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What Is the Statute of Limitations for Breach Of An Oral Contract in Illinois?

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for breach of an oral contract is generally 5 years under 735 ILCS 5/13-205.

5 YEARS
Breach of Oral Contract · Illinois
✓ Verified Checked Sep 2026

Breach of an oral contract Deadlines in Illinois

How long do you have to file a breach of an oral contract claim in Illinois?

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for breach of an oral contract is generally 5 years under 735 ILCS 5/13-205.

When does the clock start for breach of an oral contract in Illinois?

Five years on an unwritten contract — half the written-contract window, but still longer than most states allow for either.

Can the Illinois deadline for breach of an oral contract be extended?

Claims for breach of a sales agreement under the UCC run four years under 810 ILCS 5/2-725 regardless of form.

Is the deadline different if the claim is against the government in Illinois?

Often, yes. Suit against a local public entity within 1 year under 745 ILCS 10/8-101. The Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act cuts the filing period to one year for civil actions against a local public entity or its employees — half the ordinary two-year personal-injury period. Claims against the State go to the Illi…

How does Illinois compare to other states for breach of an oral contract?

Illinois's 5 years is in the middle of the range nationally. Across the 44 jurisdictions with a verified figure, the deadline for breach of an oral contract ranges from 2 years to 10 years, and 3 years is the most common. Compare all states →

What Does Breach of Oral Contract Cover?

Situations that typically fall under the breach of an oral contract deadline in Illinois:

01 Verbal service or handshake agreements
02 Informal lending or repayment promises
03 Unwritten partnership or business arrangements
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Other Filing Deadlines in Illinois

Statutes of limitations have exceptions, and courts apply them to specific facts. This page states the general rule. A licensed Illinois attorney can tell you the deadline that applies to your situation.
See every filing deadline in Illinois, or compare breach of an oral contract across all states.
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