# Oklahoma statute of limitations on debt

> In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations on a written contract is 5 years under 12 O.S. § 95(A). Periods for oral contracts, open accounts and promissory notes.

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

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In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations on a written contract is 5 years under 12 O.S. § 95(A).

**Rule.** A written contract claim in Oklahoma must be brought within 5 years.

**Authority.** [12 O.S. § 95(A)](https://oklegislature.gov/OK_Statutes/CompleteTitles/os12.pdf)

| Contract type | Limitations period |
| --- | --- |
| Written contract | 5 yr |
| Oral contract | 3 yr |
| Open account | — |
| Promissory note | 6 yr |

## When does the clock start?

The period runs from the date the cause of action accrues — for contract claims, the date of breach or of the missed payment sued upon; § 95(A) states the periods run "after the cause of action shall have accrued, and not afterwards."

## What pauses it?

12 O.S. § 98 tolls for a defendant who is outside the state or concealed when the claim accrues, or who later departs or conceals — but expressly NOT where long-arm, substituted, or publication service would give Oklahoma courts personal jurisdiction, which neutralizes the tolling in most modern consumer cases. § 95(A) also carries a discovery rule for fraud. NOT INDEPENDENTLY VERIFIED — I did not fetch § 98 in this pass.

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.