Idaho Debt Collection Laws | Debt Collector Map

Your federal rights

These federal rules apply in Idaho and every other state. Idaho's own law, below, can add more.

Who the federal law covers. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) covers debt collectors who collect for someone else and companies that buy debts, not usually the original creditor collecting its own debt (15 U.S.C. 1692a(6)). Some state laws also cover original creditors.
A validation notice. A collector must give you a validation notice, in its first message or within 5 days after it, with the amount, the creditor and how to dispute (15 U.S.C. 1692g(a); 12 CFR 1006.34).
Your right to dispute. If you dispute the debt in writing within the validation period (30 days after you get the notice), the collector must stop collecting until it mails you verification (15 U.S.C. 1692g(b); 12 CFR 1006.38).
When collectors can contact you. No calls before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. your time, or at work if your employer doesn't allow it (15 U.S.C. 1692c(a)). More than 7 calls in 7 days about one debt is presumed to break the law (12 CFR 1006.14(b)(2)).
Telling a collector to stop. If you tell a collector in writing to stop contacting you, it must stop, except to tell you it is ending collection or will take a specific step such as a lawsuit (15 U.S.C. 1692c(c)).
What collectors can't do. No threats, obscene language, false statements (for example pretending to be a lawyer or the government, or threatening arrest) and no unfair practices such as collecting fees your contract doesn't allow (15 U.S.C. 1692d, 1692e, 1692f). A collector generally can't discuss your debt with your family, neighbors or employer (15 U.S.C. 1692c(b)).

Read how to dispute a debt or stop collector calls.

Idaho law and extra protections

State law: Idaho Collection Agency Act
Law: Idaho Code §§ 26-2221 to 26-2251
Covers original creditors: No
Extra protections: Collection agencies and debt buyers must be licensed by the Idaho Department of Finance (Idaho Code § 26-2223).
If the collection agency and the creditor have a financial or management stake in each other, the agency must tell you every time it contacts you (§ 26-2229A(3)).
Collectors cannot add interest, fees or charges unless a law, a court, or your agreement allows them, and attorney's fees must be reasonable and for real work (§ 26-2229A(4)).
Collectors cannot send letters that look like court or government papers, or pretend to be a government agency (§ 26-2229A(5), (6)).
Can you sue under it?: The Department of Finance enforces the Idaho act: it can order refunds and fine violators up to $5,000 per violation (Idaho Code § 26-2244). Collecting without a license is a felony (§ 26-2238(2)). You can still sue under the federal FDCPA.
Official text: Read the law

Old debts in Idaho

Written contracts: 5 years
Open accounts and unwritten agreements: 4 years
Does a payment restart the clock?: Yes. Any payment of principal or interest restarts the clock. A promise or acknowledgment restarts it only if it is in writing and signed by you (Idaho Code § 5-238).
Must collectors say a debt is too old?: No state rule found that makes collectors tell you a debt is too old to sue on. Federal rule: a debt collector may not sue you or threaten to sue you on a time-barred debt (12 CFR 1006.26(b)).
Law: Idaho Code §§ 5-216 (written, 5 years), 5-217 (not in writing, 4 years), 5-238
Official text: Read the law

The time limit is the statute of limitations. Once it runs out, the debt is “time-barred”: a collector must not sue or threaten to sue you, but the debt still exists. Read more about time-barred debt.

Is my debt too old? Check Idaho's time limit

Every state limits how long a creditor or collector has to sue you over a debt. This is the statute of limitations. Choose your state, the type of debt and the date of your last payment to see the limit and an estimated end date. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.

Wage garnishment and bank accounts in Idaho

Wage limit: Federal limit applies: up to 25% of your disposable earnings, or the amount above 30 times the federal minimum wage ($217.50 a week), whichever is less.
Law: Idaho Code § 11-207

Federal benefits such as Social Security, SSI and VA benefits that were directly deposited are protected in your bank account up to two months' worth (31 CFR 212.6). A creditor usually needs a court judgment before it can garnish your wages or bank account.

Property you can keep in Idaho

Home: up to $175,000 (Idaho Code § 55-1003). One vehicle: up to $10,000 (§ 11-605(3)). Household goods: up to $7,500 total, $1,000 per item (§ 11-605(1)). Any other tangible property: up to $1,500 (§ 11-605(10)).

Collector licensing in Idaho

License required: Yes
Who licenses: Idaho Department of Finance, Consumer Finance Bureau
Check a license: Official license lookup

Medical debt in Idaho

Idaho Patient Act (Idaho Code §§ 48-301 to 48-315, 2020, amended 2022): before a provider or collector can sue you, report you to a credit bureau, or sell the debt early, the provider must bill within 45 days, you must get a consolidated summary of services and a final notice, no interest or fees can be added until 60 days after that notice, and they must usually wait 90 days and finish any insurance appeals (§§ 48-303, 48-304).

If you are sued in Idaho

Time to answer: 21 days after you are served, in District Court and the magistrate division (I.R.C.P. 12(a)(1)(A)). Small claims too: you must sign and file the answer form within 21 days of service, or judgment will be entered as requested (Idaho Code § 1-2303).
If you don't answer: If you do not file a written answer in time, the court can enter a judgment against you without further notice. In small claims, a hearing is set only if you file the answer form (Idaho Code § 1-2303).
Court self-help: Idaho court self-help (official)

Don't ignore court papers. Read what to do if a debt collector sues you.

Where to complain in Idaho

Idaho: Idaho Department of Finance · 208-332-8000
Federal: the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau takes complaints about debt collectors at consumerfinance.gov/complaint · (855) 411-2372.
You can also report a collector to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Free help in Idaho

Good to know in Idaho

Debt buyers that bought debts already in default must be licensed in Idaho, like collection agencies (Idaho Code § 26-2223(6)). Collecting without a license is a felony (§ 26-2238(2)).
Even a small payment restarts the time limit in Idaho (Idaho Code § 5-238).
The Idaho Patient Act puts strict steps before medical debt collection, including credit reporting (Idaho Code § 48-304).

Changes in 2024–2026

Idaho Code § 1-2301 now sets the small claims limit at $15,000; the section was last amended in 2026 (2026 ch. 196). No 2024-2026 changes found in the collection agency, limitation or exemption sections reviewed.

Free letters to send a collector

Dispute a debt and ask for proof (validation letter)

Within 30 days of the collector's validation notice.

Tell a collector to stop or limit contact

Stop all contact, writing only, or no calls at work.

Questions about debt collection in Idaho

What is the statute of limitations on debt in Idaho?

5 years for written contracts and 4 years for open accounts and unwritten agreements (Idaho Code §§ 5-216 (written, 5 years), 5-217 (not in writing, 4 years), 5-238).

Does paying on an old debt restart the clock in Idaho?

Yes. Any payment of principal or interest restarts the clock. A promise or acknowledgment restarts it only if it is in writing and signed by you (Idaho Code § 5-238).

Must a collector tell me a debt is too old to sue on in Idaho?

No state rule found that makes collectors tell you a debt is too old to sue on. Federal rule: a debt collector may not sue you or threaten to sue you on a time-barred debt (12 CFR 1006.26(b)).

How much of my paycheck can be garnished in Idaho?

Federal limit applies: up to 25% of your disposable earnings, or the amount above 30 times the federal minimum wage ($217.50 a week), whichever is less.

Do debt collectors need a license in Idaho?

Yes. Idaho Department of Finance, Consumer Finance Bureau

Does Idaho have its own debt collection law?

Yes: the Idaho Collection Agency Act (Idaho Code §§ 26-2221 to 26-2251). It does not cover original creditors collecting their own debts.

How long do I have to answer a debt lawsuit in Idaho?

21 days after you are served, in District Court and the magistrate division (I.R.C.P. 12(a)(1)(A)). Small claims too: you must sign and file the answer form within 21 days of service, or judgment will be entered as requested (Idaho Code § 1-2303).

Does Idaho protect people with medical debt?