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Statutes of Limitations For Contracts and Agreements

What is the statute of limitations for any signed contract or oral agreement?


Contract Statutes

Contracts and Agreements Statute of Limitations

In order for a debt collector or private person to sue you or attempt to claim money on a past debt which you signed a contract for or possibly gave an oral agreement where you first attained the loan must fall within a certain time-line allowed by law. This is known as the statute of limitations and is that time which is allotted by law of the state where the contract originated within which you can be held liable for the debt.

Most states in the US are regulated by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) for collection agencies and debt buyers and must abide by the rules of the FDCPA or face violations.

Debt Collectors and The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

Have you been a victim of a debt collector who uses sneaky tactics that you believe are a direct violation of the FDCPA? Did the debt collector lie to you about your debt? Did the debt collection agency tell you they would have you arrested if you didn't pay your debt? If so, they may be in direct violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act!

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Below is a listing of the states and their statute of limitations as they pertain to written contracts and oral agreements within that state. While this list is updated regularly, often-times laws in every state get modified, repealed, amended or changed by legislation. Please find a contract a lawyer who is qualified to represent you in your legal business matter.

STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR CONTRACTS

STATE STATUTE RULES
Alabama
  • Written Contract: 6 Years
  • Sealed Instrument: 10 Years
  • Open Accounts: 3 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 20 Years
  • Foreign Judgment: 20 Years
Disclaimer: Alabama contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Alaska
  • Written Contract: 3 Years
  • 10 Years on Sealed Instrument
  • Sale of Goods: 4 Years
  • Open Accounts: 5 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 10 Years
  • Foreign Judgment: 10 Years
Disclaimer: Alaska contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Arizona
  • Written Contract: 6 Years
  • Open Accounts: 3 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 5 Years (additional 5 upon request)
  • Foreign Judgment: 4 Years
Disclaimer: Arizona contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Arkansas
  • Written Contract: 5 Years (partial payment stops the statute from running)
  • Oral Agreement: 3 Years
  • Sale of Goods: 4 Years
  • Open Accounts: 3 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 10 Years - Renewable
  • Foreign Judgment: 10 Years
Disclaimer: Arkansas contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
California
  • Written Contract: 4 Years
  • Oral Agreement: 2 Years
  • Open Accounts: 4 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 10 Years - Renewable
  • Foreign Judgment: 10 Years
Disclaimer: California contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Colorado
  • Written Contract: 6 Years
  • Written Contract Goods Services: 3
  • Oral Agreement: 2 Years
  • Open Accounts: 3 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 6 Years - Renewable
  • Foreign Judgment: 6 Years
Disclaimer: Colorado contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Connecticut
  • Written Contract: 6 Years
  • Oral Agreement: 3 Years
  • Open Accounts: 6 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 20|25 Years
  • Small Claims Judgment: 10/15
  • Foreign Judgment: 20 Years
Disclaimer: Connecticut contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Delaware
  • Written Contract: 3 Years
  • Oral Agreement: 2 Years
  • Open Accounts: 4 Years
  • Sale of Goods: 4 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: None
  • Foreign Judgment: None
Disclaimer: Delaware contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Florida
  • Written Contract: 5 Years
  • Open Accounts: 4 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 7 Years - Renewable
  • Foreign Judgment: 5 Years
Disclaimer: Florida contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Georgia
  • Written Contract: 6 Years
  • Oral Agreement: 4 Years
  • Open Accounts: 4 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 7 Years
  • Foreign Judgment: 5 Years
Disclaimer: Georgia contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Hawaii
  • Written Contract: 6 Years
  • Open Accounts: 6 Years
  • Sale of Goods: 6 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 10 Years
  • Foreign Judgment: 6 Years
Disclaimer: Hawaii contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Idaho
  • Written Contract: 5 Years
  • Oral Agreement: 4 Years
  • Open Accounts: 4 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 5 Years - Renewable
  • Foreign Judgment: 6 Years - Renewable
Disclaimer: Idaho contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Illinois
  • Written Contract: 10 Years
  • Oral Agreement: 5 Years
  • Open Accounts: 5 Years
  • Sale of Goods: 4 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 20 Years
  • Foreign Judgment: Same as originating jurisdiction
Disclaimer: Illinois contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Indiana
  • Written Contract: 10 Years
  • Oral Agreement: 6 Years
  • Open Accounts: 6 Years
  • Sale of Goods: 4 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 20 Years
  • Foreign Judgment: 10 Years
Disclaimer: Indiana contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Iowa
  • Written Contract: 10 Years
  • Oral Agreement: 5 Years
  • Open Accounts: 5 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 10 Years - Renewable on the 9th year
  • Foreign Judgment: 10 Years - Renewable on the 9th year
Disclaimer: Iowa contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Kansas
  • Written Contract: 5 Years
  • Oral Agreement: 2 Years
  • Open Accounts: 3 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 5 Years - Renewable
  • Foreign Judgment: 5 Years - Renwable
Disclaimer: Kansas contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Kentucky
  • Written Contract: 15 Years
  • Open Accounts: 5 Years
  • Oral Agreement: 5 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 15 Years
  • Foreign Judgment: 15 Years
Disclaimer: Kentucky contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Louisiana
  • Written Contract: 10 Years
  • Open Accounts: 3 Years
  • Promissory Notes: 5 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 10 Years
  • Foreign Judgment: 10 Years
Disclaimer: Louisiana contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Maine
  • Written Contract: 6 Years
  • Written Contract With Attestment - 20 Years
  • Open Accounts: 6 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 20 Years
  • Foreign Judgment: 20 Years
Disclaimer: Maine contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Maryland
  • Written Contract: 3 Years
  • Open Accounts: 3 Years
  • Sale of Goods: 4 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 12 Years
  • Foreign Judgment: 12 Years
Disclaimer: Maryland contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Massachusetts
  • Written Contract: 20 Years
  • Open Accounts: 6 Years
  • Sale of Goods: 4 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 20 Years
  • Foreign Judgment: 20 Years
Disclaimer: Massachusetts contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Michigan
  • Written Contract: 6 Years
  • Open Accounts: 6 Years
  • Sale of Goods: 4 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 10 Years - Renewable
  • Foreign Judgment: 10 Years
Disclaimer: Michigan contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Minnesota
  • Written Contract: 6 Years
  • Open Accounts: 6 Years
  • Sale of Goods: 4 Years
  • Transportation Services: 3 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 10 Years
  • Foreign Judgment: 10 Years
Disclaimer: Minnesota contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Mississippi
  • Written Contract: 3 Years
  • Open Accounts: 3 Years
  • Sale of Goods: 6 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 7 Years
  • Foreign Judgment: 7 Years
Disclaimer: Mississippi contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Missouri
  • Written Contract: 10 Years
  • Oral Agreement: 5 Years
  • Open Accounts: 5 Years
  • Sale of Goods: 4 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 10 Years - Renewable every 3 years
  • Foreign Judgment: 10 Years - Renewable every 3 years
Disclaimer: Missouri contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Montana
  • Written Contract: 8 Years
  • Oral Agreement: 5 Years
  • Open Accounts: 5 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 6 Years - Renewable
  • Foreign Judgment: 6 Years - Renewable
Disclaimer: Montana contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Nebraska
  • Written Contract: 5 Years
  • Oral Agreement: 4 Years
  • Open Accounts: 4 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 5 Years - Renewable every 5 years
  • Foreign Judgment: 5 Years
Disclaimer: Nebraska contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Nevada
  • Written Contract: 6 Years
  • Signed Lease: 4 Years
  • Oral Agreement: 4 Years
  • Open Accounts: 4 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 6 Years
  • Foreign Judgment: 6 Years
Disclaimer: Nevada contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
New Hampshire
  • Written Contract: 3 Years
  • Sealed Instrument: 20 Years
  • Open Accounts: 3 Years
  • Sale of Goods: 4 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 20 Years
  • Foreign Judgment: 20 Years
Disclaimer: New Hampshire contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
New Jersey
  • Written Contract: 6 Years
  • Open Accounts: 6 Years
  • Sale of Goods: 4 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 20 Years
  • Foreign Judgment: 20 Years
Disclaimer: New Jersey contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
New Mexico
  • Written Contract: 6 Years
  • Oral Agreement: 4 Years
  • Open Accounts: 4 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 14 Years
  • Foreign Judgment: 14 Years
Disclaimer: New Mexico contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
New York
  • Written Contract: 6 Years
  • Open Accounts: 6 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 20 Years - 10 year renewable lien
  • Foreign Judgment: 20 Years - 10 year renewable lien
Disclaimer: New York contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
North Carolina
  • Written Contract: 3 Years
  • Sealed Instrument: 10 Years
  • Oral Agreement: 3 Years
  • Open Accounts: 3 Years
  • Sale of Goods: 4 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 10 Years
  • Foreign Judgment: 10 Years
Disclaimer: North Carolina contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
North Dakota
  • Written Contract: 6 Years
  • Open Accounts: 6 Years
  • Sale of Goods: 4 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 10 Years - Renewable
  • Foreign Judgment: 10 Years - Renewable
Disclaimer: North Dakota contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Ohio
  • Written Contract: 15 Years
  • Oral Agreement: 6 Years
  • Open Accounts: 4 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 21 Years - Renewable every 5 years
  • Foreign Judgment: 21 Years - Renewable every 5 years
Disclaimer: Ohio contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Oklahoma
  • Written Contract: 5 Years
  • Oral Agreement: 3 Years
  • Open Accounts: 3 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 5 Years - Renewable
  • Foreign Judgment: 3 Years
Disclaimer: Oklahoma contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Oregon
  • Written Contract: 6 Years
  • Open Accounts: 6 Years
  • Sale of Goods: 6 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 10 Years - Renewable at 10 years
  • Foreign Judgment: 10 Years
Disclaimer: Oregon contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Pennsylvania
  • Written Contract: 4 Years
  • Oral Agreement: 4 Years
  • Open Accounts: 4 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 5 Years
  • Foreign Judgment: 4 Years
Disclaimer: Pennsylvania contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Rhode Island
  • Written Contract: 10 Years
  • Oral Agreement: 10 Years
  • Open Accounts: 10 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 20 Years
  • Foreign Judgment: 20 Years
Disclaimer: Rhode Island contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
South Carolina
  • Written Contract: 3 Years
  • Oral Agreement: 3 Years
  • Open Accounts: 3 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 10 Years
  • Foreign Judgment: 10 Years
Disclaimer: South Carolina contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
South Dakota
  • Written Contract: 6 Years
  • Open Accounts: 6 Years
  • Sale of Goods: 4 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 20 Years
  • Foreign Judgment: 10 Years
Disclaimer: South Dakota contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Tennessee
  • Written Contract: 6 Years
  • Open Accounts: 6 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 10 Years
  • Foreign Judgment: 10 Years
Disclaimer: Tennessee contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Texas
  • Written Contract: 4 Years
  • Open Accounts: 4 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 10 Years - Renewable
  • Foreign Judgment: 10 Years - Renewable
Disclaimer: Texas contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Utah
  • Written Contract: 6 Years
  • Oral Agreement: 4 Years
  • Open Accounts: 4 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 8 Years
  • Foreign Judgment: 8 Years
Disclaimer: Utah contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Vermont
  • Written Contract: 6 Years
  • Open Accounts: 6 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 8 Years
  • Foreign Judgment: 8 Years
Disclaimer: Vermont contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Virginia
  • Written Contract: 5 Years
  • Open Accounts: 3 Years
  • Sale of Goods: 4 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 20 Years
  • Foreign Judgment: 10 Years
Disclaimer: Virginia contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Washington
  • Written Contract: 6 Years
  • Oral Agreement: 3 Years
  • Open Accounts: 5 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 10 Years
  • Foreign Judgment: 10 Years
Disclaimer: Washington contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
West Virginia
  • Written Contract: 10 Years
  • Oral Agreement: 5 Years
  • Open Accounts: 5 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 10 Years
  • Foreign Judgment: 10 Years
Disclaimer: West Virginia contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Wisconsin
  • Written Contract: 6 Years
  • Open Accounts: 6 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 20 Years
  • Foreign Judgment: 20 Years
Disclaimer: Wisconsin contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Wyoming
  • Written Contract: 10 Years
  • Oral Agreement: 8 Years
  • Open Accounts: 8 Years
  • Domestic Judgment: 5 Years
  • Foreign Judgment: 5 Years
Disclaimer: Wyoming contract laws can change over time, and you need to consult with an attorney before you use this information.
Disclaimer: Statute of Limitation debt laws in every state get modified, repealed, amended, and/or changed by the legislature of that states jurisdiction. The authors and webmaster of StatuteofLimitation.info have made every effort to post the most current laws. Please use this site as a general reference and for comparison purposes. Do not substitute any information from this site for advice you would get from a qualified legal professional