Debt Collection Regulation in the USA

Data last verified: 2026-09-11

Debt collection in the USA is governed federally by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), enforced by the CFPB and FTC, with CFPB Regulation F setting contact-frequency and disclosure rules. Licensing is set at state level: many states require a collection agency license or surety bond, while some have no licensing regime.

Licensing by state

Texas

Texas requires third-party debt collectors to file a $10,000 surety bond with the Texas Secretary of State under Chapter 392 of the Texas Finance Code before engaging in debt collection in the state. There is no separate state collection agency license beyond the bond filing. Agencies collecting in Texas must also comply with the Texas Debt Collection Act, which applies alongside the federal FDCPA and covers original creditors as well as third-party collectors.

Find a licensed agency

Browse the USA directory to compare agencies and their published licensing status.