Statute of limitations on debt in Oregon

6 years to sue on a written contract or an open account (ORS 12.080(1); ORS 12.230; ORS 12.240; ORS 646.639(2)(r)).

Short answer

Think twice before paying on an old debt in Oregon: Yes for most creditors. A payment restarts the 6-year clock from the date of the last payment (ORS 12.240). A promise or acknowledgment restarts it only if it is in writing and signed by you (ORS 12.230).

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

Time limits to sue in Oregon

Law
ORS 12.080(1); ORS 12.230; ORS 12.240; ORS 646.639(2)(r)
Official text
Read the law

6 years is the most common limit in our 48 state guides (22 states). Next door: 6 years in Washington, 5 years in Idaho, 6 years in Nevada and 4 years in California.

Oregon rules when a collector sues, and your rights

  • A debt buyer cannot sue without records proving the debt and its ownership, and must give you those documents within 30 days if you ask. (ORS 646.639(2)(t), (4)(b))

If a collector crosses the line: If a collector willfully breaks this law, you can sue for your actual damages or $1,000, whichever is more. The court can add punitive damages and order the collector to stop, and can award attorney fees if you win. You must sue within 3 years.

Payments, promises and the clock in Oregon

Yes for most creditors. A payment restarts the 6-year clock from the date of the last payment (ORS 12.240). A promise or acknowledgment restarts it only if it is in writing and signed by you (ORS 12.230).

More Oregon rules on old debts

  • A collector cannot file a lawsuit on a debt it knows, or with reasonable care would know, is too old under the statute of limitations. (ORS 646.639(2)(r), (4)(a))

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

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

If you are sued on an old debt in Oregon

Say in your written answer that the debt is too old. Deadline in Oregon: Circuit court: you must file an answer or motion within 30 days after you are served (ORCP 7 C(2)). Small claims: within 30 days after you get the notice you must pay, ask for a hearing, or ask for a jury trial (ORS 46.445).

If you don't respond in time, the court can enter judgment against you for the amount claimed plus fees.

What to do if you are sued in Oregon

Steps for an old debt in Oregon

  1. Don't pay or sign yet

    In Oregon: Yes for most creditors. A payment restarts the 6-year clock from the date of the last payment (ORS 12.240). A promise or acknowledgment restarts it only if it is in writing and signed by you (ORS 12.230).

  2. Ask the collector for proof

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

  3. Check the collector's license

    Collectors need a Oregon license; check one here: Official license lookup.

  4. Report a suit on an old debt

    Report it to Oregon Department of Justice, Consumer Protection (for how a collector treats you); Division of Financial Regulation (for unregistered collectors) and to the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint. Phone: 1-877-877-9392.

Federal rules on old debts

A collector may not sue or threaten 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). Read the time-barred debt guide.

Free help in Oregon

Questions about old debts in Oregon

How long can a debt collector sue me in Oregon?

6 years for written contracts and 6 years for open accounts and unwritten agreements (ORS 12.080(1); ORS 12.230; ORS 12.240; ORS 646.639(2)(r)).

Can a small payment revive an old debt in Oregon?

Yes for most creditors. A payment restarts the 6-year clock from the date of the last payment (ORS 12.240). A promise or acknowledgment restarts it only if it is in writing and signed by you (ORS 12.230).

Related Oregon pages

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources