Idaho Statutes of Limitations

Learn about your state’s laws by using the links below.

By Susan Buckner, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last updated June 03, 2025

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All states have statutes of limitations. These state laws set time limits on the period that can elapse between an event and filing a cause of action. Idaho law sets limits for filing civil claims and criminal charges.

Statutes of limitation help ensure that cases are filed promptly. Civil claims often have short limits. The legal theory is that potential defendants should not worry about lawsuits decades after an injury. The limitations period should be long enough for potential plaintiffs to collect necessary evidence and file a claim.

Time limits for criminal cases help ensure fair and speedy trials for criminal defendants. Criminal statutes start, or “run,” from the time law enforcement knew a crime occurred. Prosecutors must bring misdemeanor charges within one or two years of the criminal action. Felonies have longer statutes, and serious crimes like murder have no limit.

Statutes of limitation are strict deadlines. If a claimant misses a filing date by even a day, the case is time-barred and cannot be filed. If you’re making a personal injury claim or other civil action, you should check with a local attorney to ensure you have enough time to file.

Learn About Idaho Statutes of Limitations

Idaho Civil Statute of Limitations: Idaho code contains civil statutes of limitations. These time limits cover all civil causes of action. They include tort actions for:

Medical malpractice
Real property and real estate claims
Negligence and product liability
Personal injury
Contract disputes

Idaho Criminal Statute of Limitations: Under state law, the state of Idaho must bring criminal charges at the time of the incident, upon issuance of an indictment, or within the statutory period imposed by law.

Serious felonies, such as murder, voluntary manslaughter, and crimes involving children, have no statutory charging limit
Misdemeanors, except for sexual abuse, have a one- or two-year statutory deadline