Debt Validation Letter in Washington
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 Washington law says
| State debt collection law | Yes. The Washington Collection Agency Act lists prohibited practices for licensed collection agencies (for example, special rules for medical and hospital debt, credit-reporting disputes and contact after a debtor's attorney gives notice). Violations of the medical-debt rules are treated as unfair or deceptive acts under the Consumer Protection Act. The Act covers collection agencies, not original creditors collecting their own debts. Source: RCW 19.16.250 |
|---|---|
| Time limit to sue on a written contract | 6 years for an action on a written contract or a liability arising from a written agreement. Source: RCW 4.16.040(1) |
| Can a payment restart the clock? | A payment made before the limitations period expires restarts the period from the most recent payment. A written, signed acknowledgment or promise can also extend it. But a payment, acknowledgment or promise made after the period has expired does not restart, revive or extend it. Acknowledgment rule: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=4.16.280 (both amended 2019). Source: RCW 4.16.270, 4.16.280 |
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 · Washington 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.