How long do I have to file a breach of contract claim in Illinois?
10 years
Illinois breach of contract: 10 years from the breach.
Governing statute: 735 ILCS 5/13-206 (written). Verified against the published code: 2026-06-22.
Illinois Breach of Contract Deadline Calculator
Clock generally starts on the date of the breach.
The bottom line
In Illinois, you generally have 10 years to file a breach of contract lawsuit, counted from the date of the breach (735 ILCS 5/13-206 (written)). Written and oral contracts frequently carry DIFFERENT limitation periods. Sale-of-goods contracts are usually governed by UCC §2-725 (4 years) instead of the general contract statute.
Don't risk your deadline
Missing the statute of limitations usually ends your case permanently. Talk to a breach of contract attorney—most offer a free consultation.
How long do I have to file a breach of contract lawsuit in Illinois?
10 years, generally from the date of the breach (735 ILCS 5/13-206 (written)).
When does the breach of contract clock start in Illinois?
the date of the breach. Written and oral contracts frequently carry DIFFERENT limitation periods. Sale-of-goods contracts are usually governed by UCC §2-725 (4 years) instead of the general contract statute.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Filing after the statute of limitations almost always means the court will dismiss your case and you lose the right to recover. A few narrow exceptions (tolling, the discovery rule, minority) can extend it — an attorney can tell you whether any apply.
Not legal advice. This page is informational only and is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney. Statutes of limitations are subject to many exceptions — tolling, the discovery rule, minority (under-18) and incapacity rules, government notice-of-claim deadlines (often far shorter), and statutes of repose — any of which can shorten or lengthen the deadline in your specific case. The governing statute citation and the date it was verified are shown above so you can confirm the current text yourself. Never rely on this page to decide whether you can or cannot sue. Consult a licensed attorney in your state before your deadline.