Debt Collection State Law Survey

Summary

This survey reviews key state debt collection requirements across each of the 50 U.S. states (and District of Columbia) and analyzes licensing requirements for debt collectors, self-collection practices, and third-party collection responsibilities. While debt collectors must comply with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), 15 U.S.C.S. §§ 1692–1692p, collectors must also be familiar with applicable state laws and regulations governing debt collection. This is especially true in instance where a state has adopted more stringent requirements than those at the federal level. It is important to note that on the federal level the FDCPA was substantially revised through two rules that became effective on November 30, 2021.