Illinois Mechanics Lien Release

Once a Illinois lien is paid, a release and satisfaction clears it from the public record. Here is when it is due, what happens if you wait, and where it is recorded.

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What a lien release is in Illinois

Illinois law calls it a release and satisfaction (770 ILCS 60/35). 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 and satisfaction; 770 ILCS 60/35
When to release: Within 10 days after a written demand, once the claim and the recording costs are paid; The owner, a lienor or anyone with an interest in the property can make the demand.
If you do not: $2,500 to the owner, plus the costs and reasonable attorney fees of collecting it (770 ILCS 60/35(a)).
Where it is recorded: County recorder where the property sits
Notary: Required; Signed and acknowledged before a notary
Free blank form: Yes, PDF; Release and Satisfaction of Mechanic's Lien

When to release a paid Illinois lien

Deadline after payment: Within 10 days after a written demand, once the claim and the recording costs are paid. The owner, a lienor or anyone with an interest in the property can make the demand. Source: 770 ILCS 60/35.
If you do not release it: $2,500 to the owner, plus the costs and reasonable attorney fees of collecting it (770 ILCS 60/35(a)).
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 Illinois rules to know

The release must say, in bold letters at least 1/4 inch high, that it should be filed with the recorder where the claim was filed (770 ILCS 60/35(c)).
It must show the recorder's document number of the claim (55 ILCS 5/3-5020.5(2)).

Download a blank Illinois lien release form

The Release and Satisfaction of Mechanic's 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: 770 ILCS 60/35. Read the Illinois lien statute. Release rules turn on facts specific to your lien. Confirm with counsel before relying on them.

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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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Illinois lien release FAQ

What is a lien release called in Illinois?

Illinois law calls it a release and satisfaction (770 ILCS 60/35).

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

Within 10 days after a written demand, once the claim and the recording costs are paid. The owner, a lienor or anyone with an interest in the property can make the demand. Source: 770 ILCS 60/35.

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

$2,500 to the owner, plus the costs and reasonable attorney fees of collecting it (770 ILCS 60/35(a)).

Where is a Illinois 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 Illinois lien release form?

Yes. Download the blank Release and Satisfaction of Mechanic's 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.

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This page summarizes Illinois 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.