How to file a mechanics lien in California

A mechanics lien is the strongest payment remedy a subcontractor or supplier has — it attaches to the owner’s property until you’re paid. But the rules are strict and the deadlines are short. Here’s the step-by-step under Cal. Civ. Code §§ 8410–8424.

Step 1: Confirm you preserved your lien rights

For most subs and suppliers, that means you served a valid preliminary notice within 20 days of first furnishing labor or materials. Without it, you generally can’t enforce a lien (Cal. Civ. Code § 8200).

Step 2: Know your deadline

If no Notice of Completion is recorded, you have 90 days from completion of the entire project. If a Notice of Completion is recorded, the window drops to 30 days for subcontractors and suppliers and 60 days for the direct contractor (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 8412, 8414). Check yours on the mechanics lien deadline page.

Step 3: Prepare a verified Claim of Mechanics Lien

The claim must include the amount demanded, the owner’s name, a description of the work, who hired you, and a description of the property, and it must be verified — signed under penalty of perjury (Cal. Civ. Code § 8416). California does not require notarization. See the full list of mechanics lien requirements.

Step 4: Record it at the county recorder

Record the claim with the county recorder’s office for the county where the property is located, and pay the recording fee. Recording is what makes the lien public and clouds the title.

Step 5: Serve the owner

Serve a copy of the recorded lien on the owner or reputed owner, with a proof of service affidavit (Cal. Civ. Code § 8416). Failure to serve can invalidate the lien.

Step 6: Foreclose within 90 days — or it expires

A recorded lien is not permanent. You must file a lawsuit to enforce (foreclose) the lien within 90 days of recording it, or it lapses (Cal. Civ. Code § 8460). Many claims settle during this window because no owner wants a foreclosure suit on their property.

Notice Harbor prepares the recordable claim, the owner’s notice, and the proof of service, and records the lien for you — with a $0 service fee (you pay only the county recording fee and Certified Mail at cost).

This page is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney–client relationship. California lien and notice deadlines are strict and fact-specific — “completion” alone can be triggered by actual completion, the owner’s occupancy or use, or a 60-day cessation of labor. Notice Harbor is not a law firm. Confirm any deadline that matters to your claim with a licensed California construction attorney.