New Jersey Mechanics Lien Release

Once a New Jersey lien is paid, a certificate of discharge 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 New Jersey

New Jersey law calls it a certificate of discharge (N.J.S.A. 2A:44A-30). 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: Certificate of discharge; N.J.S.A. 2A:44A-30
When to release: Within 30 days after payment, satisfaction or settlement; If any interested party demands it, within 7 days after the demand.
If you do not: Costs, attorney's fees and damages (N.J.S.A. 2A:44A-30(e)).
Where it is recorded: County recorder where the property sits
Notary: Required; Signed and acknowledged before a notary
Free blank form: Yes, PDF; Certificate of Discharge of Construction Lien Claim

When to release a paid New Jersey lien

Deadline after payment: Within 30 days after payment, satisfaction or settlement. If any interested party demands it, within 7 days after the demand. Source: N.J.S.A. 2A:44A-30.
If you do not release it: Costs, attorney's fees and damages (N.J.S.A. 2A:44A-30(e)).
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 New Jersey rules to know

The certificate states the lien claim's filing date, book and page, the owner, the property and the person the work was for (N.J.S.A. 2A:44A-30(a)).
Discharging the claim also discharges the Notice of Unpaid Balance filed with it (N.J.S.A. 2A:44A-33(e)).

Download a blank New Jersey lien release form

The Certificate of Discharge of Construction Lien Claim 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: N.J.S.A. 2A:44A-30. Read the New Jersey lien statute. Release rules turn on facts specific to your lien. Confirm with counsel before relying on them.

Release your New Jersey 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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New Jersey lien release FAQ

What is a lien release called in New Jersey?

New Jersey law calls it a certificate of discharge (N.J.S.A. 2A:44A-30).

How soon must I release a New Jersey lien after I am paid?

Within 30 days after payment, satisfaction or settlement. If any interested party demands it, within 7 days after the demand. Source: N.J.S.A. 2A:44A-30.

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

Costs, attorney's fees and damages (N.J.S.A. 2A:44A-30(e)).

Where is a New Jersey 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 New Jersey lien release form?

Yes. Download the blank Certificate of Discharge of Construction Lien Claim 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 New Jersey 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.