Washington Statute of Limitations on Debt
Washington State distinguishes between written and oral contracts. Most consumer debt — credit cards, medical bills, auto loans — carries a six-year SOL. Undocumented oral agreements expire in three years.
| 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 | 3 years | | Promissory notes | 6 years |
The SOL clock runs from the date of default or last payment. After the applicable period expires, a lawsuit is time-barred in Washington. Collectors can still contact you and report the debt until the federal seven-year mark, but their ability to win in court is gone.
Be careful: Washington courts have found that partial payment or acknowledgment can restart the SOL. Never pay on an old account without understanding this first.
Washington-Specific Consumer Protections
Washington Consumer Protection Act (CPA, RCW 19.86) Washington's CPA is one of the most powerful consumer protection laws in the country. It prohibits unfair or deceptive acts in commerce. Consumers have a private right of action and can recover actual damages. Courts may award treble (triple) damages up to $25,000 for willful violations, plus attorney's fees. The AG also has authority to pursue injunctive relief and civil penalties.
Washington Collection Agency Act (RCW 19.16) Washington requires collection agencies to be licensed with the Department of Licensing. Unlicensed collectors are operating illegally in Washington. Verify license status at dol.wa.gov before engaging with any collector.
Washington Debt Buyer Regulations Washington has enacted protections around debt buyers, requiring them to hold proper documentation and follow state licensing rules. A debt buyer who cannot prove ownership of a debt cannot collect it.
Washington Medical Debt Protections Washington has passed legislation limiting the ability of hospitals and health systems to sell medical debt and restricting collection practices on uninsured patients who qualify for charity care.
Wage Garnishment in Washington Washington provides enhanced wage exemptions: the first $583 per week (as of recent guidelines) of disposable earnings is completely exempt — a significantly higher floor than the federal standard, providing meaningful protection for lower and middle-income earners.
How to File a Complaint in Washington
Washington Attorney General's Office — Consumer Protection Division
- Website: atg.wa.gov/consumer-protection
- Phone: 1-800-551-4636
- Online complaint portal available
Washington Department of Licensing — Collection Agencies
- Website: dol.wa.gov/business/collection-agencies
- Phone: (360) 664-6611
- For complaints about licensed collection agencies
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): Federal collector conduct standards.
- Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA): Billing error protections on credit accounts.
File at consumerfinance.gov/complaint.
Your First Action Step
Washington's enhanced wage exemption and the CPA's treble damages provision make this state one of the most favorable for consumers. Start by verifying that any collector contacting you holds a valid Washington license at dol.wa.gov. Pull your credit reports at annualcreditreport.com, document any inaccurate reporting, and send disputes in writing by certified mail to each bureau.