Federal & State Lawfederalstatelaw.com
Back to Questions
civil-procedureAZ

What is the statute of limitations in Arizona?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-04-30

Arizona civil limitations are codified in A.R.S. Title 12, Chapter 5 (Limitation of Actions).

1. Personal Injury — 2 Years

A.R.S. § 12-542: There shall be commenced and prosecuted within 2 years after the cause of action accrues — actions for injuries done to the person of another, including those for medical malpractice; injuries done to the property of another; conversion or conversion of personal property; trespass for injury done to the estate or property of another; eviction; wrongful death.

2. Written Contract — 6 Years

A.R.S. § 12-548(A)(1): An action for debt where indebtedness is evidenced by or founded on a contract in writing executed within the state — 6 years.

3. Oral Contract — 3 Years

A.R.S. § 12-543(1): There shall be commenced and prosecuted within 3 years after the cause of action accrues — for debt where the indebtedness is not evidenced by a contract in writing.

4. Property Damage — 2 Years

A.R.S. § 12-542 (above): personal property and real property injury — 2 years.

5. Fraud — 3 Years (Discovery Rule)

A.R.S. § 12-543(3): For relief on the ground of fraud or mistake, which cause of action shall not be deemed to have accrued until the discovery by the aggrieved party of the facts constituting the fraud or mistake — 3 years.

6. Medical Malpractice — 2 Years

A.R.S. § 12-542: Medical malpractice falls under the 2-year personal injury statute. Discovery rule applies under common law (Anson v. American Motors Corp., 155 Ariz. 420 (1987)). Preliminary expert opinion affidavit required for med-mal complaints under A.R.S. § 12-2603.

7. Wrongful Death — 2 Years

A.R.S. § 12-542 (also covered in same statute) — 2 years from death.

8. Other Notable Periods

  • Defamation: 1 year (A.R.S. § 12-541(1)).
  • Judgments: 5 years, renewable for additional 5-year periods (A.R.S. § 12-1551).
  • UCC sale of goods: 4 years (A.R.S. § 47-2725).
  • Notice of Claim against public entity: 180 days (A.R.S. § 12-821.01); suit within 1 year (§ 12-821).
  • Out-of-state written contract: 4 years (A.R.S. § 12-544).

    • 9. Tolling

    A.R.S. § 12-502 tolls for minority (under 18) and unsound mind, with a 2-year savings clause after disability is removed.

    This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • You have a claim against an Arizona public entity (180-day notice)
    • Your medical malpractice complaint requires a preliminary expert affidavit
    • Your written contract was executed outside Arizona (4-year period)
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • A.R.S. § 12-542
    • A.R.S. § 12-543
    • A.R.S. § 12-548
    • A.R.S. § 12-821
    • A.R.S. § 12-821.01
    • A.R.S. § 12-2603

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.