Statute of limitations on debt in Washington

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

Short answer

Think twice before paying on an old debt in Washington: A payment made before the 6 years run out restarts the clock. A payment, acknowledgment or promise made after the time limit has expired does not restart or revive it.

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 Washington

Law
RCW 4.16.040(1) (6 years: written contract) and (2) (6 years: account receivable, meaning any obligation for payment incurred in the ordinary course of the creditor's business; shown as the open-account limit); RCW 4.16.080(3) (3 years: other contracts not in writing)
Official text
Read the law

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

Your rights against collectors in Washington

If a collector breaks the rules: Breaking RCW 19.16.250 or collecting without a license is an unfair or deceptive practice under Washington's Consumer Protection Act (chapter 19.86 RCW), so you can sue under that act. Also, the collector and later owners lose the right to collect any interest, fees or charges on that debt, only the original amount.

Can a payment restart the clock in Washington?

A payment made before the 6 years run out restarts the clock. A payment, acknowledgment or promise made after the time limit has expired does not restart or revive it. A promise or acknowledgment must be in writing and signed. (RCW 4.16.270, 4.16.280)

Washington rules worth knowing about old debts

  • A collector may not sue or start arbitration when it knows, or should know, the debt is past the statute of limitations. (RCW 19.16.250(23))

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

Washington: 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 Washington

The time limit protects you only if you raise it, so answer on time. In Washington: 20 days after you are served in Washington, not counting the day of service (superior court CR 12(a) and district court CRLJ 12(a))

If you do not answer within 20 days, the collector can ask for a default judgment, which can lead to wage or bank garnishment.

What to do if you are sued in Washington

Steps for an old debt in Washington

  1. Don't pay or sign yet

    In Washington: A payment made before the 6 years run out restarts the clock. A payment, acknowledgment or promise made after the time limit has expired does not restart or revive it.

  2. Make the collector prove it

    Send a dispute letter within 30 days of the validation notice.

  3. Make sure the collector is licensed

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

  4. Complain about a suit on a time-barred debt

    Report it to Washington State Attorney General's Office (also the Department of Licensing for licensed collection agencies) and to the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint. Phone: 1-800-551-4636 (in Washington only) or 206-464-6684.

Old debts under federal law

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). More in our guide to time-barred debt.

Where to get free help in Washington

Questions about old debts in Washington

When does a debt become too old to sue on in Washington?

6 years for written contracts and 6 years for open accounts and unwritten agreements (RCW 4.16.040(1) (6 years: written contract) and (2) (6 years: account receivable, meaning any obligation for payment incurred in the ordinary course of the creditor's business; shown as the open-account limit); RCW 4.16.080(3) (3 years: other contracts not in writing)).

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

A payment made before the 6 years run out restarts the clock. A payment, acknowledgment or promise made after the time limit has expired does not restart or revive it. A promise or acknowledgment must be in writing and signed. (RCW 4.16.270, 4.16.280)

More for Washington

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources