Statute of limitations on debt in Ohio

6 years to sue on a written contract or an open account.

Short answer

In Ohio, even a payment can matter: Yes. If you make a payment, or sign a written acknowledgment or promise to pay, a new time limit starts from that date. (R.C. 2305.08)

Written contracts: 6 years
Open accounts and unwritten agreements: 6 years
Can a payment restart the clock?: Yes, it can

How long collectors have to sue in Ohio

Law: R.C. 2305.07(C) (6 years for consumer debts, written or not, counted from 30 days after the last charge or payment, whichever is later); R.C. 2305.06 (6 years for written contracts)
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 4 years in Pennsylvania, 10 years in West Virginia, 10 years in Kentucky and 6 years in Indiana.

Ohio rules when a collector sues, and your rights

A collection agency that sues on an assigned debt must have a separate written assignment and must sue in the county where you live. (R.C. 1319.12(C), (D))
Your home is protected from forced sale on a judgment for medical bills: the judgment lien can only be enforced when the home is sold or transferred. (R.C. 2329.66(A)(1)(a))

Your right to sue a collector: Ohio has no separate debt collection act. The Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act (R.C. Chapter 1345) lets a consumer sue for a violation: actual economic damages plus up to $5,000 in noneconomic damages, or in some cases three times damages or $200, whichever is more, plus lawyer fees if the violation was knowing.

Other Ohio rules on old debts

Since June 16, 2021, Ohio gives 6 years to sue on most consumer debts, and the clock starts 30 days after your last charge or payment. (R.C. 2305.07(C))
A payment or a signed written promise to pay restarts the time limit in Ohio. (R.C. 2305.08)

Payments, promises and the clock in Ohio

Yes. If you make a payment, or sign a written acknowledgment or promise to pay, a new time limit starts from that date. (R.C. 2305.08)

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

An old debt in a Ohio court

Raise the time limit in your answer. Time to answer in Ohio: 28 days after you are served with the summons and complaint (Ohio Civ.R. 12(A)(1))

If you do not answer within 28 days, the court can enter a default judgment against you, which can lead to wage or bank garnishment.

What to do if you are sued in Ohio

Steps for an old debt in Ohio

Check before you pay anything
In Ohio: Yes. If you make a payment, or sign a written acknowledgment or promise to pay, a new time limit starts from that date. (R.C. 2305.08)
Ask the collector for proof
Send a dispute letter within 30 days of the validation notice.
Complain about a suit on a time-barred debt
Report it to Ohio Attorney General, Consumer Protection Section and to the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint.

Federal rules on old debts

A collector may not sue or threaten 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). More in our guide to time-barred debt.

Free legal and consumer help in Ohio

Questions about old debts in Ohio

What is the statute of limitations on debt in Ohio?

6 years for written contracts and 6 years for open accounts and unwritten agreements (R.C. 2305.07(C) (6 years for consumer debts, written or not, counted from 30 days after the last charge or payment, whichever is later); R.C. 2305.06 (6 years for written contracts)).

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

Yes. If you make a payment, or sign a written acknowledgment or promise to pay, a new time limit starts from that date. (R.C. 2305.08)

Keep reading about Ohio

Statute of limitations in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources