North Dakota Mechanics Lien Guide

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

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Understanding North Dakota Mechanics Lien Law

North Dakota mechanics lien rights are governed by N.D. Cent. Code §§ 35-27-01 to 35-27-26. To file a mechanics lien in North Dakota, you must record your claim with the County Recorder's Office in the county where the property is located. The estimated recording fee is $20-$40, though fees vary by county.

North Dakota does not require a preliminary notice for any claimant type, though sending one is recommended as a best practice. Additionally, North Dakota requires a Notice of Intent to Lien before filing.

North Dakota Mechanics Lien Deadlines by Role

Role	Preliminary Notice	Lien Filing Deadline	Notice of Intent
General Contractor	Not required	90 days from last furnishing	10 days before filing
Subcontractor	Not required	90 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: 90 days from last furnishing
Preliminary Notice: Not required
Notice of Intent: Required — 10 days before filing
Filing Office: County Recorder's Office
Estimated Recording Fee: $20-$40
Statute Reference: N.D. Cent. Code §§ 35-27-01 to 35-27-26

Must file within 90 days of last furnishing. All parties must give 10-day Notice of Intent to Lien before filing. ND is an "unpaid balance" state.

Subcontractor

Lien Deadline: 90 days from last furnishing
Preliminary Notice: Not required
Notice of Intent: Required — 10 days before filing
Filing Office: County Recorder's Office
Estimated Recording Fee: $20-$40
Statute Reference: N.D. Cent. Code §§ 35-27-01 to 35-27-26

Must file within 90 days of last furnishing. Must give 10-day Notice of Intent before filing. Same rules as GC.

What You Need to File

Gather the following information before preparing your North Dakota 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 North Dakota

1
Send a Notice of Intent to Lien
North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 $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 North Dakota law. Keep proof of service for your records.

Important Notes for North Dakota

Must file within 90 days of last furnishing. All parties must give 10-day Notice of Intent to Lien before filing. ND is an "unpaid balance" state.

Must file within 90 days of last furnishing. Must give 10-day Notice of Intent before filing. Same rules as GC.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Deadlines vary by role. General Contractors have 90 days from last furnishing. Subcontractors have 90 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 North Dakota?

North Dakota 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 North Dakota?

In North Dakota, 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 North Dakota?

The estimated recording fee in North Dakota is $20-$40. 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 North Dakota?

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 North Dakota?

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. 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 North Dakota Mechanics Lien?

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