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Idaho Debt Collection Laws: Time Limits, Garnishment and Your Rights

Idaho 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 Idaho

Time limit to sue on a written contract
5 years for an action on a contract, obligation or liability founded on a written instrument. Idaho Code § 5-216
Wage garnishment limit
Follows the federal limit: the lesser of 25% of weekly disposable earnings or the amount by which weekly disposable earnings exceed 30 times the federal minimum hourly wage. Idaho Code § 11-207
Money protected in a bank account
No separate bank account exemption. Earned but unpaid wages are exempt to the extent of the wage limits, and a debtor may claim up to $1,500 in any tangible personal property. Idaho Code § 11-605(10), (11)
Answering a debt lawsuit
In small claims, a defendant who wants a hearing must sign, complete and file the answer form with the clerk within 21 days after service; otherwise judgment may be entered. Idaho Code § 1-2303(1)-(2); Idaho Court Assistance Office, Civil forms

Last verified: 2026-10-26

Time limits

Time limit to sue on a written contract5 years for an action on a contract, obligation or liability founded on a written instrument.
Source: Idaho Code § 5-216
Time limit for credit cards and open accounts4 years for a contract, obligation or liability not founded on a written instrument, such as an oral agreement or open account.
Source: Idaho Code § 5-217
Can a payment restart the clock?Yes. A written acknowledgment or promise signed by the debtor restarts the period, and any payment of principal or interest counts the same as a signed written promise to pay the rest of the debt.
Source: Idaho Code § 5-238
How long a judgment lastsA recorded judgment lien on real property lasts 10 years from the date of the judgment. Before it expires, the court may renew the judgment on motion; each renewal continues the lien for 10 years from the renewal order and restarts the time limit for suing on the judgment.
§ 10-1110: https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title10/T10CH11/SECT10-1110/
Source: Idaho Code §§ 10-1110, 10-1111(1)

If you are sued

Answering a debt lawsuitIn small claims, a defendant who wants a hearing must sign, complete and file the answer form with the clerk within 21 days after service; otherwise judgment may be entered. For regular civil debt cases, the Idaho Courts self-help center provides a Civil Case Answer form.
Civil forms: https://courtselfhelp.idaho.gov/Forms/Civil. The answer deadline for regular civil cases (Idaho R. Civ. P. 12) was not separately reviewed.
Source: Idaho Code § 1-2303(1)-(2); Idaho Court Assistance Office, Civil forms

Garnishment and what creditors can't take

Wage garnishment limitFollows the federal limit: the lesser of 25% of weekly disposable earnings or the amount by which weekly disposable earnings exceed 30 times the federal minimum hourly wage. Support orders, Chapter 13 bankruptcy orders and tax debts are not subject to this limit.
Source: Idaho Code § 11-207
Money protected in a bank accountNo separate bank account exemption. Earned but unpaid wages are exempt to the extent of the wage limits, and a debtor may claim up to $1,500 in any tangible personal property. Exempt federal benefits keep their protection under federal law.
Whether money in an account is 'tangible personal property' for the $1,500 exemption was not confirmed.
Source: Idaho Code § 11-605(10), (11)
Homestead exemptionUp to $175,000, with no limit on land area.
Last amended 2020 (ch. 232).
Source: Idaho Code § 55-1003
Vehicle exemptionOne motor vehicle up to $10,000 in value.
Source: Idaho Code § 11-605(3)
Claiming an exemptionAfter a levy or garnishment, the debtor completes the claim of exemption form and delivers or mails it to the sheriff within 14 days after the sheriff delivers or mails the levy papers. A mailed claim must reach the sheriff within the 14 days. The sheriff sends a copy to the creditor, who may contest it at a hearing.
Source: Idaho Code § 11-203(a)
Bankruptcy exemptionsIdaho has opted out of the federal exemptions. In bankruptcy, an Idaho debtor may exempt only property allowed under Idaho law.
Source: Idaho Code § 11-609

Debt collectors and interest

State debt collection lawYes. The Idaho Collection Agency Act regulates collection agencies, debt buyers collecting delinquent debts they bought, and creditors that use names suggesting a third party is collecting. It is enforced by the Department of Finance.
Source: Idaho Code § 26-2223
Debt collector licensingYes. A license from the Director of the Department of Finance is required to operate as a collection agency in Idaho, collect or solicit debts for others, or collect delinquent debts bought from another person.
Source: Idaho Code § 26-2223
Medical debt protectionsYes, the Idaho Patient Act. Before any 'extraordinary collection action' (such as a lawsuit, credit reporting or garnishment) on medical debt, the provider must have billed insurance or the patient within 45 days, the patient must receive a free consolidated summary of services within 60 days, and the patient must receive a final notice before collection action, among other steps.
Source: Idaho Code §§ 48-301, 48-304
Interest rate limitsWithout a written contract rate, the legal rate is 12% a year. Judgment interest is 5% plus a base rate (the one-year Treasury yield) that the State Treasurer sets every July 1; the rate in effect when the judgment is entered applies.
The current year's judgment rate was not confirmed.
Source: Idaho Code § 28-22-104

Where to get help in Idaho

Debt & Collections FAQ

What is the statute of limitations on debt in Idaho?
5 years for an action on a contract, obligation or liability founded on a written instrument.
How long can a creditor sue on a credit card debt in Idaho?
4 years for a contract, obligation or liability not founded on a written instrument, such as an oral agreement or open account.
Does making a payment restart the statute of limitations in Idaho?
Yes. A written acknowledgment or promise signed by the debtor restarts the period, and any payment of principal or interest counts the same as a signed written promise to pay the rest of the debt.
How long does a court judgment last in Idaho?
A recorded judgment lien on real property lasts 10 years from the date of the judgment. Before it expires, the court may renew the judgment on motion; each renewal continues the lien for 10 years from the renewal order and restarts the time limit for suing on the judgment.
How much of my wages can be garnished in Idaho?
Follows the federal limit: the lesser of 25% of weekly disposable earnings or the amount by which weekly disposable earnings exceed 30 times the federal minimum hourly wage. Support orders, Chapter 13 bankruptcy orders and tax debts are not subject to this limit.
How much money in a bank account is protected from creditors in Idaho?
No separate bank account exemption. Earned but unpaid wages are exempt to the extent of the wage limits, and a debtor may claim up to $1,500 in any tangible personal property. Exempt federal benefits keep their protection under federal law.
What is the homestead exemption in Idaho?
Up to $175,000, with no limit on land area.
Can a creditor take my car in Idaho?
One motor vehicle up to $10,000 in value.
What debt collection practices are illegal in Idaho?
Yes. The Idaho Collection Agency Act regulates collection agencies, debt buyers collecting delinquent debts they bought, and creditors that use names suggesting a third party is collecting. It is enforced by the Department of Finance.
Do debt collectors need a license in Idaho?
Yes. A license from the Director of the Department of Finance is required to operate as a collection agency in Idaho, collect or solicit debts for others, or collect delinquent debts bought from another person.
What protections apply to medical debt in Idaho?
Yes, the Idaho Patient Act. Before any 'extraordinary collection action' (such as a lawsuit, credit reporting or garnishment) on medical debt, the provider must have billed insurance or the patient within 45 days, the patient must receive a free consolidated summary of services within 60 days, and the patient must receive a final notice before collection action, among other steps.
What is the maximum legal interest rate in Idaho?
Without a written contract rate, the legal rate is 12% a year. Judgment interest is 5% plus a base rate (the one-year Treasury yield) that the State Treasurer sets every July 1; the rate in effect when the judgment is entered applies.
How do I respond to a debt collection lawsuit in Idaho?
In small claims, a defendant who wants a hearing must sign, complete and file the answer form with the clerk within 21 days after service; otherwise judgment may be entered. For regular civil debt cases, the Idaho Courts self-help center provides a Civil Case Answer form.
How do I stop a garnishment or claim an exemption in Idaho?
After a levy or garnishment, the debtor completes the claim of exemption form and delivers or mails it to the sheriff within 14 days after the sheriff delivers or mails the levy papers. A mailed claim must reach the sheriff within the 14 days. The sheriff sends a copy to the creditor, who may contest it at a hearing.
Which bankruptcy exemptions can I use in Idaho?
Idaho has opted out of the federal exemptions. In bankruptcy, an Idaho debtor may exempt only property allowed under Idaho law.

Debt & Collections in other states

More Idaho law

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.