Illinois Mechanics Lien Guide

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

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Understanding Illinois Mechanics Lien Law

Illinois mechanics lien rights are governed by 770 ILCS 60/1-39. To file a mechanics lien in Illinois, you must record your claim with the Circuit Court Clerk or County Recorder in the county where the property is located. The estimated recording fee is $20-$40, though fees vary by county.

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

Illinois Mechanics Lien Deadlines by Role

Role	Preliminary Notice	Lien Filing Deadline
General Contractor	Not required	120 days from completion
Subcontractor	60 days from first furnishing	120 days from completion
Material Supplier	60 days from first furnishing	120 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: 120 days from completion
Preliminary Notice: Not required
Filing Office: Circuit Court Clerk or County Recorder
Estimated Recording Fee: $20-$40
Statute Reference: 770 ILCS 60/1-39

Must file within 4 months of completion. Must serve owner within 30 days of recording.

Subcontractor

Lien Deadline: 120 days from completion
Preliminary Notice: Required — 60 days from first furnishing
Filing Office: Circuit Court Clerk or County Recorder
Estimated Recording Fee: $20-$40
Statute Reference: 770 ILCS 60/24

Subcontractors must serve a 60-day notice on the owner. Lien must be filed within 4 months of completion.

Material Supplier

Lien Deadline: 120 days from completion
Preliminary Notice: Required — 60 days from first furnishing
Filing Office: Circuit Court Clerk or County Recorder
Estimated Recording Fee: $20-$40
Statute Reference: 770 ILCS 60/24

Suppliers must serve a 60-day notice on the owner. Lien must be filed within 4 months of completion.

What You Need to File

Gather the following information before preparing your Illinois 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 Illinois

1
Send Your Preliminary Notice
Check whether your role requires a preliminary notice in Illinois. 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 Illinois lien generator to create a state-compliant mechanics lien document with all required fields.
4
Record with the Circuit Court Clerk or County Recorder
File your completed lien document with the Circuit Court Clerk or County Recorder in the county where the property is located. Expect to pay approximately $20-$40 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 Illinois law. Keep proof of service for your records.

Important Notes for Illinois

Must file within 4 months of completion. Must serve owner within 30 days of recording.

Subcontractors must serve a 60-day notice on the owner. Lien must be filed within 4 months of completion.

Suppliers must serve a 60-day notice on the owner. Lien must be filed within 4 months of completion.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Deadlines vary by role. General Contractors have 120 days from completion. Subcontractors have 120 days from completion. Material Suppliers have 120 days from completion. These deadlines are strictly enforced — missing them means losing your lien rights.

Do I need to send a preliminary notice in Illinois?

General Contractors are not required to send a preliminary notice. Subcontractors must send a preliminary notice within 60 days of first furnishing. Material Suppliers must send a preliminary notice within 60 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 Illinois?

In Illinois, mechanics liens are filed with the Circuit Court Clerk or County Recorder in the county where the property is located.

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

The estimated recording fee in Illinois is $20-$40. Fees vary by county and may change. Contact your local Circuit Court Clerk or County Recorder for current rates.

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

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 Illinois Mechanics Lien?

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