California
Statute of limitations for fraud in California
California treats fraud differently from other torts: the three-year clock runs from discovery, not from the act itself, and is set by statute rather than common law.
SoL period
3 years
From the date the cause of action accrues
Compute your deadline
Filing deadline
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Where this rule comes from
Statute
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 338(d)
"Within three years: An action for relief on the ground of fraud or mistake. The cause of action in such case is not deemed to have accrued until the discovery, by the aggrieved party, of the facts constituting the fraud or mistake."
Read the full statute
Last verified May 7, 2026
by Juryvine Editorial
What can extend or pause this clock
Discovery rule.
By statute, fraud claims accrue on discovery of the fraud — not on the date of the fraudulent act.
Frequently asked
- What is the statute of limitations for fraud in California?
- 3 years from the date the cause of action accrues. Authority: Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 338(d).
- What if the injury wasn't immediately apparent?
- By statute, fraud claims accrue on discovery of the fraud — not on the date of the fraudulent act.
Fraud statute by state
Other California statutes of limitations
Not legal advice.
Statutes of limitations are governed by complex doctrine with many exceptions.
Use this page as a starting point and verify with an attorney before relying on
any deadline. Juryvine is not a law firm and does not represent clients.