Washington Mechanics Lien Guide
Everything you need to know about filing a mechanics lien in Washington — deadlines, requirements, costs, and a free document generator.
Understanding Washington Mechanics Lien Law
Washington mechanics lien rights are governed by Wash. Rev. Code §§ 60.04.011 to 60.04.904. To file a mechanics lien in Washington, you must record your claim with the County Auditor's Office in the county where the property is located. The estimated recording fee is $100-$110, though fees vary by county.
Some claimant types in Washington are required to send a preliminary notice before filing a lien. Check the requirements for your specific role below.
Washington Mechanics Lien Deadlines by Role
| Role | Preliminary Notice | Lien Filing Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | Not required | 90 days from last furnishing |
| Subcontractor | 60 days from first furnishing | 90 days from last furnishing |
| Material Supplier | 60 days from first 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
- County Auditor's Office
- Estimated Recording Fee
- $100-$110
- Statute Reference
- Wash. Rev. Code §§ 60.04.011 to 60.04.904
Must file within 90 days of last furnishing. Must serve copy on owner within 14 days of recording. Residential/projects <$60K require Model Disclosure Statement. High recording fees.
Subcontractor
- Lien Deadline
- 90 days from last furnishing
- Preliminary Notice
- Required — 60 days from first furnishing
- Filing Office
- County Auditor's Office
- Estimated Recording Fee
- $100-$110
- Statute Reference
- Wash. Rev. Code §§ 60.04.011 to 60.04.904, § 60.04.031
Must send Notice of Right to Claim Lien within 60 days of first furnishing. File within 90 days of last furnishing. Serve owner within 14 days. High recording fees.
Material Supplier
- Lien Deadline
- 90 days from last furnishing
- Preliminary Notice
- Required — 60 days from first furnishing
- Filing Office
- County Auditor's Office
- Estimated Recording Fee
- $100-$110
- Statute Reference
- Wash. Rev. Code §§ 60.04.011 to 60.04.904, § 60.04.031
Must send Notice of Right to Claim Lien within 60 days of first delivery. File within 90 days.
What You Need to File
Gather the following information before preparing your Washington 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 Washington
- 1
Send Your Preliminary Notice
Check whether your role requires a preliminary notice in Washington. 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 Washington lien generator to create a state-compliant mechanics lien document with all required fields.
- 4
Record with the County Auditor's Office
File your completed lien document with the County Auditor's Office in the county where the property is located. Expect to pay approximately $100-$110 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 Washington law. Keep proof of service for your records.
Important Notes for Washington
Must file within 90 days of last furnishing. Must serve copy on owner within 14 days of recording. Residential/projects <$60K require Model Disclosure Statement. High recording fees.
Must send Notice of Right to Claim Lien within 60 days of first furnishing. File within 90 days of last furnishing. Serve owner within 14 days. High recording fees.
Must send Notice of Right to Claim Lien within 60 days of first delivery. File within 90 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Washington?
Deadlines vary by role. General Contractors have 90 days from last furnishing. Subcontractors have 90 days from last furnishing. Material Suppliers 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 Washington?
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 Washington?
In Washington, mechanics liens are filed with the County Auditor's Office in the county where the property is located.
How much does it cost to file a mechanics lien in Washington?
The estimated recording fee in Washington is $100-$110. Fees vary by county and may change. Contact your local County Auditor's Office for current rates.
What information do I need to file a mechanics lien in Washington?
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 Washington Mechanics Lien?
Our guided form will walk you through the state-specific requirements and generate your document.
Generate Your Washington Lien DocumentDisclaimer: This guide provides general information about Washington 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.