022Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-109(a)(3); Wilson v. Harris, 304 S.W.3d 824 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2009)
    Texas4 years for an open or stated account, from the day the dealings cease4 years (debt)6 years for a note payable at a definite time4 years (debt, or the residual period)Does not revive a debt buyer’s claim (Fin. Code § 392.307(d))§ 16.004 amended August 30, 1999; § 392.307 since September 1, 2019Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §§ 16.004(a)(3), 16.004(c), 16.051, 16.065; Bus. & Com. Code § 3.118; Fin. Code § 392.307
    Utah6 years for a bank or credit union card (a credit agreement); 4 years for a store account6 years6 years (§ 70A-3-118)4 years from the last charge or paymentStarts the period again (§ 78B-2-113)May 14, 2019 (Laws of Utah 2019, ch. 107)Utah Code §§ 78B-2-309(1)(b), 78B-2-309(2), 78B-2-307(1), 78B-2-113, 25-5-4, 70A-3-118(1)
    Vermont6 years6 years (8 years for specialties)6 years (14 years if witnessed)6 yearsIts effect is unchanged by the written-promise rule (12 V.S.A. § 592)Amended 1959, No. 26112 V.S.A. §§ 507, 508, 511, 591, 592; 9A V.S.A. § 3-118(a)
    Virginia5 years if in writing and signed by you; 3 years if not signed, or unwritten5 years (in writing and signed)6 years (§ 8.3A-118)3 yearsA signed written promise or acknowledgment starts a new period (§ 8.01-229(G))§ 8.01-246 amended 2024 (c. 800)Va. Code §§ 8.01-246(A)(2), 8.01-246(A)(4), 8.01-229(G), 8.01-230, 8.3A-118
    Washington6 years after the date of default or last payment (Attorney General)6 years6 years (a contract in writing; Supreme Court, 2023)3 yearsA payment after the limit does not restart it (RCW 4.16.270, 2019)RCW 4.16.040 last amended 2012 c 185; RCW 4.16.270 amended 2019 c 377RCW 4.16.040(1), 4.16.040(2), 4.16.080(3), 4.16.270; Washington Attorney General
    West Virginia10 years with a signed written agreement; 5 years otherwise10 yearsNot checked for this page5 yearsNot checked for this pageQuoted by the Supreme Court of Appeals, 1995 and 2014W. Va. Code § 55-2-6
    Wisconsin6 years6 yearsNot checked for this page6 yearsCannot revive it: the right itself ends (§ 893.05)As applied by the U.S. District CourtWis. Stat. §§ 893.43, 893.05
    Wyoming10 years as a written contract; 8 years if not in writing10 years6 years if negotiable (§ 34.1-3-118)8 yearsStarts the period again, as does a signed written acknowledgment (§ 1-3-119)Current; no date shownWyo. Stat. §§ 1-3-105(a)(i), 1-3-105(a)(ii)(A), 1-3-119, 34.1-3-118(a)
    Watch out. Idaho is not in the table yet. Its statute site could not be reached from our checking location on October 22, 2026, and we found no other official page with its periods, so we do not guess them. Ask the Idaho Attorney General or a legal aid office for the period before you rely on any date. Rows marked "Not checked for this page" mean the same for that one kind of debt.

    A note payable at a definite time often has its own period in the state’s commercial code, usually 6 years: in Texas, Virginia, Arizona, Maryland, Kentucky, Kansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Wyoming and Delaware that differs from the general contract period, while Missouri, Illinois and Iowa give a note 10 years and the District of Columbia caps a consumer loan at 3. For the separate protections against surprise medical bills, see medical bills.

    When does the clock start, and does a payment restart it?

    The clock usually starts at default, when a required payment is missed, or runs from the last payment or the last activity on the account, depending on the state. That is why the date of your last payment matters so much, and why a collector may ask you for a small payment on an old account. The FTC warns that if you make a payment or even acknowledge in writing that you owe the debt, the clock can reset and a new statute of limitations begins. The states below show where that happens and where it does not.

    • New York: nothing revives it Once the 3 years have passed, a payment, a written or oral affirmation or any other activity on the debt does not revive or extend the period.N.Y. CPLR 214-i
    • Maryland: no suit and no revival A creditor or collector may not start a consumer debt collection action after the limit, and a payment or acknowledgment afterward does not revive it.Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-1202
    • Minnesota: not revived After the 6 years, a payment, a bankruptcy discharge or a reaffirmation does not revive a consumer debt.Minn. Stat. § 541.053
    • District of Columbia, Nevada and Washington: no revival after the limit In the District of Columbia a payment or promise after the 3 years does not extend the time. In Nevada since October 1, 2023, and in Washington since 2019, a payment after the limit does not revive the debt.D.C. Code § 28-3814(l) · NRS 11.200(2) · RCW 4.16.270
    • Wisconsin: the debt itself ends When the time runs out, the right itself is extinguished, not only the remedy, so a later payment or promise cannot bring it back for a lawsuit.Wis. Stat. § 893.05
    • Connecticut and Maine: debt buyers and collectors A Connecticut debt buyer may not sue after the limit, and a later payment does not extend it. In Maine a collector or debt buyer may not sue more than 6 years after your last activity, and a payment does not revive it.Conn. Gen. Stat. § 36a-814 · 32 M.R.S. § 11013(8)
    • Texas: a debt buyer’s claim stays dead A debt buyer may not sue or start arbitration after the limit, a payment or reaffirmation does not revive the claim, and its first letter must tell you it will not sue.Tex. Fin. Code § 392.307
    • North Carolina: no suits by debt buyers Debt buyers may not file or threaten to file a lawsuit that would violate the statute of limitations; the Attorney General warns that in some instances a partial payment or a written acknowledgment can revive a debt.N.C. Department of Justice; G.S. 58-70-115
    • South Carolina and Michigan: a payment can restart it In South Carolina a payment of any part of the principal or interest is equivalent to a promise in writing. In Michigan a partial payment on an account restarts the period unless something shows you did not admit the whole debt.S.C. Code § 15-3-120 · Fisher Sand & Gravel (Mich. 2013)
    • Florida, Texas, Arizona, Missouri, Virginia: a promise must be in writing A promise or acknowledgment of a barred debt counts only if it is in writing and signed by you. In Virginia a signed written promise starts a new period; in Missouri the rule does not lessen the effect of a payment.Fla. Stat. § 95.04 · Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.065 · A.R.S. § 12-508 · Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.320 · Va. Code § 8.01-229(G)
    Watch out. Before you pay anything on an old debt, check your state above. A small "good faith" payment can cost you the defense in some states. If the debt is not yours at all, see identity theft instead.

    Worked examples

    Example 1: one card, three states. The last payment on a credit card was on March 15, 2019, and the first missed payment, never made up, was on April 15, 2019.

    California, 4 years
    March 15, 2023Open book account. Time-barred since then.
    Arizona, 6 years
    March 15, 2025The statute names credit cards. Time-barred since then.
    Missouri, 10 years
    March 15, 2029If the card counts as a writing for the payment of money; March 15, 2024 if a court applies the 5 years.
    Off the credit report
    October 12, 2026April 15, 2019 plus 180 days is October 12, 2019; plus 7 years. The same in every state.

    So in Missouri the collector may still have time to sue in 2026, even though the account has just left the credit report: the 7-year credit-report rule says nothing about the time to sue.

    Example 2: a $50 payment after the limit. The last payment on a card was on June 1, 2020. On March 2, 2026, a debt buyer talks the cardholder into paying $50.

    Texas, 4 years
    Barred June 1, 2024The $50 does not revive the claim, and the debt buyer may not sue (Fin. Code § 392.307).
    South Carolina, 3 years
    Barred June 1, 2023But a payment counts as a promise in writing (§ 15-3-120), so a new 3 years can run from March 2, 2026 to March 2, 2029.
    New York, 3 years
    Barred June 1, 2023The $50 does not revive or extend it (CPLR 214-i).

    Same payment, opposite results. That is why the safest answer to a collector who asks for a small payment on an old account is a letter, not a payment: see what to send below.

    The credit report clock: 7 years and 180 days

    The Fair Credit Reporting Act, section 605 (15 U.S.C. § 1681c), stops credit bureaus from reporting a collection account or charge-off that is more than 7 years old. The 7 years start when 180 days have passed from the beginning of the delinquency that led to the collection or charge-off. Paying an old debt may not erase it from your credit history, the FTC notes.

    • 7 years for collections and charge-offs Accounts placed for collection or charged to profit and loss that are more than 7 years old cannot be reported.15 U.S.C. § 1681c(a)(4)
    • The start is fixed by the first delinquency The 7 years begin when the 180-day period that starts on the first day of the delinquency ends.15 U.S.C. § 1681c(c)(1)
    • Large transactions are an exception The limit does not apply to a report used for a credit transaction or life insurance of $150,000 or more, or a job paying $75,000 a year or more.15 U.S.C. § 1681c(b)
    Tip. Still on your report after 7 years and 180 days? Dispute it with the credit bureau: see credit report errors.

    What to send a collector about an old debt

    A debt collector must give you a validation notice with the details of the debt and the end date of a 30-day validation period: 30 days after you get the notice. If you dispute the debt in writing by that date, the collector must stop collecting it until it sends you verification or a copy of a judgment. If you ask in writing for the name and address of the original creditor, it must stop until it sends them (Regulation F, 12 C.F.R. § 1006.34(b)(5) and (c)(3)). The details of the notice are on debt collectors calling you.

    1. Find the date of your last payment Look at old statements or bank records. If you have nothing, ask the collector in writing for the date its records show.
    2. Check your state’s period Use the calculator at the top of this page, or the table by state.
    3. Within the time to sue, or not sure: ask for verification Send the first letter within the 30 days. It disputes the debt and asks for the creditor, the amount and the dates.
    4. Past the time to sue: say so in writing Send the second letter. It disputes the debt, states the date of your last payment and reminds the collector that it must not sue or threaten to sue.
    5. Keep everything Certified mail with a return receipt, a copy of each letter, and notes of every call. If a collector threatens to sue over a time-barred debt, that is a violation you can report to the CFPB, your state attorney general or a legal aid office.

    “Just pay $50 today in good faith and we will stop calling.”

    You can say: “I am not making any payment or promise on the phone. Please send me the details in writing.”

    “If you do not pay, we will take you to court.”

    You can say: “My last payment on this account was years ago, and a collector must not sue or threaten to sue on a time-barred debt. Put your claim in writing.”

    “Can you confirm this is your debt?”

    You can say: “I do not confirm anything by phone. I will answer your notice in writing.”

    Tip. Calls that come too often are a separate violation: a collector is presumed to break the rule if it calls more than 7 times in 7 days, or within 7 days after a phone conversation with you about the debt. See debt collectors calling you.

    Letter generator · 2 letter types

    Write to the collector: ask them to verify the debt, or tell them it is too old to sue on

    Built on Regulation F: a written dispute in the validation period, and the rule against suing on a time-barred debt · checked Oct 21, 2026

    Which letter?

    Pick the letter and fill in the names and the date you got the notice.

      Rehearse the call with the collectorIf they sue you anyway
      Each rule comes from the official source linked in the result. It runs on your device: nothing you type is stored or sent. General information, not legal advice.
      If you are sued over an old debt
      Collectors do sue on old debts, sometimes in small claims court. If you do not answer by the deadline on the papers, the court can enter a default judgment, and a judgment can lead to wage garnishment or a bank levy. The CFPB says that if a debt collector sues you and the debt is too old, you may have a defense to the lawsuit.
      1. Find the deadline to answer It is on the summons. The whole path from the first letter to the hearing is on a debt collector is after me; a case in federal court follows answering a federal lawsuit.
      2. Raise the statute of limitations in your answer It is a defense you name in writing. California’s self-help guide lists it as a defense in debt cases; Michigan’s answer form MC 03 has a line for it.
      3. Bring proof of the dates Statements, bank records or the collector’s own letters that show your last payment. Show up on the day of your case and tell the court the debt is time-barred, as the FTC advises.
      4. Ask about the collector’s violation Suing on a time-barred debt is itself a violation of the federal rules, which can be raised against the collector. Ask a legal aid office or a consumer lawyer.
      5. If you lose, know your limits Federal law caps how much of your pay can be garnished; see wage garnishment. Deep in debt? Bankruptcy can stop collection.
      Watch out. Never ignore the papers, even if you are sure the debt is too old. Courts generally leave it to you to raise the statute of limitations, and a default judgment is much harder to undo.
      What to do next
      If…What to doGood to know
      A collector contacts you about a debt you do not recognizeDispute it in writing within the 30 days and ask for the original creditor.If it was opened in your name by someone else, see identity theft.
      The debt is past your state’s time to sueSend the time-barred letter, and do not pay or promise anything until you have checked the dates.A collector may still ask you to pay; it may not sue or threaten to.
      A collector sues or threatens to sue on a debt past the time limitSubmit a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which lists debt collection among the products it takes complaints about, and report it to the FTC.Federal rules bar a collector from suing or threatening to sue on a time-barred debt. Keep the letters and a log of calls.
      The debt is still within the time to sueAsk for verification, then decide whether to pay, settle or dispute.Get any settlement in writing before you pay.
      You have been suedAnswer by the deadline on the summons and raise the statute of limitations.See a debt collector is after me.
      The debt is on your credit report after 7 years and 180 daysDispute it with each credit bureau that reports it.See credit report errors.
      The collector is about to take your carRead your state’s repossession rules.See car repossession.
      Common questions
      Can I be sued for a credit card from 20 years ago?
      Not on the original debt in any state on this page, if nothing has restarted the clock: the longest periods here are 10 years (written contracts in Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Iowa, West Virginia and Wyoming, and Rhode Island’s general period), 12 years for a Maryland contract under seal, 20 years for a sealed contract or witnessed note in Maine and 15 years for Kentucky written contracts executed before July 15, 2014. A later payment or written promise can restart the clock in some states, so check the table by state.
      What happens to a debt after 10 years of not paying it?
      In most states the time to sue has run out, so a collector must not sue or threaten to sue, but the debt still exists and you can still be asked to pay. A collection account also comes off a standard credit report 7 years after the 180 days that follow the first missed payment.
      What happens if I don’t pay my credit card for 5 years?
      You can still be sued where the period is longer, such as Michigan, Arizona, Minnesota, Colorado, Ohio, Massachusetts and Washington (6 years) and Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Iowa and Rhode Island (10 years, or 5 years for an Illinois card unless a full written contract is proven); in Florida, Kansas and Nebraska (5 years) the time is just running out. In New York, Maryland, South Carolina, North Carolina, Delaware and the District of Columbia (3 years) and California, Texas and Pennsylvania (4 years), the time has usually run out. The debt stays on your credit report until its 7 years and 180 days end.
      What is the 7-7-7 rule for debt collectors?
      It is shorthand for Regulation F’s call limit: a collector is presumed to harass you if it calls more than 7 times in 7 days, or calls within 7 days after a phone conversation with you about the debt (12 C.F.R. § 1006.14(b)(2)). People often add the 7-year credit-report rule. See debt collectors calling you.
      What are the 11 words to stop a debt collector?
      There are no magic words. Federal law says that if you tell a collector in writing that you refuse to pay or want it to stop contacting you, it must stop, except to say it is ending its efforts or will use a specific remedy, such as a lawsuit (15 U.S.C. § 1692c(c)). It does not erase the debt. The second letter above can include that line.
      How long before a debt becomes uncollectible?
      A debt never simply disappears. It becomes time-barred, so a collector can no longer sue, when your state’s period runs out: mostly 3 to 10 years in the states on this page. Collectors may still ask you to pay, and a payment can restart the clock in some states.
      Does paying restart the statute of limitations?
      In some states, yes: the FTC warns that a payment, or even a written acknowledgment, can reset the clock, and South Carolina, Michigan, Kansas, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Montana and New Mexico treat a payment that way. In New York, Maryland, Minnesota, the District of Columbia, Nevada and Washington a payment after the limit does not revive the debt; in Wisconsin the debt itself ends; and in Texas, Connecticut and Maine it does not revive a debt buyer’s or collector’s claim.
      Can a debt collector sue after 7 years?
      Yes, in a state with a longer period: Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Iowa, West Virginia and Wyoming allow 10 years for written contracts, Rhode Island 10 years for most civil actions, Wyoming 8 years for oral ones, and Louisiana 10 years for most personal actions. Seven years is the credit-report rule, not the time to sue. A collector can also sue later where a payment or written promise restarted the clock.
      What is zombie debt?
      An everyday name for an old debt, often sold to a debt buyer, that comes back to life with new letters or calls. If it is time-barred, the collector must not sue or threaten to sue. Do not pay before you check the dates, and answer in writing with the letters above.
      Official sources
      1. Regulation F, 12 C.F.R. § 1006.26: no suit or threat of suit on a time-barred debt (govinfo) Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
      2. Regulation F, 12 C.F.R. § 1006.34: validation notice and the 30-day validation period (govinfo) Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
      3. Regulation F, 12 C.F.R. § 1006.14(b)(2): 7 calls in 7 days (govinfo) Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
      4. Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681c: 7 years, starting after 180 days (govinfo) U.S. Government Publishing Office
      5. Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1692c(c): telling a collector to stop (govinfo) U.S. Government Publishing Office
      6. CFPB: What is a statute of limitations on a debt? (last reviewed December 9, 2024) Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
      7. FTC: Debt Collection FAQs, time-barred debts (March 2023) Federal Trade Commission
      8. California Courts Self-Help Guide: defenses in a debt lawsuit (statute of limitations) Judicial Branch of California
      9. California Courts Self-Help Guide: deadlines to sue (written and oral contracts) Judicial Branch of California
      10. Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Chapter 16 (§§ 16.004, 16.051, 16.065) Texas Legislature
      11. Texas Finance Code § 392.307: debt buyers and time-barred consumer debt Texas Legislature
      12. Texas Business and Commerce Code § 3.118: notes Texas Legislature
      13. Florida Statutes § 95.11 (2026): 5 and 4 years Florida Senate
      14. Florida Statutes § 95.04 (2026): promise to pay a barred debt Florida Senate
      15. Florida Statutes § 95.051 (2025): tolling by payment Florida Senate
      16. Florida Statutes § 673.1181 (2025): notes are governed by chapter 95 Florida Senate
      17. New York CPLR 214-i: 3 years for consumer credit; no revival New York State Senate
      18. New York CPLR 213: 6 years for contract claims New York State Senate
      19. New York CPLR 105(f): consumer credit transaction defined New York State Senate
      20. New York S153 (2021), Consumer Credit Fairness Act, chapter 593 New York State Senate
      21. Michigan SCAO form MC 03, Answer, Civil (statute of limitations, MCL 600.5807(9)) Michigan Courts
      22. Michigan Supreme Court, Fisher Sand & Gravel Co v Neal A Sweebe Inc, No. 143374 (July 30, 2013) Michigan Courts
      23. Code of Virginia § 8.01-246: contracts (5 and 3 years) Virginia General Assembly
      24. Code of Virginia § 8.01-229(G): written promise to pay Virginia General Assembly
      25. Code of Virginia § 8.01-230: accrual Virginia General Assembly
      26. Code of Virginia § 8.3A-118: notes Virginia General Assembly
      27. Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-548: 6 years for written contracts and credit cards Arizona Legislature
      28. Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-543: 3 years Arizona Legislature
      29. Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-508: written acknowledgment Arizona Legislature
      30. Arizona Revised Statutes § 47-3118: notes Arizona Legislature
      31. Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 5-101: 3 years Maryland General Assembly
      32. Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 5-102: 12 years for specialties Maryland General Assembly
      33. Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 5-1202: no suit and no revival on time-barred consumer debt Maryland General Assembly
      34. Maryland Commercial Law § 3-118: notes Maryland General Assembly
      35. Maryland Court of Special Appeals, Simmons v. Maryland Management Co. (February 4, 2022): § 5-1202 effective October 1, 2016 Maryland Judiciary
      36. Missouri Revised Statutes § 516.110: 10 years Missouri Revisor of Statutes
      37. Missouri Revised Statutes § 516.120: 5 years Missouri Revisor of Statutes
      38. Missouri Revised Statutes § 516.100: when a claim accrues Missouri Revisor of Statutes
      39. Missouri Revised Statutes § 516.320: revived only by a written promise Missouri Revisor of Statutes
      40. Missouri Revised Statutes § 516.340: effect of a payment Missouri Revisor of Statutes
      41. Missouri Revised Statutes § 400.3-118: notes Missouri Revisor of Statutes
      42. Colorado Supreme Court, Hickerson v. Vessels, 2014 CO 2 (C.R.S. § 13-80-103.5; partial payment) Colorado Judicial Branch
      43. Colorado Supreme Court, Portercare Adventist Health System v. Lego, 2012 CO 58 (C.R.S. §§ 13-80-101, 13-80-103.5) Colorado Judicial Branch
      44. Minnesota Statutes § 541.053: consumer debt, 6 years, no revival Minnesota Revisor of Statutes
      45. Minnesota Statutes § 541.05: 6 years Minnesota Revisor of Statutes
      46. Minnesota Statutes § 336.3-118: notes Minnesota Revisor of Statutes
      47. South Carolina Code, Title 15, Chapter 3 (§§ 15-3-120, 15-3-130, 15-3-530) South Carolina Legislature
      48. South Carolina Code, Title 36, Chapter 3 (§ 36-3-118: notes) South Carolina Legislature
      49. Louisiana Civil Code art. 3494: 3 years (open account, money lent) Louisiana State Legislature
      50. Louisiana Civil Code art. 3498: 5 years (promissory notes) Louisiana State Legislature
      51. Louisiana Civil Code art. 3499: 10 years (personal actions) Louisiana State Legislature
      52. Louisiana Civil Code art. 3464: acknowledgment interrupts prescription Louisiana State Legislature
      53. Louisiana Civil Code art. 3466: prescription runs anew after an interruption Louisiana State Legislature
      54. Louisiana Civil Code art. 3495: runs from the day payment is exigible Louisiana State Legislature
      55. Louisiana Civil Code art. 3449: renunciation only after prescription has accrued Louisiana State Legislature
      56. Louisiana Civil Code art. 3450: express or tacit renunciation Louisiana State Legislature
      57. Kentucky Revised Statutes 413.160: 10 years (written contracts after July 15, 2014) Kentucky General Assembly
      58. Kentucky Revised Statutes 413.090: 15 years (older written contracts) Kentucky General Assembly
      59. Kentucky Revised Statutes 413.120: 5 years (unwritten contracts, store accounts) Kentucky General Assembly
      60. Kentucky Revised Statutes 355.3-118: notes Kentucky General Assembly
      61. Washington Attorney General: debt collection lawsuits, 6 years (June 26, 2020) Washington State Office of the Attorney General
      62. North Carolina Department of Justice: Debt Buyers North Carolina Department of Justice
      63. North Carolina Department of Insurance: Collection Agency FAQs (G.S. 58-70-115) North Carolina Department of Insurance
      64. North Carolina Attorney General: zombie debt and revival (August 6, 2020) North Carolina Department of Justice
      65. CFPB: Submit a complaint (debt collection is among the products it accepts complaints about) consumerfinance.gov
      66. FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov ftc.gov
      67. Ala. Code § 6-2-34: Commencement of Actions - Six Years Alabama Legislature (ALISON)
      68. Ala. Code § 6-2-37: Commencement of Actions - Three Years Alabama Legislature (ALISON)
      69. Ala. Code § 6-2-33: Commencement of Actions - Ten Years Alabama Legislature (ALISON)
      70. Ala. Code § 6-2-16: Sufficiency of Partial Payment or Written Promise to Remove Bar Alabama Legislature (ALISON)
      71. Ala. Code § 7-3-118: Statute of Limitations (UCC Article 3) Alabama Legislature (ALISON)
      72. Boswell v. Residential Mortgage, LLC (In re Boswell), 9 ABR 269, Memorandum re Summary Judgment, dated Dec 7, 2009 U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Alaska
      73. Alaska Bankruptcy Reports citation table, Alaska Statutes Title 09 U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Alaska
      74. NP191, LLC v. Branch, 2023 Ark. App. 156 (Mar. 15, 2023) Arkansas Judiciary (Court of Appeals)
      75. In re Richardson, No. 4:13-bk-14257 (Bankr. E.D. Ark. Apr. 19, 2016) U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Arkansas
      76. In re Pettingill, No. 4:07-bk-16269 (Bankr. E.D. Ark. Apr. 9, 2009) U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Arkansas
      77. In re Brown, No. 4:08-bk-13535 (Bankr. E.D. Ark. Mar. 19, 2009) U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Arkansas
      78. Helms v. University of Missouri-Kansas City, 65 Ark. App. 155 (1999) Arkansas Judiciary (Court of Appeals)
      79. Conn. Gen. Stat. chapter 926 (§§ 52-576, 52-581 and annotations) Connecticut General Assembly
      80. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 36a-814: purchased debt, no suit after limitations period; payment or affirmation does not extend Connecticut General Assembly
      81. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 42a-3-118: Statute of limitations (UCC Article 3) Connecticut General Assembly
      82. 10 Del. C. ch. 81 (§§ 8106, 8108, 8109) Delaware Code Online (Delaware General Assembly)
      83. 6 Del. C. § 3-118: Statute of limitations (UCC Article 3) Delaware Code Online
      84. 79 Del. Laws c. 353 (H.B. 363): amends § 8106 Delaware General Assembly (legis.delaware.gov session laws)
      85. D.C. Code § 28-3814: Debt collection Council of the District of Columbia (D.C. Law Library)
      86. D.C. Code § 12-301: Limitation of time for bringing actions Council of the District of Columbia (D.C. Law Library)
      87. D.C. Code § 28:3-118: Statute of limitations (UCC Article 3) Council of the District of Columbia (D.C. Law Library)
      88. What is the statute of limitations on credit card debt? (Consumer Ed, Jul 17, 2018) Georgia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division
      89. Can medical provider bill me 4 years after charges were incurred? (Consumer Ed, May 4, 2021) Georgia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division
      90. Will inquiring about an old debt make it active again? (Consumer Ed, Jan 13, 2021) Georgia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division
      91. Do debts expire? (Consumer Ed, Nov 4, 2010) Georgia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division
      92. Aoyagi v. Estate of Aoyagi, No. CAAP-14-0000143, Summary Disposition Order (Hawai'i Intermediate Court of Appeals, Jan 20, 2017) Hawai'i State Judiciary
      93. Portfolio Acquisitions, L.L.C. v. Feltman, No. 1-07-3004 (Ill. App. Ct., 1st Dist., May 20, 2009), quoting 735 ILCS 5/13-205 and 13-206 (West 2006) Illinois Courts (Appellate Court)
      94. Midland Funding LLC v. Schellenger, 2019 IL App (5th) 180202 (opinion filed April 12, 2019): store credit card, five-year period under 735 ILCS 5/13-205 Illinois Courts (Appellate Court, Illinois Official Reports)
      95. Indiana Small Claims Manual (updated December 23, 2025): six years for accounts, contracts not in writing and promissory notes Indiana Office of Court Services
      96. Green v. Monarch Recovery Mgmt., No. 1:13-cv-00418-SEB-MJD (S.D. Ind., filed 07/29/15): credit card debt, Ind. Code § 34-11-2-7(1) U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana (via govinfo.gov)
      97. Iowa Code § 614.1: limitation periods (unwritten contracts 5 years, written contracts 10 years) Iowa Legislature (Legislative Services Agency)
      98. Iowa Code § 614.5: open account accrual Iowa Legislature (Legislative Services Agency)
      99. Iowa Code § 614.11: admission in writing, new promise Iowa Legislature (Legislative Services Agency)
      100. Iowa Code § 554.3118: accrual of a cause of action on an instrument (no six-year period) Iowa Legislature (Legislative Services Agency)
      101. K.S.A. 60-511: actions limited to five years (written contracts) Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes
      102. K.S.A. 60-512: actions limited to three years (contracts not in writing) Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes
      103. K.S.A. 60-520: part payment or acknowledgment of liability Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes
      104. K.S.A. 84-3-118: UCC statute of limitations for notes (six years) Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes
      105. 14 M.R.S. § 752: six years Maine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes
      106. 14 M.R.S. § 751: twenty years (sealed contracts, witnessed notes) Maine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes
      107. 11 M.R.S. § 3-1118: UCC statute of limitations (notes, six years) Maine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes
      108. 32 M.R.S. § 11013(7)-(8): time-barred debt; 6-year limit for debt collectors; no revival Maine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes
      109. 32 M.R.S. § 11002: definitions (collection action, debt buyer, debt collector) Maine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes
      110. 14 M.R.S. § 852: mutual and open accounts current Maine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes
      111. 14 M.R.S. § 860: renewal of promise in writing Maine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes
      112. 14 M.R.S. § 863: partial payment and indorsement Maine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes
      113. Gideon v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Civil No. 19-12094-LTS (D. Mass., order filed 03/23/20), quoting Mass. Gen. L. c. 260, § 2 U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts (via govinfo.gov)
      114. Fitzhugh v. HSBC Bank USA, Nat'l Assoc., Civil Action No. 19-12394-FDS (D. Mass., filed 12/03/20), quoting Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 106, § 3-118(a) U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts (via govinfo.gov)
      115. Kersey v. Fernald, No. 2004-CA-01297-COA (Miss. Ct. App., affirmed 09/27/2005), quoting Miss. Code Ann. §§ 15-1-29 and 15-1-49 (Rev. 2003) Mississippi Judiciary (Court of Appeals)
      116. Mac Long Homes, LLC v. Olvera Construction, LLC, No. 2022-CA-00938-COA (Miss. Ct. App. 05/07/2024): written contract, § 15-1-49(1) (Rev. 2019) Mississippi Judiciary (Court of Appeals)
      117. Hubbard v. BancorpSouth, No. 2013-CP-01028-SCT (Miss., affirmed 04/10/2014): notes, § 75-3-118 (Rev. 2012) Mississippi Judiciary (Supreme Court)
      118. Harrison Enterprises, Inc. v. Trilogy Communications, Inc., No. 2000-CA-01345-SCT (Miss., affirmed 02/14/2002): open account, acknowledgment, part payment Mississippi Judiciary (Supreme Court)
      119. Mont. Code Ann. § 27-2-202 (MCA 2025): actions based on contract or other obligation Montana Legislature (Legislative Services Division)
      120. SB 143 (2025), Chapter 174, enrolled: 8 to 6 years for written instruments; applicability date Montana Legislature
      121. Mont. Code Ann. § 30-3-122: UCC statute of limitations (notes, 6 years) Montana Legislature (Legislative Services Division)
      122. Mont. Code Ann. § 27-2-409: acknowledgment of debt or part payment Montana Legislature (Legislative Services Division)
      123. Mont. Code Ann. § 27-2-102: when a claim accrues Montana Legislature (Legislative Services Division)
      124. Aurora Technology, Inc. v. Labedz, 30 Neb. App. 33 (filed June 29, 2021): §§ 25-205 and 25-206 (Reissue 2016) Nebraska Judicial Branch (Court of Appeals, official advance sheets)
      125. In re Estate of Lakin, 310 Neb. 271 (filed October 8, 2021): § 25-205 applied to a promissory note Nebraska Judicial Branch (Supreme Court, official advance sheets)
      126. Oltman v. Parde, 32 Neb. App. 725 (filed March 26, 2024): oral contract, § 25-206 Nebraska Judicial Branch (Court of Appeals, official advance sheets)
      127. Beckner v. Urban, 309 Neb. 677 (filed July 9, 2021): § 25-216 (Reissue 2016) quoted Nebraska Judicial Branch (Supreme Court, official advance sheets)
      128. In re Andrade-Garcia, No. 17-15277-abl (Bankr. D. Nev. Mar. 31, 2021): quotes NRS 11.190(1)(b), (2)(a), (2)(b) U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Nevada (govinfo.gov)
      129. Patush v. Las Vegas Bistro, 135 Nev. 353 (2019): NRS 11.190(2)(c) four years Supreme Court of Nevada (Nevada Reports, nvcourts.gov)
      130. Wishengrad v. Carrington Mortg. Servs., 139 Nev. 116, 529 P.3d 880 (May 18, 2023), n.6: quotes NRS 104.3118(1) Supreme Court of Nevada (Nevada Reports, nvcourts.gov)
      131. S.B. 276 (2023), enrolled: secs. 40-41 amend NRS 649.375 and NRS 11.200; sec. 53 effective dates Nevada Division of Financial Institutions (fid.nv.gov), copy of the enrolled 82nd Session (2023) bill
      132. Hatton v. TD Bank, N.A. (In re Hatton), 2018 BNH 002: quotes RSA 508:4(I) and applies it to a breach-of-contract count U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of New Hampshire (nhb.uscourts.gov)
      133. Behlau v. Tiger Tiger Productions, 2021 DNH 052: contract claim, 3 years, accrues at breach U.S. District Court, District of New Hampshire (nhd.uscourts.gov)
      134. Genova v. Total Card, Inc., No. 16-cv-1260 (D.N.J. June 8, 2016), for publication U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey (govinfo.gov)
      135. Morales v. Commonwealth Financial Systems, Inc., No. 22cv1319 (D.N.J. Dec. 16, 2022), not for publication U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey (govinfo.gov)
      136. Tatis v. Allied Interstate, LLC, No. 16-4022 (3d Cir. Feb. 12, 2018), precedential U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit (govinfo.gov)
      137. NJ Judiciary summary (squib) of Midland Funding LLC v. Thiel, A-5797-13T2 et al. (App. Div. Aug. 29, 2016) New Jersey Courts (library.njcourts.gov)
      138. Bank of America, N.A. v. Maher, A-14 September Term 2024 (089438): Supreme Court order of March 6, 2025 Supreme Court of New Jersey (njcourts.gov)
      139. NMSA 1978, Chapter 37 (Limitation of Actions), official annotated PDF: §§ 37-1-3, 37-1-4, 37-1-6, 37-1-16 with history notes and annotations New Mexico Compilation Commission (NMOneSource)
      140. 12.2.12 NMAC, Collection of Time-Barred Debt (Attorney General rule) New Mexico Commission of Public Records, State Records Center and Archives (NMAC)
      141. Skyline Restoration, Inc. v. Church Mutual Ins. Co., No. 20-1549 (4th Cir. Dec. 15, 2021), published U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (ca4.uscourts.gov)
      142. CFPB, Debt Collection Practices (Regulation F) supplemental proposal, 85 Fed. Reg. 12672 (Mar. 3, 2020), n.10 Federal Register (govinfo.gov)
      143. N.D.C.C. ch. 28-01 (Time for Commencing Actions) North Dakota Legislative Branch
      144. N.D.C.C. § 41-03-18 (UCC 3-118) North Dakota Legislative Branch
      145. Ohio Rev. Code § 2305.07: contract not in writing; statutory liability; consumer transactions Ohio Legislative Service Commission
      146. Groeneweg v. Newman Sanitary Gasket Co., No. 1:24-cv-66 (S.D. Ohio, govinfo date June 30, 2026) U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio (govinfo.gov)
      147. Oklahoma Statutes, Title 12 (complete title PDF): §§ 95, 101 Oklahoma Legislature
      148. Oklahoma Statutes, Title 12A (UCC): § 3-118 Oklahoma Legislature
      149. Nyberg v. Portfolio Recovery Assocs., No. 3:16-cv-00733-JR (D. Or. Sept. 27, 2024), quoting Sprayberry (D. Or. 2021) U.S. District Court, District of Oregon (govinfo.gov)
      150. Sprayberry v. Portfolio Recovery Assocs., Nos. 21-36000/21-36001 (9th Cir. Aug. 28, 2023), not for publication U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (ca9.uscourts.gov)
      151. Eiler v. Hartner, Adv. No. 17-3112-tmb (Bankr. D. Or. Jan. 23, 2018) U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Oregon (orb.uscourts.gov)
      152. Certain Underwriters of Lloyd's of London v. Strong Tower Construction, No. 1:24-cv-00461 (M.D. Pa., filed Jan. 13, 2025): contract claims, four years under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5525 U.S. District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania (via GovInfo)
      153. In re George, No. 18-17927 (Bankr. E.D. Pa., filed July 18, 2019): quotes 42 Pa.C.S. § 5525(a)(7) and § 5529(b)(1) U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania (via GovInfo)
      154. In re Pierce, No. 22-10434 (Bankr. W.D. Pa., filed July 6, 2023): four-year period; acknowledgment doctrine U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Pennsylvania (via GovInfo)
      155. Codere-Wilson v. Wilson, No. 2025-121-Appeal (R.I. Supreme Court, July 8, 2026), footnote 2 quoting § 9-1-13(a) Rhode Island Supreme Court
      156. SDCL § 15-2-13: contract, obligation or liability (6 years) South Dakota Legislature, Legislative Research Council
      157. SDCL § 15-2-6: judgments and sealed instruments (20 years) South Dakota Legislature, Legislative Research Council
      158. SDCL § 15-2-29: acknowledgment or promise must be in writing South Dakota Legislature, Legislative Research Council
      159. SDCL § 15-2-4: accrual on a mutual, open, and current account South Dakota Legislature, Legislative Research Council
      160. SDCL § 57A-3-118: notes (6 years) South Dakota Legislature, Legislative Research Council
      161. In re Cox, No. 13-29708 (Bankr. W.D. Tenn. 2014): quotes § 28-3-109(a)(3); revival rule from Wilson v. Harris U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Tennessee
      162. In re Moore, No. 09-13429 (Bankr. E.D. Tenn., signed May 19, 2014): open accounts fall under § 28-3-109 (6 years) U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Tennessee (via GovInfo)
      163. Pinnacle Bank v. (insurer), No. 3:21-cv-00849 (M.D. Tenn., filed Apr. 14, 2022): § 28-3-109(a)(3) six years for contract actions U.S. District Court, Middle District of Tennessee (via GovInfo)
      164. Utah Code § 78B-2-309: within six years (instrument in writing; credit agreements) Utah State Legislature
      165. Utah Code § 78B-2-307: within four years (unwritten contracts; open store accounts) Utah State Legislature
      166. Utah Code § 78B-2-113: effect of payment, acknowledgment, or promise to pay Utah State Legislature
      167. Utah Code § 25-5-4: credit agreement defined; enforceable without signature after use Utah State Legislature
      168. Utah Code § 70A-3-118: notes (6 years) Utah State Legislature
      169. 12 V.S.A. § 511: civil action (6 years) Vermont General Assembly (Vermont Statutes Online)
      170. 12 V.S.A. chapter 23: §§ 507, 508, 591, 592 Vermont General Assembly (Vermont Statutes Online)
      171. 9A V.S.A. § 3-118: notes (6 years) Vermont General Assembly (Vermont Statutes Online)
      172. RCW 4.16.040: actions limited to six years (written contract; account receivable) Washington State Legislature
      173. RCW 4.16.270: effect of partial payment (2019 c 377 s 1) Washington State Legislature
      174. Dunn v. Bremerton Pilots Ass'n, No. 51676-4-II (Wash. Ct. App. Div. II, Nov. 5, 2019): quotes RCW 4.16.080(3) Washington Court of Appeals
      175. ADCI Corp. v. Nguyen, No. 80658-1-I (Wash. Ct. App. Div. I, published): RCW 4.16.040(2) account receivable; longer period applies when uncertain Washington Court of Appeals
      176. Merritt v. USAA Federal Savings Bank, No. 100728-1 (Wash. Supreme Court, July 20, 2023): promissory notes under RCW 4.16.040(1) Washington Supreme Court
      177. Rowe v. Grapevine Corp., No. 22512 (W. Va. Supreme Court of Appeals, January 1995 Term): quotes § 55-2-6 (ten years, signed writing) Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia
      178. Grim v. Eastern Electric, LLC, No. 13-1133 (W. Va. Supreme Court of Appeals, Nov. 3, 2014): five years for implied contracts under § 55-2-6 Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia
      179. U.S. District Court, W.D. Wis., No. 3:19-cv-00280: § 893.43 six years for breach of contract U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin (via GovInfo)
      180. CFPB, Debt Collection Practices (Regulation F) final rule, 86 Fed. Reg. (Jan. 19, 2021): quotes Wis. Stat. § 893.05 Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Federal Register (via GovInfo)
      181. Wyo. Stat. §§ 1-3-105 and 1-3-119 (Title 1, Code of Civil Procedure) Wyoming State Legislature
      182. Wyo. Stat. § 34.1-3-118 (UCC notes, 6 years) Wyoming State Legislature
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