Utah Statute of Limitations on Debt
Utah distinguishes between written and oral contracts when setting its limitation periods. Most consumer debt — credit cards, medical bills, auto loans — carries a six-year SOL. Oral agreements have a shorter four-year window.
| 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 | 4 years | | Promissory notes | 6 years |
The SOL clock runs from the date of default or last payment. After the applicable period expires, collectors cannot obtain a judgment against you in Utah court. You must raise the SOL as an affirmative defense — courts do not apply it automatically.
Note: Utah courts have found that partial payment or written acknowledgment can restart the SOL. Consult a consumer attorney before taking any action on an old account.
Utah-Specific Consumer Protections
Utah Consumer Sales Practices Act (UCSPA, Utah Code § 13-11-1 et seq.) The UCSPA prohibits deceptive acts and practices in consumer transactions. Consumers can bring private lawsuits and recover actual damages plus attorney's fees. Courts may award additional damages for intentional violations. The Division of Consumer Protection enforces the Act.
Utah Division of Consumer Protection Utah has a dedicated Division of Consumer Protection within the Department of Commerce. It investigates complaints, issues citations, and can pursue civil penalties against violators. This is the primary agency for consumer debt-related complaints in Utah.
Utah Collection Agency Licensing Debt collection agencies operating in Utah must be licensed by the Division of Consumer Protection. Unlicensed collectors are violating state law. Verify any collector's license at consumerprotection.utah.gov.
Wage Garnishment in Utah Utah follows federal garnishment limits: 25% of disposable earnings or amounts exceeding 30 times the federal minimum wage per week, whichever is less.
How to File a Complaint in Utah
Utah Division of Consumer Protection
- Website: consumerprotection.utah.gov
- Phone: (801) 530-6601
- Online complaint form available — this is the primary state-level resource for debt collection complaints
Utah Attorney General's Office
- Website: attorneygeneral.utah.gov
- Phone: (801) 366-0260
Federal Rights That Apply Regardless of State
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Dispute inaccurate items; bureaus have 30 days to investigate.
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA): Federal collector conduct standards.
- Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA): Billing error protections on credit cards.
File at consumerfinance.gov/complaint.
Your First Action Step
Utah's Division of Consumer Protection is accessible and actively enforces collection agency licensing requirements. Check whether any collector contacting you holds a valid Utah license at consumerprotection.utah.gov. Pull your credit reports at annualcreditreport.com, note the original delinquency dates, and dispute any inaccurate information in writing by certified mail to each bureau.