Breach of Contract Statute of Limitations in District of Columbia
Last verified 2026-07 · Source: D.C. Code § 12-301(7) ✓ verified · 3 sources
The deadline
3 years
from Date the right to maintain the action accrues (typically date of breach), under D.C. Code § 12-301(7).
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Under D.C. Code § 12-301(7), you have 3 years from Date the right to maintain the action accrues (typically date of breach) to file a breach of contract lawsuit in District of Columbia. Miss it and you lose the right to sue — but several District of Columbia-specific exceptions can extend (or shorten) that window, detailed below.
District of Columbia Deadlines for Related Claims
| Claim type | Deadline | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Breach of Contract | 3 years | D.C. Code § 12-301(7) |
| Car Accident | 3 yrs | D.C. Code § 12-301(a)(8) |
| Credit Card Debt | 3 yrs | D.C. Code § 28-3814(o) |
| Medical Malpractice | 3 yrs | D.C. Code § 12-301(a)(8) |
| Wrongful Death | 2 yrs | D.C. Code § 16-2702 |
| Personal Injury | 3 yrs | D.C. Code § 12-301(8) |
| Dog Bite | 3 yrs | D.C. Code § 8-1808 (dangerous animal liability); SOL: D.C. Code § 12-301(8) |
| Slip and Fall | 3 yrs | D.C. Code § 12-301(8) |
| Defamation | 1 yr | D.C. Code § 12-301(4) |
| Medical Debt | 3 yrs | D.C. Code § 12-301(7) |
When the Clock Starts
In District of Columbia, the limitations period for breach of contract claims generally begins on Date the right to maintain the action accrues (typically date of breach). District of Columbia does not apply a general discovery rule to this claim type — the date of the event controls, which makes early action critical.
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Exceptions That Can Extend the Deadline
- Minors: the clock is generally paused while the injured person is under 18.
- Fraudulent concealment: if the defendant actively hid the wrongdoing, the deadline may be extended until it was or should have been uncovered.
- Defendant leaves the state: absence can pause the clock in many circumstances.
Simple written contracts (not under seal) and oral contracts: 3 years under § 12-301(7). Contracts under seal: 12 years under § 12-301(1). Most modern commercial contracts are not under seal, making 3 years the applicable period. Statute text: 'on a simple contract, express or implied — 3 years.'
Source: D.C. Code § 12-301(7), official District of Columbia statute · verified 2026-07
What to Do Before the Deadline Runs
- Pin down your accrual date — the day the clock started — and calendar the deadline conservatively.
- Preserve evidence now: photos, records, witness contacts, bills. Evidence decays faster than deadlines.
- Send preservation/notice letters where required (especially for District of Columbia government defendants).
- If the deadline is inside 6 months, treat it as urgent — filing suit is the only reliable way to stop the clock.
How District of Columbia Compares to Nearby States
| State | Deadline | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 3 years | D.C. Code § 12-301(7) |
| Maryland | 3 yrs | Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101 |
| Virginia | 5 yrs | Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-246 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a breach of contract lawsuit in District of Columbia?
You have 3 years from Date the right to maintain the action accrues (typically date of breach), under D.C. Code § 12-301(7).
Can I still sue after 3 years in District of Columbia?
Usually no — courts dismiss claims filed after the statute of limitations expires. Narrow exceptions (tolling for minors, fraudulent concealment) can extend the deadline; whether one applies depends on your facts.
What if the victim was a minor?
District of Columbia generally pauses ("tolls") the deadline while the injured person is under 18, giving them time to file after reaching adulthood. Special limits can still apply, so check the statute.
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Sources
- Official D.C. Code § 12-301 - Limitation of time for bringing actions (code.dccouncil.gov)
- Corroborating DC Code § 12-301 - Limitation of time for bringing actions (Justia)
- Corroborating DC Code § 12-301 - Limitation of time for bringing actions (FindLaw)
- Verified 2026-07 under our 4-step process — every line checked against the sources above. How we verify
This page is legal information, not legal advice. Deadlines have exceptions that depend on your facts — confirm with a licensed District of Columbia attorney.