California Mechanics Lien Release

Once a California lien is paid, a release of mechanics lien clears it from the public record. Here is what we know about releasing one, and what to confirm with counsel.

Release a California lien from $49 Download the free blank form

What a lien release is in California

California law calls it a release of mechanics lien (Cal. Civ. Code § 8000 et seq.). It is the claimant's signed statement that the lien is paid or released, and it clears the lien of record.

A lien that stays on the record after payment can hold up a sale or a refinance. Release it promptly, even when no one has asked yet.

Document: Release of mechanics lien; Cal. Civ. Code § 8000 et seq.
When to release: Not confirmed in our research. Confirm with counsel.
If you do not: Not confirmed in our research. Confirm with counsel.
Where it is recorded: County recorder where the property sits
Notary: Required; Signed and acknowledged before a notary
Free blank form: Yes, PDF; Release of Mechanics Lien

When to release a paid California lien

Deadline after payment: We could not confirm a statutory deadline to release a paid California lien. Release it as soon as you are paid, and confirm with counsel.
If you do not release it: We could not confirm a statutory penalty for not releasing a paid California lien. Confirm with counsel.
Where it is recorded: Record it with the county recorder where the property sits. Bring the lien's recording number or book and page so the release can be matched to it.

More California rules to know

If you have not sued within 90 days after recording, the owner can demand a release and, after at least 10 days' notice, petition the court for a release order. The winner of that petition recovers reasonable attorney fees (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 8480, 8488).

Download a blank California lien release form

The Release of Mechanics Lien our service prepares, with every field left blank. PDF, free, no sign-up. Fill in the lien's recording details and your own facts before you sign it.

Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 8000 et seq.. Read the California lien statute. Release rules turn on facts specific to your lien. Confirm with counsel before relying on them.

Release your California lien

We prepare the release from your lien's recording details. Self-serve from $49: you review, sign and record it. Full service from $99: we handle the recording for you.

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California lien release FAQ

What is a lien release called in California?

California law calls it a release of mechanics lien (Cal. Civ. Code § 8000 et seq.).

How soon must I release a California lien after I am paid?

We could not confirm a statutory deadline to release a paid California lien. Release it as soon as you are paid, and confirm with counsel.

What happens if I do not release a paid lien in California?

We could not confirm a statutory penalty for not releasing a paid California lien. Confirm with counsel.

Where is a California lien release recorded?

Record it with the county recorder where the property sits. Bring the lien's recording details so the release can be matched to it.

Is there a free California lien release form?

Yes. Download the blank Release of Mechanics Lien on this page. It is the same release our service prepares, with every field left blank. Or we prepare it for you from $49.

More California lien tools

Bordering states

This page summarizes California law for general information and is not legal advice. Notice and release rules depend on your role, project type and dates. Confirm them against the statute or with counsel before relying on them.