New York Mechanics Lien Release

Once a New York lien is paid, a certificate of discharge clears it from the public record. Here is what we know about releasing one, and what to confirm with counsel.

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What a lien release is in New York

New York law calls it a certificate of discharge (N.Y. Lien Law § 19(1)). 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.Y. Lien Law § 19(1)
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; Certificate of Discharge of Mechanic's Lien

When to release a paid New York lien

Deadline after payment: We could not confirm a statutory deadline to release a paid New York 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 New York 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 New York rules to know

It is a certificate of the lienor, acknowledged or proved, stating that the lien is satisfied or released in whole or in part (N.Y. Lien Law § 19(1)).
File it in the county clerk's office where the notice of lien was filed. Most counties charge nothing, though some, such as Nassau, charge a fee.

Download a blank New York lien release form

The Certificate of Discharge 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: N.Y. Lien Law § 19(1). Read the New York lien statute. Release rules turn on facts specific to your lien. Confirm with counsel before relying on them.

Release your New York 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 York lien release FAQ

What is a lien release called in New York?

New York law calls it a certificate of discharge (N.Y. Lien Law § 19(1)).

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

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

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

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

Where is a New York 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 York lien release form?

Yes. Download the blank Certificate of Discharge 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.

More New York lien tools

Bordering states

This page summarizes New York 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.