Statute of limitations for breach of written contract in Illinois

Illinois gives ten years for actions on written contracts, written leases, promissory notes, and similar written evidences of indebtedness. UCC sale-of-goods claims, payment acknowledgments, demand notes, and specialized obligations can alter the practical deadline.

SoL period

10 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 5/13-206

"Actions on written contracts and other written evidences of indebtedness shall be commenced within 10 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 written contract in Illinois?: 10 years from the date the cause of action accrues. Authority: 735 ILCS 5/13-206.

Breach of Written Contract statute by state

California 4 years Florida 5 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 Oral Contract 5 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.