Statute of Limitations on Debt in Michigan
The statute of limitations (SOL) is the legal time limit for creditors to sue you for unpaid debt. Once expired, the debt is “time-barred” — collectors can still contact you, but cannot win a lawsuit.
| Debt Type | Statute of Limitations |
|---|---|
| Credit Card Debt | 6 years |
| Medical Debt | 6 years |
| Auto Loan Debt | 6 years |
Making a payment or acknowledging the debt in writing can restart the SOL clock in most states. Consult the Michigan Attorney General or a consumer law attorney before paying old debts.
Michigan Consumer Protection Laws
Beyond the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), Michigan residents are protected by the Michigan Consumer Protection Act (MCPA).
MCPA covers a broad range of unfair practices and allows private lawsuits. Michigan also has specific protections for identity theft victims through the AG Identity Theft Unit.
File a complaint: Michigan Attorney General Consumer Complaint Portal
See What's Hurting Your Michigan Credit Score
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Start Free →Step-by-Step Credit Repair Playbook for Michigan Residents
- Pull your free credit reportsGo to AnnualCreditReport.com and download reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Michigan residents are entitled to one free report per bureau per year under federal law.
- Check Michigan's common error typesLook specifically for: auto loan reporting errors (Detroit auto industry), medical debt, identity theft from auto dealer breaches. These are the most common credit report problems reported by Michigan residents.
- Dispute errors with each bureauSubmit disputes online (Equifax.com, Experian.com, TransUnion.com) or by certified mail. Bureaus must respond within 30 days. Under the Michigan Consumer Protection Act (MCPA), you may have additional dispute rights.
- Know your SOL before paying old debtsIn Michigan, the statute of limitations on credit card debt is 6 years. Making a payment on an old debt can restart the clock — consult the Michigan Attorney General before paying debts near or past this window.
- Build positive historySecured cards, credit-builder loans, and becoming an authorized user on a trusted account all build positive history. On-time payments are the single biggest factor in your credit score.
- Track progress with free toolsStackEasy helps you manage your credit cards smarter: track 0% APR deadlines, optimize utilization across cards, and make sure your rewards are working for you.
Common Credit Issues in Michigan
Based on Michigan consumer data, the most frequent credit report problems include:
- auto loan reporting errors (Detroit auto industry)
- medical debt
- identity theft from auto dealer breaches
Frequently Asked Questions
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Get Started Free →Last updated: May 2026 · Information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.