Statute of limitations on debt in Maryland

3 years to sue on a written contract or an open account (Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101 (3 years); § 5-1202 (no suit or revival after expiration)).

Short answer

Maryland limits what restarts the clock: After the time limit expires, a payment, a written or spoken promise, or any other activity on the debt does not revive or extend it (Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-1202(b)).

Written contracts: 3 years
Open accounts and unwritten agreements: 3 years
Can a payment restart the clock?: Not by itself

Time limits to sue in Maryland

Law: Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101 (3 years); § 5-1202 (no suit or revival after expiration)
Official text: Read the law

7 of our 48 state guides, Maryland among them, give 3 years on a written contract, shorter than the most common 6 years. It is the shortest limit in our guides (7 states). For comparison, the written-contract limit is 5 years in Virginia, 10 years in West Virginia, 4 years in Pennsylvania and 3 years in Delaware.

Maryland rules when a collector sues, and your rights

A collector, including the original creditor, may not contact your employer about the debt before getting a final court judgment (Com. Law § 14-202(4)).

If a collector crosses the line: A collector who violates the act is liable for damages it caused, including emotional distress or mental anguish, even without physical injury (Com. Law § 14-203).

Payments, promises and the clock in Maryland

No. After the time limit expires, a payment, a written or spoken promise, or any other activity on the debt does not revive or extend it (Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-1202(b)). A new written payment plan made before the deadline is treated separately.

Other Maryland rules on old debts

No one may sue you on a consumer debt after the time limit has run out, and a later payment does not restart it (Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-1202).

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

Sued on an old debt in Maryland?

The time limit protects you only if you raise it, so answer on time. In Maryland: District Court: file the Notice of Intention to Defend within 15 days after you get the summons (60 days if you live out of state) (Md. Rule 3-307; Maryland Courts). District Court hears claims up to $30,000. Circuit Court summonses give their own deadline.

If you do not return the Notice of Intention to Defend, the court may enter a judgment against you, often based on the collector's affidavit and documents.

What to do if you are sued in Maryland

What to do about an old debt in Maryland

Don't pay or sign yet
In Maryland: No. After the time limit expires, a payment, a written or spoken promise, or any other activity on the debt does not revive or extend it (Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-1202(b)).
Ask the collector for proof
A dispute letter sent within 30 days of the validation notice makes the collector verify the debt.
Look the collector up
Maryland requires collectors to be licensed. Look the company up: Official license lookup.
Complain about a suit on a time-barred debt
File a complaint with Maryland Office of Financial Regulation, Consumer Response Unit and to the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint. Phone: 410-230-6077.

Old debts and your credit report

Federal rules bar a collector from suing, or threatening to sue, on a time-barred debt (12 CFR 1006.26(b)). A collection can stay on your credit report up to 7 years, counted from 180 days after the first missed payment (15 U.S.C. 1681c). All the federal rules: time-barred debt guide.

Free help in Maryland

Questions about old debts in Maryland

How long can a debt collector sue me in Maryland?

3 years for written contracts and 3 years for open accounts and unwritten agreements (Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101 (3 years); § 5-1202 (no suit or revival after expiration)).

If I pay part of an old debt in Maryland, does the time limit start over?

Related Maryland pages

Statute of limitations in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources