Nevada Debt Collection Laws: Time Limits, Garnishment and Your Rights
Nevada 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 Nevada
- Time limit to sue on a written contract
- 6 years for an action on a contract, obligation or liability founded on a written instrument. NRS 11.190(1)(b)
- Wage garnishment limit
- Stricter than federal law. Exempt each week is the greater of: 82% of disposable earnings if gross weekly pay was $770 or less when the most recent writ was issued (75% if gross weekly pay was more than $770), or 50 times the federal minimum hourly wage. NRS 21.090(1)(g)
- Money protected in a bank account
- Yes. When a personal bank account is levied, $400 (or the whole balance if less) automatically stays available to the debtor. NRS 21.105; NRS 21.090(1)(z)
- Answering a debt lawsuit
- In district court and justice court, serve your answer within 21 days after being served with the summons and complaint. Nev. R. Civ. P. 12(a); Justice Court Rules of Civil Procedure 12(a)
Last verified: 2026-10-26
Time limits
| Time limit to sue on a written contract | 6 years for an action on a contract, obligation or liability founded on a written instrument. Source: NRS 11.190(1)(b) |
|---|---|
| Time limit for credit cards and open accounts | 4 years for an open account for goods sold and delivered, a store account, or a contract not founded on a written instrument. Source: NRS 11.190(2)(a)-(c) |
| Can a payment restart the clock? | Before the period expires, a payment on principal or interest restarts the period from the date of the last payment, and the period also runs from the last transaction, item charged or credit given. A written, signed acknowledgment or promise can also extend it. But once the period has expired, a payment, affirmation of the debt or other activity by the debtor does not revive it. The no-revival rule in NRS 11.200(2) was added in 2023. Source: NRS 11.200; NRS 11.390 |
| How long a judgment lasts | 6 years. The creditor can renew the judgment by filing an Affidavit of Renewal of Judgment with the court clerk within 90 days before it expires, and must give the debtor notice. Source: NRS 11.190(1)(a); NRS 17.214 |
If you are sued
| Answering a debt lawsuit | In district court and justice court, serve your answer within 21 days after being served with the summons and complaint. Justice court rules: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/CourtRules/JCRCP.html |
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Garnishment and what creditors can't take
| Wage garnishment limit | Stricter than federal law. Exempt each week is the greater of: 82% of disposable earnings if gross weekly pay was $770 or less when the most recent writ was issued (75% if gross weekly pay was more than $770), or 50 times the federal minimum hourly wage. So no more than 18% (or 25% for higher earners) can be garnished. The limits do not apply to support orders, bankruptcy court orders, or tax debts. Exempt earnings remain exempt when held in a bank account (definition of 'earnings' in NRS 21.090(1)(g)). Source: NRS 21.090(1)(g) |
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| Money protected in a bank account | Yes. When a personal bank account is levied, $400 (or the whole balance if less) automatically stays available to the debtor. If federal benefits such as Social Security were directly deposited within the prior 45 days, $2,000 (or the whole balance if less) stays available instead. The debtor may also claim up to $10,000 in any other property, including money on deposit, under the 'wildcard' exemption. Source: NRS 21.105; NRS 21.090(1)(z) |
| Homestead exemption | Up to $605,000 in equity in a homestead. The exemption does not apply to debts for the purchase price or improvements, mortgages, or taxes. It covers all equity if allodial title has been established. |
| Vehicle exemption | One vehicle if the debtor's equity is $15,000 or less (or the creditor pays the excess). A vehicle equipped or modified for a person with a permanent disability is fully exempt. Source: NRS 21.090(1)(f), (p) |
| Claiming an exemption | File a claim of exemption (form from the court clerk) within 10 days after the notice of execution or garnishment is served; for wage garnishments, within 10 days after each withholding. Serve it on the creditor, sheriff and any garnishee. If the creditor does not file an objection and request a hearing within 8 judicial days, the property must be released within 9 judicial days. If no claim reaches the sheriff or garnishee within 25 calendar days after the levy, the property is released to the creditor. Source: NRS 21.112 |
| Bankruptcy exemptions | Nevada is an opt-out state: the federal bankruptcy exemptions in 11 U.S.C. 522(d) do not apply to Nevada residents, who use Nevada's exemptions. Source: NRS 21.090(3) |
Debt collectors and interest
| State debt collection law | Yes, for collection agencies. Nevada's collection agency law (NRS chapter 649) lists prohibited practices, limits the interest and fees agencies can add, and makes any violation of the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act a violation of state law. It does not generally cover original creditors collecting their own debts. Source: NRS 649.370; NRS 649.375 |
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| Debt collector licensing | Yes. A collection agency must be licensed by the Commissioner of Financial Institutions. This applies to agencies located in Nevada and to out-of-state agencies collecting from Nevada residents or for Nevada clients. Source: NRS 649.075 |
| Medical debt protections | Yes. A collection agency must mail the patient a written notice at least 60 days before taking any action to collect medical debt. It may not sue on medical debt below the justice court jurisdictional limit (except in small claims), may not take a confession of judgment, and may not charge a collection or attorney fee above 5% of the debt. These protections cannot be waived. Added in 2021 (amended 2023). |
| Interest rate limits | If no rate is set by contract or law, a judgment bears interest at the prime rate at Nevada's largest bank (set January 1 and July 1 by the Commissioner of Financial Institutions) plus 2%, adjusted every six months until paid. Parties may agree in writing to any interest rate, with limited exceptions. NRS 99.050: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-099.html#NRS099Sec050 Source: NRS 17.130(2); NRS 99.050 |
Where to get help in Nevada
- Nevada Financial Institutions Division (licenses and regulates collection agencies)
- File a complaint or claim
Debt & Collections FAQ
What is the statute of limitations on debt in Nevada?
6 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 Nevada?
4 years for an open account for goods sold and delivered, a store account, or a contract not founded on a written instrument.
Does making a payment restart the statute of limitations in Nevada?
Before the period expires, a payment on principal or interest restarts the period from the date of the last payment, and the period also runs from the last transaction, item charged or credit given. A written, signed acknowledgment or promise can also extend it. But once the period has expired, a payment, affirmation of the debt or other activity by the debtor does not revive it.
How long does a court judgment last in Nevada?
6 years. The creditor can renew the judgment by filing an Affidavit of Renewal of Judgment with the court clerk within 90 days before it expires, and must give the debtor notice.
How much of my wages can be garnished in Nevada?
Stricter than federal law. Exempt each week is the greater of: 82% of disposable earnings if gross weekly pay was $770 or less when the most recent writ was issued (75% if gross weekly pay was more than $770), or 50 times the federal minimum hourly wage. So no more than 18% (or 25% for higher earners) can be garnished. The limits do not apply to support orders, bankruptcy court orders, or tax debts.
How much money in a bank account is protected from creditors in Nevada?
Yes. When a personal bank account is levied, $400 (or the whole balance if less) automatically stays available to the debtor. If federal benefits such as Social Security were directly deposited within the prior 45 days, $2,000 (or the whole balance if less) stays available instead. The debtor may also claim up to $10,000 in any other property, including money on deposit, under the 'wildcard' exemption.
What is the homestead exemption in Nevada?
Up to $605,000 in equity in a homestead. The exemption does not apply to debts for the purchase price or improvements, mortgages, or taxes. It covers all equity if allodial title has been established.
Can a creditor take my car in Nevada?
One vehicle if the debtor's equity is $15,000 or less (or the creditor pays the excess). A vehicle equipped or modified for a person with a permanent disability is fully exempt.
What debt collection practices are illegal in Nevada?
Yes, for collection agencies. Nevada's collection agency law (NRS chapter 649) lists prohibited practices, limits the interest and fees agencies can add, and makes any violation of the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act a violation of state law. It does not generally cover original creditors collecting their own debts.
Do debt collectors need a license in Nevada?
Yes. A collection agency must be licensed by the Commissioner of Financial Institutions. This applies to agencies located in Nevada and to out-of-state agencies collecting from Nevada residents or for Nevada clients.
What protections apply to medical debt in Nevada?
Yes. A collection agency must mail the patient a written notice at least 60 days before taking any action to collect medical debt. It may not sue on medical debt below the justice court jurisdictional limit (except in small claims), may not take a confession of judgment, and may not charge a collection or attorney fee above 5% of the debt. These protections cannot be waived.
What is the maximum legal interest rate in Nevada?
If no rate is set by contract or law, a judgment bears interest at the prime rate at Nevada's largest bank (set January 1 and July 1 by the Commissioner of Financial Institutions) plus 2%, adjusted every six months until paid. Parties may agree in writing to any interest rate, with limited exceptions.
How do I respond to a debt collection lawsuit in Nevada?
In district court and justice court, serve your answer within 21 days after being served with the summons and complaint.
How do I stop a garnishment or claim an exemption in Nevada?
File a claim of exemption (form from the court clerk) within 10 days after the notice of execution or garnishment is served; for wage garnishments, within 10 days after each withholding. Serve it on the creditor, sheriff and any garnishee. If the creditor does not file an objection and request a hearing within 8 judicial days, the property must be released within 9 judicial days. If no claim reaches the sheriff or garnishee within 25 calendar days after the levy, the property is released to the creditor.
Which bankruptcy exemptions can I use in Nevada?
Nevada is an opt-out state: the federal bankruptcy exemptions in 11 U.S.C. 522(d) do not apply to Nevada residents, who use Nevada's exemptions.
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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.