Indiana Debt Collection Laws

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

IN
Last verified:July 2026

SOL (Written)

6 yrs

SOL (Open)

6 yrs

License Req.

Yes

State Law

Yes

Indiana Collection Law

Indiana Collection Agency Licensing (IC 25-11)

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

Licensing Requirements

License Required
Yes
Licensing Authority
Indiana Secretary of State, Securities Division

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 Contracts6Informal 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 Indiana before signing a contract.
  • Place accounts into collection before the statute of limitations expires to preserve legal remedies.
  • Indiana law may impose requirements on creditors beyond federal law. Review Indiana Collection Agency Licensing (IC 25-11) 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 Indiana

133 collection agencies serve Indiana. View all agencies

View all 133 agencies in Indiana

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the statute of limitations on debt in Indiana?
In Indiana, the statute of limitations for written contracts is 6 years, oral contracts is 6 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 Indiana?
Yes, collection agencies must be licensed to operate in Indiana. The licensing authority is the Indiana Secretary of State, Securities Division. Businesses should verify that any collection agency they hire holds a valid Indiana license.
How do I file a complaint against a debt collector in Indiana?
You can file a complaint with the Indiana 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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