Idaho Debt Collection Laws

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

ID
Last verified:July 2026

SOL (Written)

5 yrs

SOL (Open)

5 yrs

License Req.

Yes

State Law

Yes

Idaho Collection Law

Idaho Collection Agency Act (Idaho Code § 26-2201 et seq.)

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

Licensing Requirements

License Required
Yes
Licensing Authority
Idaho Department of Finance

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 Contracts5Auto loans, personal loans, mortgages
Oral Contracts4Informal agreements, handshake deals
Promissory Notes5Student loans, business notes
Open-Ended Accounts5Credit cards, lines of credit

Key Considerations for Businesses

  • Verify that any collection agency you hire is properly licensed in Idaho before signing a contract.
  • Place accounts into collection before the statute of limitations expires to preserve legal remedies.
  • Idaho law may impose requirements on creditors beyond federal law. Review Idaho Collection Agency Act (Idaho Code § 26-2201 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 Idaho

129 collection agencies serve Idaho. View all agencies

View all 129 agencies in Idaho

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the statute of limitations on debt in Idaho?
In Idaho, the statute of limitations for written contracts is 5 years, oral contracts is 4 years, promissory notes is 5 years, and open-ended accounts (credit cards) is 5 years. After this period, the debt may become legally unenforceable through the courts.
Do collection agencies need a license in Idaho?
Yes, collection agencies must be licensed to operate in Idaho. The licensing authority is the Idaho Department of Finance. Businesses should verify that any collection agency they hire holds a valid Idaho license.
How do I file a complaint against a debt collector in Idaho?
You can file a complaint with the Idaho 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.

Free Collection Tools

5 tools, no signup required

Try Free Tools →Find a Collection Agency