Every jurisdiction in our dataset that gives 5 years to file a oral contract claim, with the governing statute.
Quick answer: 6 of 51 jurisdictions give 5 years for oral contract claims: Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, West Virginia.
Data last reviewed: October 2026. General information, not legal advice.
| State | Statute | Clock starts |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 735 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/13-205 | Date of breach |
| Iowa | Iowa Code § 614.1(4) | Date of breach |
| Kentucky | Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 413.120(1) | Date of breach |
| Missouri | Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120(1) | Date of breach |
| Montana | Mont. Code Ann. § 27-2-202(2) | Date of breach |
| West Virginia | W. Va. Code § 55-2-6 | Date of breach |
6 of 51 jurisdictions: Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, West Virginia.
Other states allow 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, 6 years, 8 years, 10 years. See the links on this page for each group.
Not always. Many states pause or extend the clock for minors, for harm that is discovered late, or when the defendant hides the wrong, and claims against governments often require earlier notice. Check your state's page for its exceptions.