California Mechanics Lien Guide

Everything you need to know about filing a mechanics lien in California — deadlines, requirements, costs, and a free document generator.

Generate Your California Lien Document

Understanding California Mechanics Lien Law

California mechanics lien rights are governed by Cal. Civ. Code §§ 8400-8494. To file a mechanics lien in California, you must record your claim with the County Recorder's Office in the county where the property is located. The estimated recording fee is $15-$25, though fees vary by county.

Some claimant types in California are required to send a preliminary notice before filing a lien. Check the requirements for your specific role below.

California Mechanics Lien Deadlines by Role

Role	Preliminary Notice	Lien Filing Deadline
General Contractor	Not required	90 days from completion
Subcontractor	20 days from first furnishing	90 days from completion
Material Supplier	20 days from first furnishing	90 days from completion

Use our deadline calculator to find your exact filing dates based on your project timeline.

Requirements by Role

General Contractor

Lien Deadline: 90 days from completion
Preliminary Notice: Not required
Filing Office: County Recorder's Office
Estimated Recording Fee: $15-$25
Statute Reference: Cal. Civ. Code §§ 8400-8494

GCs must file within 90 days of completion. Must serve copy on owner within 10 days of recording.

Subcontractor

Lien Deadline: 90 days from completion
Preliminary Notice: Required — 20 days from first furnishing
Filing Office: County Recorder's Office
Estimated Recording Fee: $15-$25
Statute Reference: Cal. Civ. Code §§ 8200-8216, 8400-8494

Subcontractors must send a 20-day preliminary notice. Lien must be filed within 90 days of completion.

Material Supplier

Lien Deadline: 90 days from completion
Preliminary Notice: Required — 20 days from first furnishing
Filing Office: County Recorder's Office
Estimated Recording Fee: $15-$25
Statute Reference: Cal. Civ. Code §§ 8200-8216, 8400-8494

Suppliers must send a 20-day preliminary notice. Same 90-day lien filing deadline from completion.

What You Need to File

Gather the following information before preparing your California 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 California

1
Send Your Preliminary Notice
Check whether your role requires a preliminary notice in California. If required, send it within the specified deadline to preserve your lien rights. Learn more in our preliminary notice guide.
2
Gather Your Documentation
Collect all required information including contract details, payment records, and property information. See the checklist above for the complete list.
3
Prepare Your Lien Document
Use our free California lien generator to create a state-compliant mechanics lien document with all required fields.
4
Record with the County Recorder's Office
File your completed lien document with the County Recorder's Office in the county where the property is located. Expect to pay approximately $15-$25 in recording fees.
5
Serve Notice on the Property Owner
After recording, serve a copy of the filed lien on the property owner as required by California law. Keep proof of service for your records.

Important Notes for California

GCs must file within 90 days of completion. Must serve copy on owner within 10 days of recording.

Subcontractors must send a 20-day preliminary notice. Lien must be filed within 90 days of completion.

Suppliers must send a 20-day preliminary notice. Same 90-day lien filing deadline from completion.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in California?

Deadlines vary by role. General Contractors have 90 days from completion. Subcontractors have 90 days from completion. Material Suppliers have 90 days from completion. These deadlines are strictly enforced — missing them means losing your lien rights.

Do I need to send a preliminary notice in California?

General Contractors are not required to send a preliminary notice. Subcontractors must send a preliminary notice within 20 days of first furnishing. Material Suppliers must send a preliminary notice within 20 days of first furnishing. Even when not required, sending a preliminary notice is recommended as a best practice.

Where do I file a mechanics lien in California?

In California, mechanics liens are filed with the County Recorder's Office in the county where the property is located.

How much does it cost to file a mechanics lien in California?

The estimated recording fee in California is $15-$25. Fees vary by county and may change. Contact your local County Recorder's Office for current rates.

What information do I need to file a mechanics lien in California?

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.

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 California Mechanics Lien?

Our guided form will walk you through the state-specific requirements and generate your document.