Colorado Mechanics Lien Guide
Everything you need to know about filing a mechanics lien in Colorado — deadlines, requirements, costs, and a free document generator.
Understanding Colorado Mechanics Lien Law
Colorado mechanics lien rights are governed by Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 38-22-101 to 38-22-133. To file a mechanics lien in Colorado, you must record your claim with the County Clerk and Recorder in the county where the property is located. The estimated recording fee is $13-$30, though fees vary by county.
Colorado does not require a preliminary notice for any claimant type, though sending one is recommended as a best practice. Additionally, Colorado requires a Notice of Intent to Lien before filing.
Colorado 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 | Not required | 120 days from last furnishing | 10 days before filing |
| Material Supplier | Not required | 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
- County Clerk and Recorder
- Estimated Recording Fee
- $13-$30
- Statute Reference
- Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 38-22-101 to 38-22-133
Must file within 4 months of last furnishing. Must file Notice of Intent to Lien at least 10 days before filing the lien statement.
Subcontractor
- Lien Deadline
- 120 days from last furnishing
- Preliminary Notice
- Not required
- Notice of Intent
- Required — 10 days before filing
- Filing Office
- County Clerk and Recorder
- Estimated Recording Fee
- $13-$30
- Statute Reference
- Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 38-22-101 to 38-22-133
Must file within 4 months of last furnishing. Must file Notice of Intent at least 10 days before filing lien statement.
Material Supplier
- Lien Deadline
- 120 days from last furnishing
- Preliminary Notice
- Not required
- Notice of Intent
- Required — 10 days before filing
- Filing Office
- County Clerk and Recorder
- Estimated Recording Fee
- $13-$30
- Statute Reference
- Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 38-22-101 to 38-22-133
Must file within 4 months of last furnishing. Must file Notice of Intent at least 10 days before filing lien statement.
What You Need to File
Gather the following information before preparing your Colorado 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 Colorado
- 1
Send a Notice of Intent to Lien
Colorado 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.
- 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 Colorado lien generator to create a state-compliant mechanics lien document with all required fields.
- 4
Record with the County Clerk and Recorder
File your completed lien document with the County Clerk and Recorder in the county where the property is located. Expect to pay approximately $13-$30 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 Colorado law. Keep proof of service for your records.
Important Notes for Colorado
Must file within 4 months of last furnishing. Must file Notice of Intent to Lien at least 10 days before filing the lien statement.
Must file within 4 months of last furnishing. Must file Notice of Intent at least 10 days before filing lien statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Colorado?
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 Colorado?
Colorado does not require a preliminary notice for any claimant type. However, sending one is still recommended as a best practice to protect your lien rights and maintain communication with the property owner.
Where do I file a mechanics lien in Colorado?
In Colorado, mechanics liens are filed with the County Clerk and Recorder in the county where the property is located.
How much does it cost to file a mechanics lien in Colorado?
The estimated recording fee in Colorado is $13-$30. Fees vary by county and may change. Contact your local County Clerk and Recorder for current rates.
What information do I need to file a mechanics lien in Colorado?
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 Colorado?
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 Colorado Mechanics Lien?
Our guided form will walk you through the state-specific requirements and generate your document.
Generate Your Colorado Lien DocumentDisclaimer: This guide provides general information about Colorado 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.