Statute of limitations on debt in Utah

6 years to sue on a written contract and 4 years on an open account.

Short answer

In Utah, a creditor or debt collector has 6 years to sue on a written contract and 4 years to sue on an open account or unwritten agreement. In Utah, even a payment can matter: Yes, for a credit agreement: the 6 years start again on the later of when the debt arose, when you acknowledge it or promise to pay in writing, or when you or someone else makes a payment (Utah Code § 78B-2-309(2)).

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

How long collectors have to sue in Utah

Law
Utah Code § 78B-2-309 (6 years: written contract; restart rule for credit agreements); § 78B-2-307(1) (4 years after the last charge or last payment: unwritten contract, open store account, open account for services)
Official text
Read the law

6 years is the most common limit in our 48 state guides (22 states). Next door: 5 years in Idaho, 10 years in Wyoming, 6 years in Colorado and 6 years in Arizona.

Can a payment restart the clock in Utah?

Yes, for a credit agreement: the 6 years start again on the later of when the debt arose, when you acknowledge it or promise to pay in writing, or when you or someone else makes a payment (Utah Code § 78B-2-309(2)).

If a collector breaks the law in Utah

If a collector crosses the line: Utah's fee law does not spell out a private lawsuit right. You can sue third-party collectors under the federal FDCPA. Utah's Consumer Sales Practices Act may also apply.

More Utah rules on old debts

  • In Utah, a payment or written acknowledgment restarts the 6-year limit on credit agreements (Utah Code § 78B-2-309(2)).

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

Utah: 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 Utah?

The time limit protects you only if you raise it, so answer on time. In Utah: 21 days after you are served in Utah (30 days if you were served outside Utah), in district or justice court (Utah R. Civ. P. 12(a)(1)); the summons states the deadline. In small claims court, you go to the trial on the date set.

If you are properly served and do not answer in time, the plaintiff can ask for a default judgment and gets what it asked for without hearing your side (Utah Courts).

What to do if you are sued in Utah

Steps for an old debt in Utah

  1. Match the debt to the right limit

    Utah gives 6 years for written contracts and 4 years for open accounts. Not sure which a credit card is? Try both in the checker.

  2. Don't pay or sign yet

    In Utah: Yes, for a credit agreement: the 6 years start again on the later of when the debt arose, when you acknowledge it or promise to pay in writing, or when you or someone else makes a payment (Utah Code § 78B-2-309(2)).

  3. Dispute the debt in writing

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

  4. Report a suit on an old debt

    Complain to Utah Division of Consumer Protection and to the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint. Phone: (801) 530-6601.

Old debts and your credit report

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.

Where to get free help in Utah

Questions about old debts in Utah

What is the statute of limitations on debt in Utah?

6 years for written contracts and 4 years for open accounts and unwritten agreements (Utah Code § 78B-2-309 (6 years: written contract; restart rule for credit agreements); § 78B-2-307(1) (4 years after the last charge or last payment: unwritten contract, open store account, open account for services)).

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

Yes, for a credit agreement: the 6 years start again on the later of when the debt arose, when you acknowledge it or promise to pay in writing, or when you or someone else makes a payment (Utah Code § 78B-2-309(2)).

What is the time limit for credit card and open-account debt in Utah?

For open accounts and unwritten agreements, Utah's limit is 4 years (Utah Code § 78B-2-309 (6 years: written contract; restart rule for credit agreements); § 78B-2-307(1) (4 years after the last charge or last payment: unwritten contract, open store account, open account for services)).

Keep reading about Utah

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources