Ohio Statute of Limitations on Debt
Ohio distinguishes between open accounts and formal written contracts. Credit cards and medical bills expire at six years; written contracts like personal loans and auto loans have an eight-year limitation period.
| Debt Type | Statute of Limitations | |---|---| | Credit card debt (open account) | 6 years | | Medical debt | 6 years | | Auto loans (written contract) | 8 years | | Personal loans (written contract) | 8 years | | Oral contracts | 6 years | | Promissory notes | 8 years |
The eight-year window for written contracts is longer than most states. A personal loan signed in 2017 could still be legally actionable in Ohio. The SOL runs from the date of default or last payment.
Be careful: Ohio courts have found that partial payment or written acknowledgment of a debt restarts the SOL. Never pay on a potentially time-barred debt without legal guidance.
Ohio-Specific Consumer Protections
Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act (OCSPA, ORC § 1345.01 et seq.) The OCSPA prohibits unfair or deceptive consumer sales practices and gives consumers a private right of action. Successful plaintiffs can recover actual damages or $200 per violation (whichever is greater), plus attorney's fees. If the AG has previously taken action on the same type of violation, additional damages up to $5,000 per violation may be available.
Ohio CSPA Pattern or Practice Ohio's AG maintains a public database of OCSPA violations. If a debt collector in Ohio has been cited for the same misconduct previously, your damages under the OCSPA increase significantly. Check the AG's CSPA database when evaluating a claim.
Ohio Collection Agency Licensing Ohio regulates debt collection agencies through the Ohio Division of Financial Institutions. Collectors must be licensed. Verify license status before engaging.
Wage Garnishment in Ohio Ohio follows federal garnishment limits. Courts have discretion to reduce garnishment on hardship claims.
How to File a Complaint in Ohio
Ohio Attorney General's Office — Consumer Protection Section
- Website: ohioattorneygeneral.gov/consumers
- Phone: 1-800-282-0515
- Online complaint portal available; the AG's office is very active in consumer enforcement
Federal Rights That Apply Regardless of State
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Dispute inaccurate items; bureaus must investigate within 30 days.
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA): Federal collector conduct standards.
- Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA): Billing error dispute rights.
File at consumerfinance.gov/complaint.
Your First Action Step
Ohio's OCSPA enhanced damages provision — tied to the AG's pattern-of-practice database — makes it worthwhile to check whether any collector contacting you has prior violations. Search the AG's database at ohioattorneygeneral.gov before consulting an attorney. Pull your credit reports at annualcreditreport.com, document all inaccuracies, and dispute in writing by certified mail to each bureau.