A petition to revive a judgment, as provided by Section 2-1601 of this Code, may be filed no later than 20 years next after the date of entry of such judgment. The provisions of this amendatory Act of the 96th General Assembly are declarative of existing law. This Section does not apply to consumer debt judgments that are subject to the standards and procedures set forth in subsection (a-10) of 2-1602.
13-218.Revival of judgment.
Article XIII. Limitations · Part 2. Personal Actions · Last amended 2026 · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceA petition to revive a judgment in Illinois must be filed no later than 20 years after the judgment was entered, though special rules under a separate section govern consumer debt judgments.
Full Text of 735 ILCS 5/13-218
Plain-English Summary
Judgments don't stay enforceable forever without action. This section sets the outer limit for reviving one: a petition to revive a judgment, filed under Section 2-1601 of this Code, may be filed no later than 20 years after the date the judgment was entered.
A 2010 amendment described itself as declarative of existing law, meaning the General Assembly viewed the 20-year rule as already the law rather than as a new deadline. The section also excludes consumer debt judgments, which instead follow the separate standards and procedures set out in subsection (a-10) of Section 2-1602.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to revive a judgment in Illinois?
No later than 20 years after the date the judgment was entered.
Which section governs the actual petition to revive a judgment?
Section 2-1601 of this Code.
Does the 20-year deadline apply to consumer debt judgments?
No. Consumer debt judgments instead follow the standards and procedures set out in subsection (a-10) of Section 2-1602.
Did the 20-year rule change the existing law when it was enacted?
No. The amendatory act adding it stated that the provision is declarative of existing law.
What happens to a judgment that isn't revived within 20 years?
The section sets 20 years as the outer filing deadline for a revival petition, without addressing enforcement options beyond that petition.
Amendment History
(Source: P.A. 104-120, eff. 1-1-26.)
Source & verification. Section text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Compiled Statutes, published by the
Illinois Compiled Statutes, Illinois General Assembly / Legislative Reference Bureau. Last verified July 20, 2026.
· Official source
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