California Mechanics Lien
Deadlines & Filing Rules
Every notice, deadline, and recording requirement for a California construction lien, drawn from Cal. Civ. Code §§ 8204, 8182, 8412, 8414, 8416, 8460, 8422 and the same rule engine that calculates deadlines for our filing customers.
California lien rules at a glance
- Preliminary notice
- Required for subcontractors, sub-subcontractors, and suppliers
- Lien filing deadline
- within 90 days after completion of the project
- Notarization
- Not required
- The lien claim must be verified by the claimant
- Where to record
- County recorder where the property sits
- E-recording
- Not generally available; plan on paper recording
- Enforcement deadline
- Within 90 days after the lien is recorded
Who can file a mechanics lien in California
Lien rights depend on where you sit in the contracting chain. Tenant-ordered improvements can support a lien in California.
| Claimant | Lien rights in California |
|---|---|
| General contractor (direct contract with the owner) | Yes |
| Subcontractor (hired by the general contractor) | Yes |
| Sub-subcontractor (hired by a subcontractor) | Yes |
| Material supplier to the owner | Yes |
| Material supplier to the general contractor | Yes |
| Material supplier to a subcontractor | Yes |
California mechanics lien deadlines
Required for subcontractors, sub-subcontractors, and suppliers. Preliminary notices go to the property owner, the general contractor, and the construction lender by certified mail.
Preliminary notice deadline
The notice that preserves lien rights before any payment problem exists.
| Who | Project type | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| All claimants | All projects | Within 20 days after first furnishing labor or materials |
Mechanics lien filing deadline
The last day the lien can be recorded against the property.
| Who | Project type | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| All claimants | All projects | Within 90 days after completion of the project |
California does not require a notice of intent before recording a lien, but sending one is often what gets the invoice paid.
Recording and enforcing a California lien
Recording the lien
Record with the county recorder where the property sits. Electronic recording is not generally available, so build mailing time into the deadline. No notary is required on the lien itself. The lien claim must be verified by the claimant.
After recording
A copy of the recorded lien must be served on the property owner and the general contractor promptly after recording. To keep the lien alive it must be enforced by lawsuit within 90 days after the lien is recorded.
Wrongful lien exposure
California exposes claimants who file an exaggerated or baseless lien to damages. Cal. Civ. Code §8422: willfully exaggerated claim can forfeit lien; claimant liable for damages and attorney fees.
Practitioner notes for California
Prelim (20-day) notice due within 20 days of first furnishing (Cal. Civ. Code §8204); late notice only preserves rights for work within 20 days before service. Direct contractors are generally exempt from prelim unless serving a construction lender (see Civ. Code §8200). Lien recording deadline: Direct contractor—before earlier of 90 days after completion or 60 days after Notice of Completion/Cessation recorded (§8412). Other claimants—before earlier of 90 days after completion or 30 days after Notice recorded (§8414). Notice of Completion must be recorded on/within 15 days after completion (§8182) to be valid. After recording lien, serve copy of the claim on the owner (Civ. Code §8416). Enforcement: file foreclosure action within 90 days after recordation (§8460), unless an extension of credit is recorded.
Statutory sources: Cal. Civ. Code §§ 8204, 8182, 8412, 8414, 8416, 8460, 8422. Read the California lien statute.
File your California mechanics lien
We calculate the California deadlines from your project dates, prepare the lien on the correct form, and handle recording. Self-serve from $99, or full service with recording and notices handled for you from $299.
California mechanics lien FAQ
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in California?
Do I need to send a preliminary notice in California?
Does a California mechanics lien need to be notarized?
Where is a mechanics lien filed in California?
How long is a California mechanics lien valid?
Can a subcontractor file a mechanics lien in California?
More California lien tools
This page summarizes California lien law for general information and is not legal advice. Deadlines depend on your role, project type, and dates; confirm them against the statute or with counsel before relying on them.