What the 2013 Virginia law changed about collecting old debts
In 2013, Virginia passed a law that suspended the statute of limitations on civil judgments — meaning creditors can pursue you for a debt judgment indefinitely, rather than having a time limit after which they must stop. This change applies to judgments entered on or after July 1, 2013. Before that date, creditors had to collect within 20 years; after that date, there is no important date.
This matters most if you have an unpaid court judgment against you. A judgment is a court order saying you owe money, usually from a lawsuit a creditor filed. Once a judgment exists, the creditor can use collection tools — including requesting that the state suspend your driver's license — without the protection of a time limit running out.
The suspension of the statute of limitations does not mean a creditor can collect when ready or without warning. It means the legal window for collection does not close. You still have the right to know about collection efforts, and you can still challenge or settle a judgment.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia judgments entered after July 1, 2013 can be collected on indefinitely, with no expiration date.
- Creditors can request driver's license suspension through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles if you owe a judgment debt and do not respond to collection efforts.
- A suspended license can be restored if you pay the judgment, set up a payment plan, or prove you are not the person who owes the debt.
- Judgments entered before July 1, 2013 still follow the old 20-year limit, though many are still collectible depending on when they were entered.
How a judgment leads to license suspension in Virginia
Virginia allows creditors holding a judgment to request that the DMV suspend your driver's license if you do not pay or make arrangements to pay. This is called a "judgment debtor" license suspension. The creditor does not need a new court order — they can request it directly through the DMV once they have a judgment in hand.
Before the DMV suspends your license, you should receive notice. The notice will tell you the amount owed, who the creditor is, and how long you have to respond — usually 10 days. If you ignore the notice or do not respond, the DMV will suspend your license. You will not be able to drive legally, and driving on a suspended license carries criminal penalties.
The suspension stays in place until you pay the judgment, reach a payment agreement with the creditor, or prove to the court that you do not actually owe the debt. straightforward waiting for time to pass will not restore your license under the new law, because the statute of limitations no longer applies.
What changed for judgments before and after July 1, 2013
Judgments entered before July 1, 2013 still have a 20-year collection window. If a judgment was entered in 2000, for example, the creditor had until 2020 to collect. After that date passed, the creditor could no longer use collection tools like license suspension, though the judgment itself does not disappear from your record.
Judgments entered on or after July 1, 2013 have no expiration date. A creditor can pursue collection 5 years from now, 15 years from now, or 30 years from now. This is the key difference the 2013 law created. If you have a judgment from 2014 or later, you cannot rely on time running out to stop collection efforts.
You can find out when a judgment against you was entered by searching the Virginia court records for your county or city. The court clerk's office maintains these records, and many courts now allow online searches. Knowing the judgment date tells you whether the old 20-year rule or the new indefinite rule applies to your situation.
Steps to take if your license is suspended for a judgment debt
First, confirm that the suspension is actually for a judgment debt and not for another reason — unpaid traffic fines, child support, or other court-ordered payments can also trigger suspension. Contact the Virginia DMV directly to ask why your license was suspended and who the creditor is.
Once you know the details, you have three main paths forward. You can pay the judgment in full, which will when ready trigger license restoration. You can contact the creditor and propose a payment plan; many creditors will accept this rather than pursue ongoing collection. Or you can file a motion in the court that issued the judgment, arguing that you do not owe the debt or that the judgment was entered in error.
If you choose to negotiate a payment plan, get the agreement in writing before you make any payments. Send a copy to the DMV as well, so they know you are working toward resolution. Some creditors will request that the DMV lift the suspension once a payment plan is in place, though this varies by creditor.
How to challenge a judgment you believe is wrong
If you were never served with the lawsuit, did not receive notice of the judgment, or believe the debt is not yours, you can file a motion to set aside the judgment. This must be done in the court that issued the judgment, in the county or city where the case was heard. You will need to file the motion within a specific timeframe — usually within 21 days of learning about the judgment, though courts sometimes allow longer if you have good reason for the delay.
To file the motion, you will need to explain in writing why the judgment should be overturned. Common reasons include that you were not properly served with notice, that you have already paid the debt, or that the creditor cannot prove you owe the money. You may want to consult with a lawyer for this step, though you can file on your own. Many legal aid organizations in Virginia offer free or low-cost help with judgment disputes.
If the court agrees with you, the judgment will be removed from your record and your license will be restored. If the court denies your motion, you can still pursue a payment plan or settlement with the creditor.
Finding legal help and understanding your options
Virginia Legal Aid (virginialegalaid.org) provides free legal help to people who cannot afford a lawyer. They handle judgment disputes, debt collection cases, and license suspension issues. You can call their intake line to see if you meet their income requirements.
Your local bar association may also have a lawyer referral service or a modest means program that connects you with affordable legal help. The Virginia State Bar website lists these resources by region.
If you are facing a judgment debt and license suspension, understanding whether your judgment was entered before or after July 1, 2013 is the first step. That date determines whether time is working in your favor or whether you need to act now to resolve the debt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license is suspended for a judgment debt?
No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal in Virginia and can result in criminal charges, fines, and jail time. Your only legal option is to resolve the judgment debt, reach a payment plan, or have the judgment overturned in court.
If I ignore a judgment long enough, will it go away?
Not under Virginia law for judgments entered after July 1, 2013. The creditor can pursue collection indefinitely. Ignoring it will not stop license suspension or other collection efforts. Older judgments (before July 1, 2013) do expire after 20 years, but that is the only time limit that applies.
What if I pay part of the judgment — will my license be restored?
Partial payment alone will not restore your license. However, if you reach a written payment plan with the creditor and they agree to lift the suspension, the DMV can restore your license while you continue paying. You must have the creditor's written agreement first.
How do I know if a judgment against me is from before or after July 1, 2013?
Search the Virginia court records for your county or city online, or call the court clerk's office. They will tell you the exact date the judgment was entered. This date determines whether the old 20-year collection window or the new indefinite rule applies to your debt.
Can the creditor suspend my license without telling me first?
No. You must receive notice before suspension, usually giving you 10 days to respond. If you receive notice, respond when ready — either by paying, proposing a payment plan, or filing a challenge in court. Ignoring the notice will result in suspension.