The amount of time that you need to wait before filing for bankruptcy a second time depends on which form of bankruptcy you filed for the first time. If you are filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy both times, you will have to wait eight years. If you filed for Chapter 13 and are now filing for Chapter 7, you have to wait four years. Finally, if you filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and are now filing for Chapter 13 protection, you have to wait four years. Some exceptions apply to these limits.