Arkansas Mechanics Lien Guide
Everything you need to know about filing a mechanics lien in Arkansas — deadlines, requirements, costs, and a free document generator.
Understanding Arkansas Mechanics Lien Law
Arkansas mechanics lien rights are governed by Ark. Code §§ 18-44-101 to 18-44-136. To file a mechanics lien in Arkansas, you must record your claim with the Circuit Clerk's Office in the county where the property is located. The estimated recording fee is $15-$30, though fees vary by county.
Some claimant types in Arkansas are required to send a preliminary notice before filing a lien. Check the requirements for your specific role below. Additionally, Arkansas requires a Notice of Intent to Lien before filing.
Arkansas Mechanics Lien Deadlines by Role
| Role | Preliminary Notice | Lien Filing Deadline | Notice of Intent |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | Not required | 120 days from last furnishing | 10 days before filing |
| Subcontractor | 75 days from last furnishing | 120 days from last furnishing | 10 days before filing |
| Material Supplier | 75 days from last furnishing | 120 days from last furnishing | 10 days before filing |
Use our deadline calculator to find your exact filing dates based on your project timeline.
Requirements by Role
General Contractor
- Lien Deadline
- 120 days from last furnishing
- Preliminary Notice
- Not required
- Notice of Intent
- Required — 10 days before filing
- Filing Office
- Circuit Clerk's Office
- Estimated Recording Fee
- $15-$30
- Statute Reference
- Ark. Code §§ 18-44-101 to 18-44-136
Must file within 120 days of last furnishing. Must give 10-day notice before filing lien. Residential requires pre-construction notice to owner.
Subcontractor
- Lien Deadline
- 120 days from last furnishing
- Preliminary Notice
- Required — 75 days from last furnishing
- Notice of Intent
- Required — 10 days before filing
- Filing Office
- Circuit Clerk's Office
- Estimated Recording Fee
- $15-$30
- Statute Reference
- Ark. Code §§ 18-44-101 to 18-44-136, § 18-44-114
Subcontractors must give notice to owner and contractor within 75 days of last furnishing (commercial). Must also give 10-day notice before filing lien.
Material Supplier
- Lien Deadline
- 120 days from last furnishing
- Preliminary Notice
- Required — 75 days from last furnishing
- Notice of Intent
- Required — 10 days before filing
- Filing Office
- Circuit Clerk's Office
- Estimated Recording Fee
- $15-$30
- Statute Reference
- Ark. Code §§ 18-44-101 to 18-44-136, § 18-44-114
Suppliers must give notice to owner within 75 days of last furnishing (commercial). Must also give 10-day notice before filing lien.
What You Need to File
Gather the following information before preparing your Arkansas mechanics lien document:
- ✓Your full legal name (or business name)
- ✓Property owner's name
- ✓Property address (legal description preferred)
- ✓Description of work performed or materials supplied
- ✓Total amount owed
- ✓Name of the party who hired you
How to File a Mechanics Lien in Arkansas
- 1
Send Your Preliminary Notice
Check whether your role requires a preliminary notice in Arkansas. If required, send it within the specified deadline to preserve your lien rights. Learn more in our preliminary notice guide.
- 2
Send a Notice of Intent to Lien
Arkansas requires you to notify the property owner of your intent to file a lien before recording it. This gives them a final chance to resolve the payment dispute.
- 3
Gather Your Documentation
Collect all required information including contract details, payment records, and property information. See the checklist above for the complete list.
- 4
Prepare Your Lien Document
Use our free Arkansas lien generator to create a state-compliant mechanics lien document with all required fields.
- 5
Record with the Circuit Clerk's Office
File your completed lien document with the Circuit Clerk's Office in the county where the property is located. Expect to pay approximately $15-$30 in recording fees.
- 6
Serve Notice on the Property Owner
After recording, serve a copy of the filed lien on the property owner as required by Arkansas law. Keep proof of service for your records.
Important Notes for Arkansas
Must file within 120 days of last furnishing. Must give 10-day notice before filing lien. Residential requires pre-construction notice to owner.
Subcontractors must give notice to owner and contractor within 75 days of last furnishing (commercial). Must also give 10-day notice before filing lien.
Suppliers must give notice to owner within 75 days of last furnishing (commercial). Must also give 10-day notice before filing lien.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Arkansas?
Deadlines vary by role. General Contractors have 120 days from last furnishing. Subcontractors have 120 days from last furnishing. Material Suppliers have 120 days from last furnishing. These deadlines are strictly enforced — missing them means losing your lien rights.
Do I need to send a preliminary notice in Arkansas?
General Contractors are not required to send a preliminary notice. Subcontractors must send a preliminary notice within 75 days of last furnishing. Material Suppliers must send a preliminary notice within 75 days of last furnishing. Even when not required, sending a preliminary notice is recommended as a best practice.
Where do I file a mechanics lien in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, mechanics liens are filed with the Circuit Clerk's Office in the county where the property is located.
How much does it cost to file a mechanics lien in Arkansas?
The estimated recording fee in Arkansas is $15-$30. Fees vary by county and may change. Contact your local Circuit Clerk's Office for current rates.
What information do I need to file a mechanics lien in Arkansas?
You will need: Your full legal name (or business name), Property owner's name, Property address (legal description preferred), Description of work performed or materials supplied, Total amount owed, Name of the party who hired you. Subcontractors and suppliers may also need the name of the party who hired them.
Do I need to send a Notice of Intent to Lien in Arkansas?
Yes. General Contractors must send a Notice of Intent at least 10 days before filing. Subcontractors must send a Notice of Intent at least 10 days before filing. Material Suppliers must send a Notice of Intent at least 10 days before filing. This notice gives the property owner a final opportunity to resolve the payment dispute before a lien is filed.
Related Resources
What Is a Mechanics Lien?
A comprehensive overview of mechanics liens and how they protect your right to payment.
How to File a Mechanics Lien
Step-by-step guide to preparing and filing your mechanics lien document.
Preliminary Notice Requirements
Learn when and how to send a preliminary notice to protect your lien rights.
Deadline Calculator
Calculate your exact filing deadlines based on your project dates and role.
Ready to File Your Arkansas Mechanics Lien?
Our guided form will walk you through the state-specific requirements and generate your document.
Generate Your Arkansas Lien DocumentDisclaimer: This guide provides general information about Arkansas mechanics lien law and is not legal advice. Laws change frequently and may vary based on project type, contract terms, and local requirements. Always consult with a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.