# 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: 2026-07-26

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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 |

## 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

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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.