Debt Validation Letter in District of Columbia
Ask a debt collector to prove a debt. Under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. § 1692g), if you dispute in writing within the validation period, the collector must stop collecting until it sends verification. Send it by certified mail and keep a copy.
What District of Columbia law says
| 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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| 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. |
| 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) |
Fill it in
Nothing you type leaves your browser. Replace anything still highlighted, and keep a signed copy.
[today's date]
To: [collection agency name], [collector address]
Re: Account number [account or reference number]
I am writing in response to your [letter or call] dated [date of contact]. I dispute this debt and request validation under 15 U.S.C. § 1692g.
Please send me the name of the original creditor, the amount you claim and how it was calculated, and documents showing that you own or are authorized to collect this debt.
Until you provide this verification, please stop collection activity on this account, and contact me only in writing at the address below.
[your name], [your mailing address]
Debt Validation Letter for other states · District of Columbia tenant rights
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.