How Long Does a Small Claims Judgment Last in DC?

12 Years, Starting When Execution Could First Issue

Under DC Code § 15-101, a money judgment is enforceable for 12 years from the date execution could first issue. Time when enforcement is stayed by a filed written agreement, court order, or appeal is excluded from the period.

During those 12 years, you can file writs for wage garnishment, bank levies, property seizure, or record a judgment lien on real estate. Post-judgment interest accrues automatically at 6% simple interest per year on the unpaid balance, so the amount owed grows over time even if you aren't actively pursuing collection.

You Can Renew Before It Expires

If 12 years isn't enough — and it often isn't when a debtor is judgment-proof early on but may acquire assets later — you can extend the judgment by filing a Motion to Revive Judgment under Superior Court Civil Rule 54-II before the 12-year period lapses.

The key word is "before." Once the 12-year period expires, the judgment can no longer be revived. File the motion with enough lead time for processing and service — don't wait until the last month of the period.

A successful revival extends enforceability for another 12-year term. There's no hard statutory limit on how many times a judgment can be revived, as long as each revival is filed before the current period expires.

What Happens If You Don't Renew

If the judgment expires without revival, it ceases to have operation or effect. D.C. Code § 15-101(b) bars a new action on it or new execution after expiration, except for a proceeding already pending to enforce the judgment.

The statute preserves an enforcement proceeding already pending when the period expires. Whether an existing attachment or frozen funds fall within that exception depends on the proceeding.

Judgment Liens Follow the Same Clock

When you record a certified transcript of the judgment with the DC Recorder of Deeds to create a real property lien, the lien remains in force as long as the judgment is in force under DC Code § 15-102. The judgment's 12-year period runs from the date execution could first issue, with stayed time excluded. If you revive the judgment, the lien extends as well — but you should file an updated recording to make the revival a matter of public record.

Interest Keeps Building

Throughout the 12-year period, post-judgment interest accrues at 6% per year on the unpaid balance under DC Code § 28-3302(a). It's simple interest, not compound. On a $5,000 judgment, that's $300 per year or about $0.82 per day.

After 12 years with no payments, a $5,000 judgment grows to $8,600 in principal plus interest. Recoverable enforcement costs (filing fees, service fees, recording fees) add to the total as well.

Plan for the Long Haul

Not every debtor has garnishable wages or attachable bank accounts right now. Circumstances change — people get jobs, buy property, inherit money, start businesses. A 12-year (and renewable) judgment gives you time. Record a lien, calendar the renewal deadline, and revisit enforcement periodically.

Our DC Small Claims Judgment Collection Guide includes a payment tracking ledger that calculates interest automatically and a timeline checklist so you never miss a renewal deadline.

See more District of Columbia guides →