Statute of limitations on debt in Michigan

6 years to sue on a written contract or an open account (MCL 600.5807(9); MCL 600.5866).

Short answer

A time-barred contract debt is revived only by an acknowledgment or promise to pay that is in writing and signed by you. An acknowledgment or promise that isn't in writing doesn't count (MCL 600.5866).

Written contracts
6 years
Open accounts and unwritten agreements
6 years

Michigan's time limits to sue on a debt

Law
MCL 600.5807(9); MCL 600.5866
Official text
Read the law

22 of the 48 states we cover use 6 years, the most common limit. For comparison, the written-contract limit is 6 years in Ohio, 6 years in Indiana and 10 years in Illinois.

Your rights against collectors in Michigan

If a collector crosses the line: You can sue under either law. You get your actual damages or $50, whichever is more. If the violation was willful, the court may add a penalty of at least 3 times your actual damages or $150, whichever is more, and in that case must award attorney's fees and court costs (MCL 445.257; MCL 339.916).

Does paying restart the time limit in Michigan?

A time-barred contract debt is revived only by an acknowledgment or promise to pay that is in writing and signed by you. An acknowledgment or promise that isn't in writing doesn't count (MCL 600.5866).

Michigan rules worth knowing about old debts

  • In Michigan, a payment does not by itself revive an old debt. Revival requires a written, signed acknowledgment or promise (MCL 600.5866).

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

Michigan: 6 years for a written contractEnter the date of your last payment to see when the time limit ends.

Sued on an old debt in Michigan?

Raise the time limit in your answer. Time to answer in Michigan: 21 days after you receive the summons and complaint, if served in person in Michigan. 28 days if you were served by mail or outside Michigan (MCR 2.108(A); summons form MC 01). This applies in district and circuit court.

If you don't answer or take other action in time, the court may enter a judgment against you for what the plaintiff asked for (summons form MC 01).

What to do if you are sued in Michigan

What to do about an old debt in Michigan

  1. Think before you pay or sign

    In Michigan: A time-barred contract debt is revived only by an acknowledgment or promise to pay that is in writing and signed by you. An acknowledgment or promise that isn't in writing doesn't count (MCL 600.5866).

  2. Make the collector prove it

    Use a dispute letter within 30 days of the collector's validation notice.

  3. Look the collector up

    A collector working in Michigan needs a license. Search: Official license lookup.

  4. Report a collector who sues on an old debt

    Report it to Michigan Department of Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division (for licensed collection agencies, you can also complain to LARA) and to the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint. Phone: 877-765-8388.

Federal rules on old debts

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

Where to get free help in Michigan

Questions about old debts in Michigan

How long can a debt collector sue me in Michigan?

6 years for written contracts and 6 years for open accounts and unwritten agreements (MCL 600.5807(9); MCL 600.5866).

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

A time-barred contract debt is revived only by an acknowledgment or promise to pay that is in writing and signed by you. An acknowledgment or promise that isn't in writing doesn't count (MCL 600.5866).

Related Michigan pages

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources