What Is the Date of First Delinquency?

Bottom line: The date of first delinquency is the date an account first went past due and never got caught up before it went to collections or was charged off. For collections and charge-offs, it sets the start of the seven-year reporting period. If that date is wrong, the item could be reported longer than the law allows, and the CFPB lists an incorrect date of first delinquency as a common error. This applies to anyone with a collection or charged-off account on their report.

This one date decides how long a collection or charge-off can stay on your report. Here's what it means and how to check it.

What is the date of first delinquency?

The date of first delinquency is when the delinquency that led to a collection or charge-off began. In a 1998 advisory opinion, FTC staff said that if a consumer falls behind on an account and never catches up, the delinquency begins when the first payment is missed (FTC). FTC staff noted that the opinion is informal and not binding on the Commission.

You'll sometimes see it shortened to DOFD.

Why does the date of first delinquency matter?

The date of first delinquency matters because the FCRA ties the reporting period for collections and charge-offs to it. The law says the seven-year period begins 180 days after the start of the delinquency that came right before the collection or charge-off (15 U.S.C. § 1681c).

The FTC staff opinion describes this as a period of "seven years, plus 180 days" from the start of the delinquency (FTC).

Does the date change if the debt is sold or paid?

No. The clock is tied to the original delinquency, not to when a debt was sold, sent to collections, or paid. Equifax says collection accounts remain for up to seven years from the date of the first missed payment, and that the account remains even if you pay it (Equifax).

That's why a collection account that seems to show a newer date is worth a closer look.

How do you check the date of first delinquency?

To check it, my suggestion is to find the account in the accounts or collections section of your report and look at the dates listed. Compare them with your own records, like statements or letters showing your last payment. Reports and labels vary, so look at the dates on each bureau's report.

The CFPB lists "incorrect date of last payment, date opened, or date of first delinquency" as a common error (CFPB).

What should you do if the date of first delinquency is wrong?

If the date is wrong, dispute it with each credit bureau that shows it and with the company that reported it. Explain what's wrong and include copies of documents that show the correct date (CFPB).

You can also send a direct dispute to the furnisher. HelpWithMyBank.gov lists the date of delinquency among the issues a furnisher must investigate in a direct dispute (HelpWithMyBank.gov).

A credit bureau generally has 30 days to investigate a dispute. It can take up to 45 days if you dispute after getting your free annual credit report, or if you send more relevant information during the investigation (CFPB).

For the whole process, see How to Dispute Credit Report Errors: Step by Step.

How does Dispute Nerds help?

Dispute Nerds is AI-powered credit dispute software. The AI analyzes your credit report and flags items that may be inaccurate or incomplete, including dates that may be wrong. You review the findings and decide what, if anything, to dispute. Then you sign and send your own disputes. Dispute Nerds never files disputes for you.

Findings are free. Your credit report comes from our monitoring partner and is billed separately.

For more on what a report contains, see How to Read Your Credit Report, Section by Section.

FAQ

What does DOFD stand for?

Date of first delinquency: when the delinquency that led to a collection or charge-off began.

How long can a collection stay on my report?

Generally seven years, measured from the original delinquency. The FCRA says the seven years begin 180 days after that delinquency started.

Does paying a collection reset the date?

No. Equifax says collection accounts remain for up to seven years from the first missed payment, even if you pay them.

Can I dispute a wrong date of first delinquency?

Yes. The CFPB lists an incorrect date of first delinquency as a common error. You can dispute it with the bureau and the company that reported it.

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Sources

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, "How long does it take to repair an error on a credit report?": https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-long-does-it-take-to-repair-an-error-on-a-credit-report-en-1339/
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, "How do I dispute an error on my credit report?": https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-dispute-an-error-on-my-credit-report-en-314/
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, "What are common credit report errors that I should look for on my credit report?": https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-are-common-credit-report-errors-that-i-should-look-for-on-my-credit-report-en-313/
• Federal Trade Commission, "Advisory Opinion to Johnson (08-31-98)": https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/advisory-opinions/advisory-opinion-johnson-08-31-98
• Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681c (Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School): https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1681c
• Equifax, "How long does information stay on my Equifax credit report?": https://www.equifax.com/personal/help/article-list/-/h/a/information-stays-equifax-credit-report/
• HelpWithMyBank.gov (OCC), "Can I file a direct dispute with the company that provided the information?": https://www.helpwithmybank.gov/help-topics/debt-credit-scores/credit-scores-reports/credit-disputes/credit-dispute-direct.html

Last updated: October 30, 2026