Debt Validation Letter in Illinois
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 Illinois law says
| State debt collection law | Yes. The Illinois Collection Agency Act regulates collection agencies, including their collection practices, and requires a license. Other consumer protections apply through the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Source: 205 ILCS 740/4 |
|---|---|
| Time limit to sue on a written contract | 10 years for an action on a written contract, such as a signed loan agreement or promissory note. Current text shows Source P.A. 104-842, eff. 8-21-26; the 10-year period remains. Source: 735 ILCS 5/13-206 |
| Can a payment restart the clock? | For written contracts and other written evidence of debt, if a payment or a new promise to pay is made in writing, a new 10-year period starts from the date of that payment or promise. Restart rules for unwritten contracts (735 ILCS 5/13-206 and case law) were not separately reviewed. Source: 735 ILCS 5/13-206 |
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 · Illinois 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.