# Washington statute of limitations on debt

> In Washington, the statute of limitations on a written contract is 6 years under RCW 4.16.040. Periods for oral contracts, open accounts and promissory notes.

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

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In Washington, the statute of limitations on a written contract is 6 years under RCW 4.16.040.

**Rule.** A written contract claim in Washington must be brought within 6 years.

**Authority.** [RCW 4.16.040](https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=4.16.040)

| Contract type | Limitations period |
| --- | --- |
| Written contract | 6 yr |
| Oral contract | 3 yr |
| Open account | 6 yr |
| Promissory note | 6 yr |

## What the statute says

> The following actions shall be commenced within six years: (1) An action upon a contract in writing, or liability express or implied arising out of a written agreement, except as provided for in RCW 64.04.007(2). (2) An action upon an account receivable. For purposes of this section, an account receivable is any obligation for payment incurred in the ordinary course of the claimant's business or profession, whether arising from one or more transactions and whether or not earned by performance.

— [RCW 4.16.040](https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=4.16.040)

## When does the clock start?

Actions may be commenced only within the statutory period after the cause of action has accrued (RCW 4.16.005). While the period is still running, a payment made after the debt is due restarts it from the date of the most recent payment (RCW 4.16.270).

## What pauses it?

Defendant's nonresidence, absence from the state, or concealment, both at accrual and afterward (RCW 4.16.180); and plaintiff's minority, incompetency or disability such that he or she cannot understand the nature of the proceedings, or imprisonment on a criminal charge prior to sentencing (RCW 4.16.190).

Last reviewed 2026-07-26

## Related

- [Idaho statute of limitations](https://ottoforfirms.com/statute-of-limitations/idaho/) — Neighbouring jurisdiction — written contract, oral contract, open account and promissory note.
- [Oregon statute of limitations](https://ottoforfirms.com/statute-of-limitations/oregon/) — Neighbouring jurisdiction — written contract, oral contract, open account and promissory note.
- [What Is the FDCPA (15 U.S.C. 1692), and Who Does It Actually Cover?](https://ottoforfirms.com/compliance/fdcpa/) — The FDCPA's scope, the 15 U.S.C. 1692a(6) debt collector definition, the conduct floor in sections 1692c-1692i, and the 1692k damages and one-year clock.

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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.