United States Code
Title 28-JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE
PART VI-PARTICULAR PROCEEDINGS
CHAPTER 161-UNITED STATES AS PARTY GENERALLY

§2401. Time for commencing action against United States:

Summary:

Civil complaints against Federal Agencies or Officials must be filed within 6 years of the tort or breach of contract (some exceptions).

Claims against Federal Agencies or Officials must be filed within 2 years of the tort, or within 6 months of the final denial of the claim.

Official Tort Claim Form:

FEDERAL TORT FORM SF95
(same form on www.AOC.gov)

Transcript:

(a) Except as provided by chapter 71 of title 41, every civil action commenced against the United States shall be barred unless the complaint is filed within six years after the right of action first accrues. The action of any person under legal disability or beyond the seas at the time the claim accrues may be commenced within three years after the disability ceases.

(b) A tort claim against the United States shall be forever barred unless it is presented in writing to the appropriate Federal agency within two years after such claim accrues or unless action is begun within six months after the date of mailing, by certified or registered mail, of notice of final denial of the claim by the agency to which it was presented.