Arizona Statute of Limitations
Time limits for filing civil lawsuits in Arizona. The statute of limitations varies by claim type. Once the deadline passes, you generally cannot file suit.
Data last updated: Apr 16, 2026Key Takeaways
- Written Contracts: 6 years (Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-548).
- Oral Contracts: 3 years (Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-543).
- Personal Injury: 2 years (Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-542).
- Property Damage: 2 years (Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-542).
Arizona Statute of Limitations by Claim Type
| Claim Type | Time Limit | Statute | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Contracts | 6 years | Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-548 | Accrues on the date of breach. |
| Oral Contracts | 3 years | Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-543 | Accrues on the date of breach. |
| Personal Injury | 2 years | Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-542 | Accrues on the date of injury. |
| Property Damage | 2 years | Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-542 | Accrues when damage occurs. |
| Medical Malpractice | 2 years | Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-542 | 2 years from the date of injury. Discovery rule may apply for latent injuries. |
| Debt Collection | 6 years | Ariz. Rev. Stat. §§ 12-543, 12-548 | Written debts: 6 years. Oral debts: 3 years. |
| Fraud | 3 years | Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-543 | 3 years from discovery of the fraud. |
General Notes for Arizona
Arizona distinguishes between written and oral contracts with a significant difference in limitation periods (6 vs. 3 years). The discovery rule applies to fraud and certain latent injury claims. Tolling applies for minors and persons of unsound mind.
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the statute of limitations for credit card debt in Arizona?
Credit card debt is generally governed by the written contract limitation of 6 years under Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-548, since card agreements are typically in writing.
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Does Arizona have a discovery rule?
Yes, Arizona applies the discovery rule for fraud claims and certain cases involving latent injuries that could not reasonably have been discovered at the time of the act.
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What happens if the defendant leaves Arizona?
If a defendant leaves the state after a cause of action accrues, the statute of limitations may be tolled during the period of absence under Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-501.