Is there a statute of limitations on a promissory note?

Asked by: Prof. Rod Mohr  |  Last update: July 22, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (38 votes)

Depending on which state you live in, the statute of limitations with regard to promissory notes can vary from three to 15 years. Once the statute of limitations has ended, a creditor can no longer file a lawsuit related to the unpaid promissory note.

What is the statute of limitations on a promissory note?

The statute of limitations for an action to enforce a negotiable promissory note is 6 years after the note's due date.

Do promissory notes have an expiration date?

Promissory notes have a statute of limitations. Depending on which U.S. state you live in, a written loan agreement may expire 3–15 years after creation.

What happens if you don't pay a promissory note?

If the borrower does not repay you, your legal recourse could include repossessing any collateral the borrower put up against the note, sending the debt to a collection agency, selling the promissory note (so someone else can try to collect it), or filing a lawsuit against the borrower.

Does a promissory note hold up in court?

Yes, a properly executed promissory note is legally binding. As long as the note contains all necessary elements, is signed by the involved parties, and complies with applicable laws, it's enforceable in court if the borrower defaults or fails to meet their obligations.

Debt Collections Past Statute of Limitation

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What voids a promissory note?

A promissory note could become invalid if: It isn't signed by both parties. The note violates laws. One party tries to change the terms of the agreement without notifying the other party.

Can you go to jail for not paying promissory note?

A long time ago, it was legal for people to go to jail over unpaid debts. Fortunately, debtors' prisons were outlawed by Congress in 1833. As a result, you can't go to jail for owing unpaid debts anymore.

How do you legally enforce a promissory note?

How to Enforce a Promissory Note (5 Steps)
  1. Step 1: Inform Borrower. Start by arranging a meeting with the borrower via traceable means such as email or chat apps to discuss the debt repayment. ...
  2. Step 2: Enlist Collection Agency. ...
  3. Step 3: Collect Evidence. ...
  4. Step 4: File a Lawsuit. ...
  5. Step 5: Get Legal Remedies.

What happens if the maker of a promissory note fails to pay?

If the maker fails to pay according to the terms of the promissory note, the holder can foreclose on the property that secured the note, thereby recovering the unpaid principal of the note, interest, fees and expenses. An unsecured promissory note is one that is not secured by any collateral.

Is a notarized promissory note legally binding?

You can typically sign a legally binding promissory note that contains unconditional pledges to pay a certain sum of money. However, you can strengthen the legality of a valid promissory note by having it notarized. It never hurts to add a layer of protection as you may have to use it in court.

How do I get out of paying a promissory note?

The debt owed on a promissory note either can be paid off, or the noteholder can forgive the debt even if it has not been fully paid. In either case, a release of promissory note needs to be signed by the noteholder.

What is the lifetime of promissory note?

A promissory note is valid for 3 years from the date of its execution. Post this period it will become invalid. Also read: Bill of Exchange.

Is a promissory note enforceable after death?

Promissory notes

The estate will need to pay these. The estate may also need to collect on any loan the deceased made via promissory note unless the will specifies that these loans be forgiven.

Can you sue someone for promissory note?

An unsecured promissory note does not use collateral. If the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender's only means of enforcement is by filing a lawsuit against the borrower.

Can I be chased for debt after 10 years?

As you may have guessed by now, the short answer is: it depends. Here are some scenarios: Time-barred debt: If the statute of limitations has expired (which in many states would be the case after 10 years), the creditor cannot legally sue you for the debt. However, they may still attempt to collect through other means.

Is there a time limit on a promissory note?

Depending on which state you live in, the statute of limitations with regard to promissory notes can vary from three to 15 years. Once the statute of limitations has ended, a creditor can no longer file a lawsuit related to the unpaid promissory note.

Can a promissory note hold up in court?

Promissory notes are legally binding contracts that can hold up in court if the terms of borrowing and repayment are signed and follow applicable laws.

Who is primarily liable on a promissory note?

It is the maker who is primarily liable on a promissory note. The issuer of a note or the maker is one of the parties who, by means of a written promise, pay another party (the note's payee) a definite sum of money, either on demand or at a specified future date.

Can you go to jail for a promissory note?

Promissory note fraud is a crime and those involved in a scam can face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted of fraud offenses.

What is the statute of limitations for breach of promissory note?

(a) Except as provided in subsection (e), an action to enforce the obligation of a party to pay a note payable at a definite time must be commenced within six years after the due date or dates stated in the note or, if a due date is accelerated, within six years after the accelerated due date.

What makes a promissory note invalid?

Some common triggers that can invalidate and cause problems in a promissory note are: missing the payment schedule or interest rate, loss of the original copy of the document, and others. When a promissory note becomes invalid the lender cannot sue the borrower legally if they fail to make payments.

Does disputing a debt restart the statute of limitations?

If you attempt to contact creditors and dispute the debt, your actions could cause the clock to restart, thus allowing creditors more time to take legal action against you.

What debt can you go to jail for?

You cannot be arrested or go to jail simply for having unpaid debt. In rare cases, if a debt collector sues you to collect on a debt and you don't respond or appear in court, that could lead to arrest. The risk of arrest is higher, however, if you fail to pay taxes or child support.

What to do when someone defaults on a promissory note?

You can take them to small claims court if you're having difficulty collecting payment. You will need to bring a copy of the promissory note and other relevant documents, such as communications between you and the borrower regarding the loan. The court will then decide whether to rule in your favor.