# New Jersey statute of limitations on debt

> In New Jersey, the statute of limitations on a written contract is 6 years under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1. Periods for oral contracts, open accounts and promissory notes.

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

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In New Jersey, the statute of limitations on a written contract is 6 years under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1.

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

**Authority.** [N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1](https://lis.njleg.state.nj.us/nxt/gateway.dll/statutes/1/112/303)

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

## When does the clock start?

Six years "next after the cause of any such action shall have accrued" — on breach/default. Under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-24 a signed written acknowledgment or promise, or a payment of principal or interest, starts the period afresh.

## What pauses it?

N.J.S.A. 2A:14-21 (plaintiff under 18 or with a mental disability preventing understanding of legal rights or commencing an action — may sue within the limited time after reaching majority or regaining capacity); N.J.S.A. 2A:14-22 ("Tolling of statute of limitations" — time during which a defendant subject to a cause under 2A:14-1 to 2A:14-5 or 2A:14-8 is not residing in New Jersey is not computed). NOT INDEPENDENTLY VERIFIED — I did not fetch 2A:14-21 or 2A:14-22.

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.