Connecticut Debt Collection Laws

Licensing requirements, statute of limitations, consumer protections, and regulatory overview for debt collection in Connecticut.

CT
Last verified:July 2026

SOL (Written)

6 yrs

SOL (Open)

6 yrs

License Req.

Yes

State Law

Yes

Connecticut Collection Law

Connecticut Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 36a-645 et seq.)

Connecticut has its own debt collection law that may impose requirements beyond the federal FDCPA. Collection agencies operating in Connecticut must comply with both federal and state regulations.

Licensing Requirements

License Required
Yes
Licensing Authority
Connecticut Department of Banking

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations determines how long a creditor has to file a lawsuit to collect a debt. After this period, the debt may become legally unenforceable through the courts, though it can still appear on credit reports.

Debt TypeYearsExamples
Written Contracts6Auto loans, personal loans, mortgages
Oral Contracts3Informal agreements, handshake deals
Promissory Notes6Student loans, business notes
Open-Ended Accounts6Credit cards, lines of credit

Key Considerations for Businesses

  • Verify that any collection agency you hire is properly licensed in Connecticut before signing a contract.
  • Place accounts into collection before the statute of limitations expires to preserve legal remedies.
  • Connecticut law may impose requirements on creditors beyond federal law. Review Connecticut Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 36a-645 et seq.) for obligations that apply to original creditors.
  • Your business may share liability for FDCPA violations committed by your collection agency. Choose a compliant partner.

Collection Agencies in Connecticut

136 collection agencies serve Connecticut. View all agencies

View all 136 agencies in Connecticut

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the statute of limitations on debt in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, the statute of limitations for written contracts is 6 years, oral contracts is 3 years, promissory notes is 6 years, and open-ended accounts (credit cards) is 6 years. After this period, the debt may become legally unenforceable through the courts.
Do collection agencies need a license in Connecticut?
Yes, collection agencies must be licensed to operate in Connecticut. The licensing authority is the Connecticut Department of Banking. Businesses should verify that any collection agency they hire holds a valid Connecticut license.
How do I file a complaint against a debt collector in Connecticut?
You can file a complaint with the Connecticut Attorney General's office through their consumer complaint portal. You can also file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov/complaint for violations of federal debt collection law.

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