Missouri Mechanics Lien Guide

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

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Understanding Missouri Mechanics Lien Law

Missouri mechanics lien rights are governed by Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 429.005 to 429.360. To file a mechanics lien in Missouri, you must record your claim with the Circuit Court Clerk in the county where the property is located. The estimated recording fee is $25-$50, though fees vary by county.

Some claimant types in Missouri are required to send a preliminary notice before filing a lien. Check the requirements for your specific role below. Additionally, Missouri requires a Notice of Intent to Lien before filing.

Missouri Mechanics Lien Deadlines by Role

Role	Preliminary Notice	Lien Filing Deadline	Notice of Intent
General Contractor	30 days from first furnishing	180 days from last furnishing	Not required
Subcontractor	Not required	180 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: 180 days from last furnishing
Preliminary Notice: Required — 30 days from first furnishing
Filing Office: Circuit Court Clerk
Estimated Recording Fee: $25-$50
Statute Reference: Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 429.005 to 429.360

GCs must give Notice to Owner before receiving any payment. File within 6 months of last furnishing. Lien must be notarized.

Subcontractor

Lien Deadline: 180 days from last furnishing
Preliminary Notice: Not required
Notice of Intent: Required — 10 days before filing
Filing Office: Circuit Court Clerk
Estimated Recording Fee: $25-$50
Statute Reference: Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 429.005 to 429.360

Must file within 6 months of last furnishing. Must give 10-day Notice of Intent to Lien before filing. Lien must be notarized.

What You Need to File

Gather the following information before preparing your Missouri 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 Missouri

1
Send Your Preliminary Notice
Check whether your role requires a preliminary notice in Missouri. 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
Missouri 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 Missouri lien generator to create a state-compliant mechanics lien document with all required fields.
5
Record with the Circuit Court Clerk
File your completed lien document with the Circuit Court Clerk in the county where the property is located. Expect to pay approximately $25-$50 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 Missouri law. Keep proof of service for your records.

Important Notes for Missouri

GCs must give Notice to Owner before receiving any payment. File within 6 months of last furnishing. Lien must be notarized.

Must file within 6 months of last furnishing. Must give 10-day Notice of Intent to Lien before filing. Lien must be notarized.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Deadlines vary by role. General Contractors have 180 days from last furnishing. Subcontractors have 180 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 Missouri?

General Contractors must send a preliminary notice within 30 days of first furnishing. Subcontractors are not required to send a preliminary notice. Even when not required, sending a preliminary notice is recommended as a best practice.

Where do I file a mechanics lien in Missouri?

In Missouri, mechanics liens are filed with the Circuit Court Clerk in the county where the property is located.

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

The estimated recording fee in Missouri is $25-$50. Fees vary by county and may change. Contact your local Circuit Court Clerk for current rates.

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

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 Missouri?

Yes. Subcontractors 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 Missouri Mechanics Lien?

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