Colorado Statute of Limitations on Debt
Colorado applies a six-year statute of limitations uniformly across consumer debt types, including both written and oral contracts. This is consistent but longer than many states — meaning collectors have more time to sue.
| 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 starts from the date of default. Even with six years, once that period expires, any lawsuit filed is time-barred. Collectors can still contact you and the debt can still appear on your credit report up to the federal seven-year limit, but their legal leverage is gone.
Colorado-Specific Consumer Protections
Colorado Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (CRS § 5-16-101 et seq.) Colorado has its own state FDCPA that closely mirrors the federal law but applies to a broader set of collectors and contains additional prohibited practices. Colorado collectors cannot use false, deceptive, or misleading representations and are held to the same standards as federal law — with state-level enforcement teeth.
Colorado Consumer Protection Act (CCPA, CRS § 6-1-101 et seq.) The CCPA prohibits deceptive trade practices broadly and gives Colorado consumers a private right of action. Consumers who prevail can recover actual damages plus attorney's fees, and in cases of bad faith conduct, the court may award up to three times actual damages.
Colorado HELP Rules — Medical Debt Colorado has taken steps to protect residents from aggressive medical debt collection. Several hospital systems are required under state law to offer financial assistance and payment plans before referring accounts to collection. Verify any medical collection against the original hospital's charity care policy before paying.
Wage Garnishment Limits Colorado limits wage garnishment to the lesser of 25% of disposable earnings or the amount by which weekly earnings exceed 40 times the federal minimum wage — in line with federal law, but Colorado courts can further reduce garnishment amounts in hardship cases.
How to File a Complaint in Colorado
Colorado Attorney General's Office — Consumer Protection Section
- Website: coag.gov/office-sections/consumer-protection
- Phone: 1-800-222-4444
- Online complaint form available
Federal Rights That Apply Regardless of State
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Dispute inaccurate items; bureaus have 30 days to respond.
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA): Federal-floor protections against collector abuse.
- Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA): Billing error dispute rights on credit cards.
File CFPB complaints at consumerfinance.gov/complaint.
Your First Action Step
Request your free credit reports at annualcreditreport.com. Colorado's six-year SOL means debts can remain legally actionable longer than in some states — so pay attention to the original delinquency date on any collection accounts. If you see errors in how that date is reported, dispute in writing to the bureau. If a collector is pursuing a debt that's past six years, consult a Colorado consumer attorney before responding.