What Is the Statute of Limitations on Debt?

The statute of limitations (SOL) is the maximum time a creditor has to sue you for unpaid debt. After this period expires, the debt becomes "time-barred" -- you can't be successfully sued for it.

Statute of Limitations by State (2026)

Sources: State statutes, FTC, CFPB. Last updated: March 2026. Verify with your state's attorney general office.

What Resets the Statute of Limitations?

The SOL clock can restart if you:

• Make a partial payment -- even $1 can reset the clock
• Acknowledge the debt in writing -- "I know I owe..."
• Agree to a payment plan
• Charge something on a credit card account

What If You're Sued for Time-Barred Debt?

If a creditor sues after the SOL expires:

1. Don't ignore the lawsuit -- you must respond
2. Raise the SOL as a defense -- the court will dismiss the case
3. Provide evidence -- show when the debt originated
4. Consider countersuing -- suing on time-barred debt may violate the FDCPA

Does the Debt Disappear After SOL?

No. The debt still exists. Creditors can still:

• Call and ask for payment
• Report to credit bureaus (for 7 years from first delinquency)
• Offer settlement deals

They just can't win a lawsuit if you raise the SOL defense.

Should You Pay Time-Barred Debt?

Consider paying if:

• It's still on your credit report and affecting your score
• You want to settle for less than full amount
• You're applying for a loan soon

Think twice if:

• The debt is way past SOL (no legal risk)
• You can't afford it
• It's not affecting your credit

Related Resources

• FTC: Your Rights Under the FDCPA
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
• Debt Collection Laws You Need to Know