# Missouri statute of limitations on debt

> In Missouri, the statute of limitations on a written contract is 10 years under §§ 516.110, 516.120, RSMo. Periods for oral contracts, open accounts and promissory notes.

- Source: https://ottoforfirms.com/statute-of-limitations/missouri/
- Publisher: Otto — https://ottoforfirms.com
- Updated: 2026-09-01

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In Missouri, the statute of limitations on a written contract is 10 years under §§ 516.110, 516.120, RSMo.

**Rule.** A written contract claim in Missouri must be brought within 10 years.

**Authority.** [§§ 516.110, 516.120, RSMo](https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=516.110)

| Contract type | Limitations period |
| --- | --- |
| Written contract | 10 yr |
| Oral contract | 5 yr |
| Open account | 5 yr |
| Promissory note | 10 yr |

## What the statute says

> Within ten years: (1) An action upon any writing, whether sealed or unsealed, for the payment of money or property;

— [§§ 516.110, 516.120, RSMo](https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=516.110)

## When does the clock start?

§ 516.100, RSMo (https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=516.100): "Civil actions, other than those for the recovery of real property, can only be commenced within the periods prescribed in the following sections, after the causes of action shall have accrued; provided, that for the purposes of sections 516.100 to 516.370, the cause of action shall not be deemed to accrue when the wrong is done or the technical breach of contract or duty occurs, but when the damage resulting therefrom is sustained and is capable of ascertainment, and, if more than one item of damage, then the last item, so that all resulting damage may be recovered, and full and complete relief obtained."

## What pauses it?

Missouri's tolling provisions sit at §§ 516.170 (disability) and 516.200 (absence from the state), which neither pass fetched and which are not characterized here. The revival statute § 516.320 was fetched and verified — quoted in the notes.

Last reviewed 2026-07-26

## Related

- [Arkansas statute of limitations](https://ottoforfirms.com/statute-of-limitations/arkansas/) — Neighbouring jurisdiction — written contract, oral contract, open account and promissory note.
- [Illinois statute of limitations](https://ottoforfirms.com/statute-of-limitations/illinois/) — Neighbouring jurisdiction — written contract, oral contract, open account and promissory note.
- [Iowa statute of limitations](https://ottoforfirms.com/statute-of-limitations/iowa/) — Neighbouring jurisdiction — written contract, oral contract, open account and promissory note.

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This is an informational reference, not legal advice, and using it creates no attorney-client relationship. Limitations periods turn on facts this page cannot know — which state's law governs, the contract type, when the claim accrued, and whether anything tolled or revived it. Confirm against the primary source and your own counsel before acting.