Limitations periods by state
How long a creditor or collector has to sue on a debt depends on the state and on how the debt is classified. Each page gives the general contract and open account periods with their citation. Reference information compiled August 7, 2026; not a finding about any particular debt.
- Alabama3 to 6 yrs
- Alaska3 yrs
- Arizona3 to 6 yrs
- Arkansas3 to 5 yrs
- California4 yrs
- Colorado6 yrs
- Connecticut6 yrs
- Delaware3 yrs
- District of Columbia3 yrs
- Florida4 to 5 yrs
- Georgia4 to 6 yrs
- Hawaii6 yrs
- Idaho4 to 5 yrs
- Illinois5 to 10 yrs
- Indiana6 yrs
- Iowa5 to 10 yrs
- Kansas3 to 5 yrs
- Kentucky5 to 10 yrs
- Louisiana3 to 10 yrs
- Maine6 yrs
- Maryland3 yrs
- Massachusetts6 yrs
- Michigan6 yrs
- Minnesota6 yrs
- Mississippi3 yrs
- Missouri5 to 10 yrs
- Montana5 to 6 yrs
- Nebraska4 to 5 yrs
- Nevada4 to 6 yrs
- New Hampshire3 yrs
- New Jersey6 yrs
- New Mexico4 to 6 yrs
- New York3 yrs
- North Carolina3 yrs
- North Dakota6 yrs
- Ohio6 yrs
- Oklahoma3 to 5 yrs
- Oregon6 yrs
- Pennsylvania4 yrs
- Rhode Island10 yrs
- South Carolina3 yrs
- South Dakota6 yrs
- Tennessee6 yrs
- Texas4 yrs
- Utah4 to 6 yrs
- Vermont6 yrs
- Virginia3 to 5 yrs
- Washington6 yrs
- West Virginia5 to 10 yrs
- Wisconsin6 yrs
- Wyoming8 to 10 yrs