Oh boy..... lots of bad information here!
The correct answer is........ It stays there forever. I'm 56 years old, and my bureau still shows an auto parts store I worked at in 1979.
Most people don't worry about it because it has nothing to do with your credit score. But, if it is bothering you, the good news is you can have it removed. Just contact the 3 reporting agencies, Equifax, Transunion and Experian and they will take it off.
You should look at each of your reports to see what is there. Federal law now allows you to get free copies of your reports as in one of three ways:
Call toll-free: (877) 322-8228
Go online to www.annualcreditreport.com
Download and print an Annual Credit Report Request Form from the Federal Trade Commission's website at www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/include/requestf… then complete and mail to:
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
There are NO fees, costs or other obligations for reports through these sources.