Mississippi Debt Collection Laws

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

MS
Last verified:July 2026

SOL (Written)

3 yrs

SOL (Open)

3 yrs

License Req.

No

State Law

Yes

Mississippi Collection Law

Mississippi Consumer Protection Act (Miss. Code § 75-24-1 et seq.)

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

Licensing Requirements

License Required
No specific license (registration or bond may be required)
Licensing Authority
Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance (no specific license)

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 Contracts3Auto loans, personal loans, mortgages
Oral Contracts3Informal agreements, handshake deals
Promissory Notes6Student loans, business notes
Open-Ended Accounts3Credit cards, lines of credit

Key Considerations for Businesses

  • Verify that any collection agency you hire is properly licensed in Mississippi before signing a contract.
  • Place accounts into collection before the statute of limitations expires to preserve legal remedies.
  • Mississippi law may impose requirements on creditors beyond federal law. Review Mississippi Consumer Protection Act (Miss. Code § 75-24-1 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 Mississippi

124 collection agencies serve Mississippi. View all agencies

View all 124 agencies in Mississippi

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the statute of limitations on debt in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, the statute of limitations for written contracts is 3 years, oral contracts is 3 years, promissory notes is 6 years, and open-ended accounts (credit cards) is 3 years. After this period, the debt may become legally unenforceable through the courts.
Do collection agencies need a license in Mississippi?
Mississippi does not require a specific collection agency license, though registration or bonding requirements may apply. The Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance (no specific license) oversees collection agency activity.
How do I file a complaint against a debt collector in Mississippi?
You can file a complaint with the Mississippi 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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