Alabama Statute of Limitations on Debt
Before you respond to a debt collector or make a payment on an old account, know your timeline. Alabama uses a uniform six-year statute of limitations for most consumer debt, which means collectors have six years from the date of last activity to sue you in court.
| Debt Type | Statute of Limitations | |---|---| | Credit card debt (open account) | 6 years | | Medical debt | 6 years | | Auto loans (written contract) | 6 years | | Personal loans (written contract) | 6 years | | Oral contracts | 6 years | | Promissory notes | 6 years |
The clock typically starts on the date of your last payment or the date the account went delinquent. Once the SOL expires, a collector cannot win a lawsuit against you — though they can still attempt to collect. If a collector sues you on time-barred debt, raise the expired SOL as a defense immediately.
One caution: Making even a small payment on an old debt can reset the clock in Alabama. Get legal advice before paying anything on an account you haven't touched in years.
Alabama-Specific Consumer Protections
Alabama does not have a standalone state-level consumer protection law that mirrors the federal FDCPA, but the Alabama Deceptive Trade Practices Act (ADTPA) prohibits unfair or deceptive business practices. Under the ADTPA, consumers can bring private lawsuits against businesses — including debt collectors — that engage in deceptive conduct.
Alabama also follows standard credit reporting timelines under federal law: most negative items (late payments, collections, charge-offs) must be removed from your credit report after seven years. Bankruptcies under Chapter 7 remain for ten years.
There are no Alabama-specific credit reporting statutes that add protections beyond federal law, so your primary tools are federal.
How to File a Complaint in Alabama
If a debt collector or creditor violates your rights, you have two options at the state level:
Alabama Attorney General's Office — Consumer Protection Division
- Website: ago.alabama.gov
- Phone: 1-800-392-5658
- File online or by mail
The AG's office investigates patterns of deceptive or abusive debt collection practices. For individual disputes with credit bureaus, you'll primarily use the CFPB (below).
Federal Rights That Apply Regardless of State
No matter where you live, these federal laws protect you:
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): You have the right to dispute inaccurate information on your credit report. Credit bureaus must investigate and respond within 30 days.
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA): Prohibits harassment, false statements, and unfair practices by third-party debt collectors.
- Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA): Covers billing errors on credit card accounts.
File federal complaints at consumerfinance.gov/complaint or ftc.gov/complaint.
Your First Action Step
Pull your free credit reports from all three bureaus at annualcreditreport.com. Look for any Alabama accounts showing delinquent status. If a collection account is over six years old from your last payment date, it may also be approaching the seven-year credit reporting limit. Document the dates, then dispute any inaccurate information in writing directly with the bureau — certified mail, return receipt.