New Hampshire Statute of Limitations on Debt
New Hampshire applies a three-year statute of limitations across most consumer debt categories. This uniform, short window is favorable to consumers — collectors have a limited time to sue.
| Debt Type | Statute of Limitations | |---|---| | Credit card debt (open account) | 3 years | | Medical debt | 3 years | | Auto loans (written contract) | 3 years | | Personal loans (written contract) | 3 years | | Oral contracts | 3 years | | Promissory notes | 3 years |
The SOL clock starts from the date of default or last payment. After three years, a collector filing suit in New Hampshire has a time-barred case — raise the SOL defense immediately if sued. The debt can still appear on your credit report until the seven-year federal limit, but court action is off the table.
Note: Partial payment or a written acknowledgment may restart the SOL in New Hampshire. Handle old accounts carefully.
New Hampshire-Specific Consumer Protections
New Hampshire Consumer Protection Act (RSA 358-A) New Hampshire's Consumer Protection Act prohibits unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts in commerce. Debt collection is covered. The Act gives consumers a private right of action. Successful plaintiffs can recover actual damages or $1,000 (whichever is greater), plus attorney's fees. For willful violations, courts may award double or triple damages up to $10,000.
New Hampshire Debt Collection Practices New Hampshire relies primarily on the federal FDCPA supplemented by the Consumer Protection Act's deceptive practices provisions. The NH Banking Department regulates certain financial entities operating in the state.
Wage Garnishment New Hampshire's wage garnishment rules are relatively strict — they require a court order and follow federal limits. Social Security and other exempt income cannot be garnished.
How to File a Complaint in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Attorney General's Office — Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau
- Website: doj.nh.gov/consumer
- Phone: (603) 271-3641
- Online complaint form available
New Hampshire Banking Department
- Website: nh.gov/banking
- Phone: (603) 271-3561
- For complaints about regulated financial entities
Federal Rights That Apply Regardless of State
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Dispute errors on your credit report; bureaus must respond in 30 days.
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA): Collector conduct standards.
- Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA): Billing dispute rights.
File at consumerfinance.gov/complaint.
Your First Action Step
New Hampshire's three-year SOL is short, and the Consumer Protection Act's double or triple damages provision gives you real leverage. If a collector is pursuing a debt more than three years old from default, or if they're using deceptive tactics, document every contact. Pull your credit reports at annualcreditreport.com, dispute any inaccuracies in writing by certified mail, and consult a New Hampshire consumer attorney if misconduct continues.