Statute of Limitations on Debt in Idaho
How long a creditor or collector has to sue you over a debt in Idaho, and whether a payment restarts the clock.
Short answer: 5 years for an action on a contract, obligation or liability founded on a written instrument. Idaho Code § 5-216
| Time limit to sue on a written contract | 5 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 accounts | 4 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 |
Where to get help in Idaho
- Idaho Department of Finance, Consumer Finance Bureau (licenses collection agencies)
- File a complaint or claim
More Idaho debt & collections
- Wage Garnishment in Idaho
- How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Idaho
- What Creditors Can't Take in Idaho
- Medical Debt Protections in Idaho
- All Idaho debt & collections rules
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.
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.