Debt Statute of Limitations Calculator — All 50 States & DC
Check how long creditors have to sue for unpaid debts across all 50 states. Track deadlines for written contracts, oral agreements, promissory notes, and credit cards.
For personal injury, malpractice, wrongful death, and other civil claim types, use our Statute of Limitations Calculator.
About Time-Barred Debt
Once the statute of limitations expires, the debt becomes time-barred — creditors cannot sue to collect it. However, they may still contact you requesting payment. Making any payment or signed acknowledgment on a time-barred debt may revive the creditor's right to sue in many states.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) prohibits debt collectors from suing or threatening to sue on time-barred debt.
Federal Law Governing Debt Collection & Statutes of Limitations
Debt collection statutes of limitations are established by state law and vary by debt type. The following federal statutes define the framework within which debt collectors operate and interact with state SOL periods. Select your state to see the specific SOL periods that apply by debt type.
| Statute | Citation | What It Governs |
|---|---|---|
| Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) | 15 U.S.C. § 1692 | Prohibits unfair, deceptive, or abusive debt collection practices; bars collectors from threatening or filing suit on time-barred debts; establishes venue restrictions for lawsuits |
| CFPB Regulation F | 12 C.F.R. Part 1006 | Implements FDCPA; clarifies that collectors must disclose when a debt is time-barred before accepting payment; governs electronic communication in debt collection |
| Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) | 15 U.S.C. § 1681c | Limits negative debt entries on credit reports to 7 years from date of first delinquency — a separate and independent period from the state SOL on lawsuits |
| UCC § 3-118 — Negotiable Instruments | U.C.C. § 3-118 | Establishes a 6-year SOL on actions to enforce promissory notes and other negotiable instruments at the UCC level; states may adopt different periods in their own enactments |
Abbreviations: U.S.C. = United States Code · C.F.R. = Code of Federal Regulations · FDCPA = Fair Debt Collection Practices Act · FCRA = Fair Credit Reporting Act · CFPB = Consumer Financial Protection Bureau · UCC = Uniform Commercial Code · SOL = Statute of Limitations
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a debt statute of limitations?
A debt statute of limitations is the maximum time period during which a creditor or debt collector can successfully sue you in court to collect an unpaid debt. Once the limitations period expires, the debt becomes 'time-barred' — the creditor loses the right to obtain a court judgment. The SOL does not eliminate the debt itself; it only removes the legal remedy of a lawsuit. The period varies by state and by the type of debt agreement.
What resets the debt statute of limitations clock?
The most common clock trigger is the date of last payment — the last time any payment was made on the account. Making a new payment, even a small one, typically restarts the SOL clock from zero in most states. Other potential reset triggers include: making a written acknowledgment of the debt, promising to pay, or making a charge on an open account. This is why consumers should be cautious about making partial payments on old debts without understanding the SOL implications in their state.
Does the statute of limitations differ by debt type?
Yes — significantly. Most states apply different SOL periods to different types of debt agreements: written contracts (signed loan agreements, promissory notes) typically carry longer periods than oral agreements. Credit card debt is usually treated as an open account or written contract depending on the state. Promissory notes often carry the longest periods. Select your state to see the exact SOL by debt type, as the variation within a single state can range from 3 to 10 years depending on the agreement type.
Can a debt collector still contact me after the SOL expires?
Yes — the statute of limitations only bars a successful lawsuit, not all collection activity. Collectors may still call, write, or report the debt to credit bureaus after the SOL expires (subject to their own limitation periods). However, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) prohibits collectors from threatening to sue on a time-barred debt or actually filing suit knowing the SOL has expired. If a collector sues you on a time-barred debt, raising the SOL as an affirmative defense is critical.
Does an expired SOL remove the debt from my credit report?
No — the statute of limitations and credit reporting periods are separate and independent. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), negative items including unpaid debts can appear on your credit report for 7 years from the date of first delinquency, regardless of whether the SOL has expired. A debt can be time-barred from legal collection but still appear on your credit report. Conversely, a debt may fall off your credit report while remaining legally collectible if the SOL has not yet expired.
This calculator provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Debt collection laws vary by state and may have changed since this data was compiled. formulanode is not a law firm and this tool does not create an attorney-client relationship. Consult a licensed attorney or contact your state attorney general's office for advice specific to your situation.