Home› State Guides› Iowa› Breach of Oral Contract

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

In Iowa, the statute of limitations for breach of an oral contract is generally 5 years under Iowa Code § 614.1(4).

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

Breach of an oral contract Deadlines in Iowa

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

In Iowa, the statute of limitations for breach of an oral contract is generally 5 years under Iowa Code § 614.1(4).

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

Five years on an unwritten contract.

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

Whether a contract counts as written turns on whether all essential terms appear within the writing itself — a partly-oral agreement can drop from ten years to five.

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

Often, yes. Generally 2 years; no short universal notice under Iowa Code §§ 670.5, 669.13. Iowa Code ch. 670 governs tort liability of governmental subdivisions, with § 670.5 setting a two-year period. Claims against the State run under ch. 669 with a two-year period in § 669.13 and a requirement to present the claim to the State Appeal Board first…

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

Iowa'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 Iowa:

01 Verbal service or handshake agreements
02 Informal lending or repayment promises
03 Unwritten partnership or business arrangements
Advertisement
Legal Forms

Other Filing Deadlines in Iowa

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

Get Help in Iowa

Fill out the form below and a legal resource in Iowa may be able to assist with your situation.

* Required. Phone, text and email consent are optional.