Nevada Statute of Limitations on Debt
Nevada applies a six-year statute of limitations uniformly across consumer debt types. Both written contracts and oral agreements are subject to the same limitation period.
| 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 runs from the date of default or last payment. After six years, collectors cannot obtain a judgment against you in Nevada court. The debt can still appear on your credit report until the seven-year federal mark, but legal leverage expires at six.
Important: Nevada courts have found that voluntary partial payment can restart the SOL. Consult an attorney before making any payment on an old account.
Nevada-Specific Consumer Protections
Nevada Deceptive Trade Practices Act (NRS Chapter 598) Nevada's deceptive trade practices law covers debt collection. The Nevada Attorney General has authority to investigate and prosecute violations, and in some circumstances consumers can bring private actions.
Nevada Collection Agency Licensing (NRS Chapter 649) Nevada requires debt collection agencies to be licensed by the Nevada Financial Institutions Division. An unlicensed collector operating in Nevada is violating state law. Verify any collector's license status at fid.nv.gov before engaging.
Nevada Homestead Exemption Nevada's homestead exemption is generous: up to $605,000 in equity in a primary residence is protected from most creditor seizure following a judgment. This is a significant post-judgment protection for Nevada homeowners.
Wage Garnishment Nevada generally prohibits wage garnishment for most consumer debts. While federal law allows garnishment up to 25% of disposable income, Nevada law is more restrictive in practice, and many consumer debts cannot be enforced by wage garnishment under state law.
How to File a Complaint in Nevada
Nevada Attorney General's Office — Bureau of Consumer Protection
- Website: ag.nv.gov/Bureau/Consumer
- Phone: (702) 486-3132 (Las Vegas) or (775) 684-1180 (Carson City)
- Online complaint form available
Nevada Financial Institutions Division
- Website: fid.nv.gov
- Phone: (775) 684-1830
- For complaints about licensed debt collectors
Federal Rights That Apply Regardless of State
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Dispute inaccurate items; 30-day investigation requirement.
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA): Third-party collector conduct standards.
- Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA): Billing error protections.
File at consumerfinance.gov/complaint.
Your First Action Step
Nevada's wage garnishment restrictions and homestead exemption are among the most favorable in the country. Even if a collector gets a judgment, they may have limited ability to collect. Pull your credit reports at annualcreditreport.com, review all collection accounts for accuracy, and dispute any errors in writing by certified mail to each bureau. If you're facing a lawsuit, consult a Nevada consumer attorney to understand how the state's exemptions protect you.