District of Columbia Debt Collection Laws: Time Limits, Garnishment and Your Rights
District of Columbia debt rules: statute of limitations, wage garnishment limits, protected bank and home exemptions, judgments, collector rules and how to answer a debt lawsuit.
Quick answers for District of Columbia
- Time limit to sue on a written contract
- 3 years. Any lawsuit to collect a consumer debt filed on or after September 1, 2021 must be started within 3 years after the claim accrues, whether it is based on a written contract, account stated, open account or any other theory, and even for contracts under seal. D.C. Code § 28-3814(o); § 12-301(7)
- Wage garnishment limit
- A wage attachment can take only 25% of the amount by which weekly disposable wages exceed 40 times the D.C. minimum hourly wage. Only one wage attachment can be satisfied at a time, and wages cannot be garnished before a judgment. D.C. Code § 16-572; § 16-583
- Money protected in a bank account
- No separate bank account exemption. Money can be protected under the 'any property' exemption ($850 plus up to $8,075 of the unused residence exemption) for a head of family or householder. D.C. Code §§ 15-501(a)(3), (a)(7); 15-503(a)-(b)
Last verified: 2026-10-26
Time limits
| Time limit to sue on a written contract | 3 years. Any lawsuit to collect a consumer debt filed on or after September 1, 2021 must be started within 3 years after the claim accrues, whether it is based on a written contract, account stated, open account or any other theory, and even for contracts under seal. Other simple contracts also have 3 years. § 12-301: https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/12-301 Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
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| Time limit for credit cards and open accounts | 3 years, the same as all other consumer debts, including credit card and open accounts. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 28-3814(o) |
| Can a payment restart the clock? | No. Once the limitations period on a consumer debt has run out, a later payment or a written or oral acknowledgment of the debt does not extend or restart it. A debt collector may not sue on a consumer debt when it knows or should know the period has expired. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 28-3814(l), (f)(10) |
| How long a judgment lasts | A money judgment of the Superior Court or the federal District Court, when filed and recorded with the Recorder of Deeds, can be enforced for 12 years from when execution could first issue or from the last order reviving it. When the 12-year period ends without revival, the judgment has no further effect. The revival procedure (D.C. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 15-101 |
Garnishment and what creditors can't take
| Wage garnishment limit | A wage attachment can take only 25% of the amount by which weekly disposable wages exceed 40 times the D.C. minimum hourly wage. Only one wage attachment can be satisfied at a time, and wages cannot be garnished before a judgment. Because D.C.'s minimum wage is high, this protects far more pay than the federal 30x rule. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 16-572; § 16-583 |
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| Money protected in a bank account | No separate bank account exemption. Money can be protected under the 'any property' exemption ($850 plus up to $8,075 of the unused residence exemption) for a head of family or householder. Non-wage earnings, insurance and pension payments are exempt up to $200 a month for 2 months for a person who mainly supports a family, or $60 a month for others. Social Security, veterans and similar benefits are exempt. § 15-503: https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/15-503 Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
| Homestead exemption | The debtor's interest in real property used as the residence of the debtor or a dependent (including a cooperative interest) is exempt, with no dollar cap in the statute. The exemption does not defeat a mortgage, deed of trust, mechanic's lien or tax lien. It applies to a head of family or householder who lives or mainly earns a living in D.C. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 15-501(a)(14) |
| Vehicle exemption | Up to $2,575 in one motor vehicle, for a head of family or householder. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 15-501(a)(1) |
| Claiming an exemption | When personal property is seized on execution, the debtor gives written notice to the U.S. Marshal that the property is exempt. The marshal notifies the creditor and returns the notice to the court, which holds a trial on the exemption. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 15-521 |
Debt collectors and interest
| State debt collection law | Yes. D.C.'s debt collection law (D.C. Code § 28-3814) covers original creditors and debt buyers as well as collection agencies, for consumer debts including medical debts. It bans unfair and deceptive collection practices, bars suits on time-barred debt, and requires collectors that sue to file detailed proof of the debt before getting a default or other judgment. Some document requirements do not apply to original creditors collecting their own debts (§ 28-3814(m)(3)). Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
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| Medical debt protections | Medical debts are 'consumer debts' under D.C.'s debt collection law, so the same protections apply, including the 3-year limit on collection suits and the rule that a payment does not revive a time-barred debt. Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
| Interest rate limits | Without a contract rate, the legal interest rate is 6% a year. Interest on a judgment (other than against the District) is 70% of the IRS underpayment rate, rounded to the nearest full percent, unless a contract sets the rate. The court may lower it for good cause or if the debtor in good faith cannot pay. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 28-3302(a), (c) |
Where to get help in District of Columbia
- Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, Office of Consumer Protection
- File a complaint or claim
Debt & Collections FAQ
What is the statute of limitations on debt in District of Columbia?
3 years. Any lawsuit to collect a consumer debt filed on or after September 1, 2021 must be started within 3 years after the claim accrues, whether it is based on a written contract, account stated, open account or any other theory, and even for contracts under seal. Other simple contracts also have 3 years.
How long can a creditor sue on a credit card debt in District of Columbia?
3 years, the same as all other consumer debts, including credit card and open accounts.
Does making a payment restart the statute of limitations in District of Columbia?
No. Once the limitations period on a consumer debt has run out, a later payment or a written or oral acknowledgment of the debt does not extend or restart it. A debt collector may not sue on a consumer debt when it knows or should know the period has expired.
How long does a court judgment last in District of Columbia?
A money judgment of the Superior Court or the federal District Court, when filed and recorded with the Recorder of Deeds, can be enforced for 12 years from when execution could first issue or from the last order reviving it. When the 12-year period ends without revival, the judgment has no further effect.
How much of my wages can be garnished in District of Columbia?
A wage attachment can take only 25% of the amount by which weekly disposable wages exceed 40 times the D.C. minimum hourly wage. Only one wage attachment can be satisfied at a time, and wages cannot be garnished before a judgment.
How much money in a bank account is protected from creditors in District of Columbia?
No separate bank account exemption. Money can be protected under the 'any property' exemption ($850 plus up to $8,075 of the unused residence exemption) for a head of family or householder. Non-wage earnings, insurance and pension payments are exempt up to $200 a month for 2 months for a person who mainly supports a family, or $60 a month for others. Social Security, veterans and similar benefits are exempt.
What is the homestead exemption in District of Columbia?
The debtor's interest in real property used as the residence of the debtor or a dependent (including a cooperative interest) is exempt, with no dollar cap in the statute. The exemption does not defeat a mortgage, deed of trust, mechanic's lien or tax lien. It applies to a head of family or householder who lives or mainly earns a living in D.C.
Can a creditor take my car in District of Columbia?
Up to $2,575 in one motor vehicle, for a head of family or householder.
What debt collection practices are illegal in District of Columbia?
Yes. D.C.'s debt collection law (D.C. Code § 28-3814) covers original creditors and debt buyers as well as collection agencies, for consumer debts including medical debts. It bans unfair and deceptive collection practices, bars suits on time-barred debt, and requires collectors that sue to file detailed proof of the debt before getting a default or other judgment.
What protections apply to medical debt in District of Columbia?
Medical debts are 'consumer debts' under D.C.'s debt collection law, so the same protections apply, including the 3-year limit on collection suits and the rule that a payment does not revive a time-barred debt.
What is the maximum legal interest rate in District of Columbia?
Without a contract rate, the legal interest rate is 6% a year. Interest on a judgment (other than against the District) is 70% of the IRS underpayment rate, rounded to the nearest full percent, unless a contract sets the rate. The court may lower it for good cause or if the debtor in good faith cannot pay.
How do I stop a garnishment or claim an exemption in District of Columbia?
When personal property is seized on execution, the debtor gives written notice to the U.S. Marshal that the property is exempt. The marshal notifies the creditor and returns the notice to the court, which holds a trial on the exemption.
Debt & Collections in other states
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- Find a lawyer or free legal help in District of Columbia
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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.