District of Columbia Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection

The statute of limitations is an established rule that sets a time limit within which a creditor is able to sue you for payment of a debt. The amount of time that a creditor has to sue you is different for each state and if the time that is allowed by your state has passed, a creditor is unable to sue you for the debt. Before a consumer agrees to pay off their debt, they should check what the statute of limitations is for their state to ensure that the debt is still due and payable. In District of Columbia:

• Contract, open account or credit card account: 3 years from the date of last payment or last charge (a verbal promise to pay will restart the three years)
• Contracts under seal: 12 years

If you want to get any more information or if you have questions about the Statute of Limitations in District of Columbia, contact The Consumer Advocacy Center at 312-782-5808.