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

In Washington, the statute of limitations for breach of an oral contract is generally 3 years under RCW 4.16.080(3).

3 YEARS
Breach of Oral Contract · Washington
✓ Verified Checked Sep 2026

Breach of an oral contract Deadlines in Washington

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

In Washington, the statute of limitations for breach of an oral contract is generally 3 years under RCW 4.16.080(3).

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

Three years — half the window a written contract gets.

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

The exception in RCW 4.16.040(2) pulls accounts receivable into the six-year period even where unwritten. Sale-of-goods claims run four years under RCW 62A.2-725.

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

Often, yes. Tort claim form plus a 60-day waiting period under RCW 4.96.020, 4.92.100. Washington does not use a short notice deadline of the New York or New Jersey kind. Instead a standard tort claim form must be filed with the local government entity under RCW 4.96.020 (or with the Office of Risk Management for state claims under RCW 4.92.100)…

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

Washington's 3 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 Washington:

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 Washington

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