Virginia Mechanics Lien Guide

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

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Understanding Virginia Mechanics Lien Law

Virginia mechanics lien rights are governed by Va. Code §§ 43-1 to 43-71. To file a mechanics lien in Virginia, you must record your claim with the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in the county where the property is located. The estimated recording fee is $25-$50, though fees vary by county.

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

Virginia Mechanics Lien Deadlines by Role

Role	Preliminary Notice	Lien Filing Deadline
General Contractor	Not required	90 days from last furnishing
Subcontractor	30 days from last furnishing	90 days from last furnishing

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
Filing Office: Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Estimated Recording Fee: $25-$50
Statute Reference: Va. Code §§ 43-1 to 43-71

Must file within 90 days of last day of month labor/materials were last furnished. Lien covers only amounts furnished in the 150 days before last furnishing.

Subcontractor

Lien Deadline: 90 days from last furnishing
Preliminary Notice: Required — 30 days from last furnishing
Filing Office: Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Estimated Recording Fee: $25-$50
Statute Reference: Va. Code §§ 43-1 to 43-71, § 43-4

Residential: must send written notice to owner within 30 days after last work date or building permit issuance. File within 90 days of last furnishing (end of month).

What You Need to File

Gather the following information before preparing your Virginia 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 Virginia

1
Send Your Preliminary Notice
Check whether your role requires a preliminary notice in Virginia. 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 Virginia lien generator to create a state-compliant mechanics lien document with all required fields.
4
Record with the Circuit Court Clerk's Office
File your completed lien document with the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in the county where the property is located. Expect to pay approximately $25-$50 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 Virginia law. Keep proof of service for your records.

Important Notes for Virginia

Must file within 90 days of last day of month labor/materials were last furnished. Lien covers only amounts furnished in the 150 days before last furnishing.

Residential: must send written notice to owner within 30 days after last work date or building permit issuance. File within 90 days of last furnishing (end of month).

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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 Virginia?

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

Where do I file a mechanics lien in Virginia?

In Virginia, mechanics liens are filed with the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in the county where the property is located.

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

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

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

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 Virginia Mechanics Lien?

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