Statute of Limitations on Debt in District of Columbia
How long a creditor or collector has to sue you over a debt in District of Columbia, and whether a payment restarts the clock.
Short answer: 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)
| 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) |
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
More District of Columbia debt & collections
- Wage Garnishment in District of Columbia
- How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in District of Columbia
- What Creditors Can't Take in District of Columbia
- Medical Debt Protections in District of Columbia
- All District of Columbia debt & collections rules
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.
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.