Oregon debt: six years, and a collection law that reaches the original lender
Oregon gives creditors six years on most consumer debts, whether written or not. Its own collection law goes further than the federal one in two ways: it covers original lenders, not just agencies, and it lets you sue a collector that breaks it.
Free check first. If a dispute letter makes sense, it costs $29 ($19 for military, veterans, seniors and people with disabilities) with three follow-ups.
Who is asking you to pay?
Look at the company name at the top of the letter or in the caller ID.
Oregon at a glance
- Most consumer debt
- 6 years (ORS 12.080)
- Credit cards, medical bills
- 6 years
- Suing on old debt
- Barred if collector knows (646.639(r))
- State collection law
- UDCPA, covers creditors
- Agency registration
- Division of Financial Regulation
- Wages protected
- 75% or $400/week, whichever is more
General information about Oregon law, with sources below. Not legal advice.
Six years in Oregon
Six years for written contracts, oral contracts, open accounts and promissory notes (ORS 12.080), which covers credit cards and medical bills.
Oregon's Unlawful Debt Collection Practices Act bars a collector from suing when it knows, or with reasonable diligence would know, that the time limit has run (ORS 646.639(r)). That adds a state claim on top of the federal ban on suing over time-barred debt.
Oregon's collection law covers the original lender
That Act defines "debt collector" broadly to reach original creditors collecting their own consumer debts, along with agencies and debt buyers, and gives consumers a private right to sue. Collection agencies must register with the state Division of Financial Regulation (ORS 697.031).
The federal dispute right applies too: a written dispute inside the validation period makes the collector stop until it mails verification.
After the 6-year limit runs out, a collector must not sue or threaten to; read what to do about an old debt before paying anything.
Limits vary a lot between states: by comparison, Utah sets 4 years and Colorado sets 6 years for similar debts.
Our guide on how to dispute a debt with a collector applies in Oregon, with a free sample letter.
If your letter comes from a national company such as Paragon Revenue Group or Portfolio Recovery Associates, our collector guides explain who they are and how to dispute.
Most debt lawsuits end in default because people do not respond; our page on what to do if a debt collector sues you explains how to avoid that in Oregon.
Garnishment and judgments in Oregon
For wages paid from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, the greater of 75% of disposable earnings or $400 a week is protected from garnishment for ordinary debts (ORS 18.385, as amended by SB 1595 in 2024); from July 2027 the weekly floor becomes 30 times the Oregon minimum wage. SB 1595 also created a bank account exemption, starting at $2,500 and adjusted each year, and raised the vehicle exemption to $10,000. Oregon also exempts a range of personal property from seizure (ORS 18.345). A judgment lasts ten years.
Already facing a garnishment in Oregon? Our wage garnishment guide covers exemption claims, hardship and how long a garnishment lasts.
Questions people ask about debt in Oregon
What is the statute of limitations on credit card debt in Oregon?
Six years under ORS 12.080, the same as other contract debts.
Can a collector sue me on a time-barred debt in Oregon?
Not knowingly. ORS 646.639(r) bars suing when the collector knows, or should know, the time limit has run.
Does Oregon's collection law cover my original lender?
Yes. The Unlawful Debt Collection Practices Act reaches original creditors collecting their own consumer debts.
Do collection agencies need to register in Oregon?
Yes, with the Division of Financial Regulation under ORS 697.031.
How much of my wages can be garnished in Oregon?
For wages paid from July 2026 to June 2027, the greater of 75% of disposable earnings or $400 a week is protected.