Statute of limitations for breach of oral contract in Illinois

Illinois generally uses a five-year period for unwritten contracts and other civil actions not otherwise provided for. The exact accrual date depends on the alleged breach and whether a more specific statute, UCC rule, or written-instrument rule applies.

SoL period

5 years

From the date the cause of action accrues

Compute your deadline

Filing deadline

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Where this rule comes from

Statute

735 ILCS 5/13-205

"Actions on unwritten contracts, expressed or implied, shall be commenced within 5 years after accrual."

Read the full statute Last verified May 7, 2026 by Juryvine Editorial

Frequently asked

What is the statute of limitations for breach of oral contract in Illinois?: 5 years from the date the cause of action accrues. Authority: 735 ILCS 5/13-205.

Breach of Oral Contract statute by state

California 2 years Florida 4 years New York 6 years Pennsylvania 4 years Texas 4 years

Other Illinois statutes of limitations

Personal Injury 2 years Medical Malpractice 2 years Wrongful Death 2 years Breach of Written Contract 10 years Fraud 5 years Civil Rights — 42 U.S.C. § 1983 2 years Premises Liability 2 years Product Liability 2 years

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.