Washington Debt Collection Laws
How long a creditor can sue you in Washington, how much of your paycheck is protected, and where to get help.
Washington debt rules at a glance
The key numbers. Details and the exact law are below.
How long can a creditor sue you in Washington?
6 years for written debts, 3 for oral
Washington gives six years on written contracts and accounts receivable, and three years on contracts that are not in writing.
How much of your paycheck can be garnished?
Consumer debt: 80% of your pay is protected
For a consumer debt judgment, Washington exempts the greater of 80% of your disposable earnings or 35 times the state minimum hourly wage each week. For private student loans it is 85% or 50x the highest minimum wage in the state.
What debt collectors can't do in Washington
Washington Collection Agency Act
Licensed collection agencies may not contact you or your spouse more than three times in a single week (unless responding to you), and must deal with your lawyer once told in writing to do so.
Federal debt collection rules
Debt collectors everywhere must follow the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the CFPB's Regulation F. A collector may not sue or threaten to sue you on a debt that is past the time limit.
Collectors can't sue on expired debt
Under the federal debt collection rule (Regulation F), a debt collector must not bring or threaten to bring a lawsuit to collect a time-barred debt, meaning a debt whose statute of limitations has run out.
When a debt collector contacts you
A practical order of operations.
Don't pay or promise anything on the first call
Ask for the collector's name, company, mailing address and the amount they claim. In some states a payment or promise can affect an old debt, so check the rules above first.
Ask for validation in writing
Federal law gives you the right to a validation notice listing the debt, the creditor and your right to dispute. Dispute in writing within the validation period if the debt isn't yours or the amount is wrong.
Check the date of your last payment
Compare it with your state's time limit above. If the time limit has passed, a collector may not sue or threaten to sue you.
Never ignore a lawsuit
If you are served with court papers, respond by the deadline, even on an old debt. Being out of time is usually a defense you have to raise in court. Legal aid can help.
Report abuse
Threats, harassment and calls at odd hours break federal and state law. File complaints with your state regulator and the CFPB (links below).
Free help in Washington
Government complaint lines and nonprofit counseling. Be wary of anyone who charges upfront fees to settle debt.
Washington Attorney General
File a complaint: atg.wa.gov
CFPB complaint
File a complaint about a debt collector with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: consumerfinance.gov/complaint
Nonprofit credit counseling
Find an NFCC member agency: NFCC agency finder. If you are considering bankruptcy, use an agency on the U.S. Trustee approved list.
Links checked September 24, 2026.
Sources
Every rule on this page comes from these laws and official resources, checked on September 24, 2026. Read the current text before you act.
Primary sources
- RCW 4.16.040 - six-year limit
- RCW 4.16.080 - three-year limit
- RCW 6.27.150 - wage exemption
- RCW 19.16.250 - Collection Agency Act
- Washington Attorney General - file a complaint
- 12 CFR 1006.26 - Collection of time-barred debts (Regulation F)
- 15 U.S.C. 1673 - Federal limit on wage garnishment
- CFPB - Debt collection help
- FTC - Debt collection FAQs
Debt collection laws in other states →
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