IDEA due process in every state

Due process is different from a state IDEA complaint. It can decide individual disputes about identification, evaluation, placement and FAPE. The filing route and some time limits are state-specific.

Do not guess the deadline. The federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known about the alleged action, but IDEA permits a state to establish an explicit different limitation. Exceptions can apply. Use the current procedural safeguards and legal advice for an actual deadline.

1FileServe a sufficient due-process complaint

State model forms can help, but the notice must contain the information IDEA requires.

215 daysResolution meeting

For a parent-filed complaint, the LEA generally convenes the resolution meeting within 15 days unless waived or mediation is chosen.

330 daysResolution period

If unresolved after the resolution period, the hearing timeline proceeds, subject to regulatory adjustments.

4DecisionHearing and further review

The hearing system may be one-tier or two-tier depending on the state. Civil-action deadlines can also differ by state.

State	Deadline quick reference	Where to start	Free help
Alabama	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Alaska	State-specific limitation: the 2025 Virginia dispute-system review reports one year for parents and 60 days for school districts. Verify the current Alaska procedural safeguards before filing.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Arizona	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Arkansas	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
California	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Colorado	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Connecticut	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Delaware	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Florida	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Georgia	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Hawaii	Federal/state quick reference: generally two years, but the 2025 Virginia dispute-system review notes a 180-day period for reimbursement claims after unilateral special-education placement. Verify current Hawai‘i safeguards.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Idaho	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Illinois	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Indiana	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Iowa	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Kansas	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Kentucky	State-specific limitation: the 2025 Virginia dispute-system review reports a three-year IDEA due-process limitation. Verify the current Kentucky procedural safeguards before filing.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Louisiana	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Maine	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Maryland	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Massachusetts	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Michigan	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Minnesota	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Mississippi	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Missouri	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Montana	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Nebraska	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Nevada	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
New Hampshire	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
New Jersey	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
New Mexico	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
New York	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
North Carolina	State-specific limitation: the 2025 Virginia dispute-system review reports a one-year IDEA due-process limitation. Verify the current North Carolina procedural safeguards before filing.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
North Dakota	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Ohio	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Oklahoma	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Oregon	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Pennsylvania	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Rhode Island	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
South Carolina	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
South Dakota	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Tennessee	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Texas	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Utah	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Vermont	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Virginia	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Washington	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
West Virginia	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Wisconsin	State-specific limitation: the 2025 Virginia dispute-system review reports a one-year IDEA due-process limitation. Verify the current Wisconsin procedural safeguards before filing.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP
Wyoming	Federal default is two years from when the parent or agency knew or should have known, unless the state has an explicit different limitation. Check the current state procedural safeguards before calculating a deadline.	Open state special-education dispute/complaint route Find “due process”, “hearing”, “procedural safeguards” or the state model due-process form.	Parent Center P&A / CAP

Full IDEA dispute guide Federal filing rule Federal hearing rule

The state-specific Alaska, Kentucky, North Carolina, Wisconsin and Hawai‘i notes are drawn from a 2025 review of state IDEA dispute systems and should still be checked against the current state's procedural safeguards before use. Other states are shown with the federal default warning rather than an asserted state-specific period.

IDEA due process in every state

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