District of Columbia Debt Collection Law at a Glance
Federal Protection
15 USC §1692g — Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. 30-day validation window from first written contact. Collector must cease collection upon written dispute.
State Supplement
D.C. Code §28-3814 — District of Columbia Debt Collection Law
Covers original creditors — not just third-party collectors.
Damages available: Treble damages, or $1,500 per violation (whichever is greater), plus attorney fees
Statute of Limitations
- Credit card / revolving: 3 years
- Written contracts: 3 years
- Oral contracts: 3 years
- Promissory notes: 3 years
- (D.C. Code §12-301)
Where to File Complaints
- DC Attorney General Office of Consumer Protection
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Small claims limit: $10,000
Additional Protections
- Covers original creditors AND third-party collectors
- Treble damages or $1,500 per violation
- Broad prohibition on unfair, deceptive, or unconscionable collection practices
Free preview. $9.99 for the clean, print-ready PDF.
District of Columbia Debt Validation FAQ
What is the FDCPA 30-day validation period for debt collectors contacting me in District of Columbia?
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 USC §1692g), you have 30 calendar days from the date a debt collector first contacts you in writing to request validation of the debt. During this time, the collector must cease collection activity if you dispute the debt in writing. This federal right applies in all 50 states including District of Columbia.
Does District of Columbia have its own debt collection protection law beyond the FDCPA?
Yes. District of Columbia provides additional consumer protections under D.C. Code §28-3814 (District of Columbia Debt Collection Law). Notably, District of Columbia law extends protections to cover original creditors, not just third-party debt collectors. Violations may result in: Treble damages, or $1,500 per violation (whichever is greater), plus attorney fees.
What is the statute of limitations on debt in District of Columbia?
In District of Columbia, the statute of limitations varies by debt type: credit card/revolving debt is 3 years, written contracts are 3 years, and oral contracts are 3 years (D.C. Code §12-301). If your debt is past the statute of limitations, a collector cannot legally sue you to collect it, and threatening legal action on time-barred debt may violate the FDCPA.
What should I include in a debt validation letter sent from District of Columbia?
Your debt validation letter should: (1) reference the FDCPA (15 USC §1692g), (2) demand verification of the debt amount, (3) request proof of the collector's authority to collect, (4) ask for the original creditor's name and address, (5) request a copy of the original agreement, and (6) cite any applicable District of Columbia state protections. Send via certified mail, return receipt requested.
Can I sue a debt collector who violates my rights in District of Columbia?
Yes. Under the FDCPA (15 USC §1692k), you can sue for up to $1,000 in statutory damages plus actual damages and attorney fees. Under District of Columbia law, you may also seek: Treble damages, or $1,500 per violation (whichever is greater), plus attorney fees. You can file in District of Columbia small claims court for claims up to $10,000.
Debt Validation Letters by State
Select your state to see your specific protections.