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How to File a Mechanics Lien in California

Lori Shaffer avatar
Lori Shaffer  | Account Manager
As an Account Manager, Lori Shaffer manages liens from start to finish, conducting property research and ensuring filings meet county recording requirements. With a strong focus on accuracy and client communication, she helps streamline the lien filing process. Lori is a proud mom and enjoys traveling, fishing, and finding adventure in everyday life.

Updated: July 24, 2025

 

How to File a Mechanics Lien in California (2025 Guide)

If you’re a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier working in California, you’ve probably faced a frustrating situation: you did the work, but you haven’t been paid. That’s where a mechanics lien can help. It’s a legal way to protect your right to payment — and at Northwest Lien, we help California contractors do just that every day.

In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly how to file a mechanics lien in California — in plain English — so you can feel confident securing the money you’re owed.

 

What Is a Mechanics Lien?

A mechanics lien is a legal claim filed against a property by someone who worked on it or supplied materials, but wasn’t paid. In California, mechanics liens are backed by state law and are one of the most effective tools to recover unpaid construction debts.

At Northwest Lien, we handle the entire process on your behalf — from preliminary notices to final lien filings — so you can focus on the job, not paperwork.

 

Who Can File a Mechanics Lien in California?

You may be eligible if you:

  • Provided labor, materials, or equipment for a construction or improvement project
  • Are a licensed contractor or legally authorized to perform the work
  • Delivered a Preliminary 20-Day Notice, if required

Not sure if you qualify? Contact us at Northwest Lien — we’ll review your project and let you know.

 

How to File a Mechanics Lien in California — Step by Step

 

1. Serve a Preliminary Notice (If Required)

Most subcontractors and suppliers must serve a Preliminary 20-Day Notice to protect their lien rights.

  • Deadline: Within 20 days of first delivering labor or materials
  • Who gets it: The property owner, general contractor, and lender (if applicable)
  • How to send it: Certified mail with return receipt

💡 At Northwest Lien, we generate and serve compliant preliminary notices for you — accurately and on time.

 

2. Prepare the Lien Form

California has strict rules about what must be included in a lien. Your form needs:

  • Your business name and contact info
  • A description of your work or materials
  • The hiring party’s name
  • The property owner’s name
  • A legal property description (not just a street address)
  • The amount owed
  • A verification statement under penalty of perjury

Not sure how to find the legal property description? We can help.

 

3. Record the Lien with the County Recorder

You’ll need to file the lien with the county recorder where the property is located.

Deadlines:

  • Direct contractors: Within 90 days of project completion (or 60 days if a Notice of Completion was filed)
  • Subcontractors/suppliers: Within 90 days of last work (or 30 days after a Notice of Completion)

Timing is everything here. A late lien filing in California is invalid — no exceptions.

 

4. Serve the Recorded Lien

Once the lien is recorded, you must serve a copy to the property owner within 5 days.

  • How: Certified mail, return receipt requested
  • Why it matters: Missing this step can make your lien unenforceable

We handle lien service as part of our standard lien filing at Northwest Lien — one less thing for you to worry about.

 

5. Enforce the Lien (If Still Unpaid)

If the property owner doesn’t respond to the lien, your final step is to file a lawsuit to foreclose on the lien.

  • Deadline: Within 90 days of recording the lien
  • If you miss this window, your lien becomes void and unenforceable

 

Common Mistakes We See (and Help You Avoid)

✅ Missing deadlines
✅ Sending notices to the wrong parties
✅ Using street addresses instead of legal property descriptions
✅ Failing to serve the lien after recording it
✅ Filing liens for the wrong amount

Even experienced contractors get tripped up — that’s why more and more California pros turn to Northwest Lien to handle their filings.

 

Let Northwest Lien Help You Get Paid

At Northwest Lien, we’ve helped thousands of contractors and suppliers file valid mechanics liens across the Northwest. We specialize in simplifying the process, meeting deadlines, and protecting your right to get paid — without the legal guesswork.

👉 Ready to file a lien?
Contact Northwest Lien today or start your lien online — it only takes a few minutes.

Summary
How to File a Mechanics Lien in California
Article Name
How to File a Mechanics Lien in California
Description
Need to file a mechanic's lien in California? This article will cover eligibility requirements, deadlines, and a step by step guide to help get you paid.
Author
Publisher Name
Northwest Lien
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