# Georgia statute of limitations on debt

> In Georgia, the statute of limitations on a written contract is 6 years under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-24. Periods for oral contracts, open accounts and promissory notes.

- Source: https://ottoforfirms.com/statute-of-limitations/georgia/
- Publisher: Otto — https://ottoforfirms.com
- Updated: 2026-07-26

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In Georgia, the statute of limitations on a written contract is 6 years under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-24.

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

**Authority.** [O.C.G.A. § 9-3-24](https://ga.elaws.us/law/section9-3-24)

| Contract type | Limitations period |
| --- | --- |
| Written contract | 6 yr |
| Oral contract | 4 yr |
| Open account | 4 yr |
| Promissory note | 6 yr |

## When does the clock start?

Written contracts run "after the same become due and payable" (§ 9-3-24); open accounts and unwritten contracts run "after the right of action accrues" (§ 9-3-25); notes run from the stated due date or accelerated due date (§ 11-3-118(a)). NONE OF THIS WAS VERIFIED AT A PRIMARY SOURCE — see notes.

## What pauses it?

O.C.G.A. § 9-3-94: "Unless otherwise provided by law, if a defendant removes from this state, the time of his absence from the state until he returns to reside shall not be counted or estimated in his favor." NOT VERIFIED AT A PRIMARY SOURCE — see notes.

Last reviewed 2026-07-26

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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.