North Carolina Mechanics Lien Release

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

Release a North Carolina lien from $49 Download the free blank form

What a lien release is in North Carolina

North Carolina law calls it a release of claim of lien (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 44A-16(a)). 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 claim of lien; N.C. Gen. Stat. § 44A-16(a)
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: Clerk of Superior Court (county where property is located)
Notary: Required; Signed and acknowledged before a notary
Free blank form: Yes, PDF; Release of Claim of Lien on Real Property

When to release a paid North Carolina lien

Deadline after payment: We could not confirm a statutory deadline to release a paid North Carolina 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 North Carolina lien. Confirm with counsel.
Where it is recorded: Record it with the clerk of Superior Court (county where property is located). Bring the lien's recording number or book and page so the release can be matched to it.

More North Carolina rules to know

You can acknowledge satisfaction before the clerk of superior court, or the owner can show the clerk a signed and acknowledged instrument of satisfaction (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 44A-16(a)).
A lien is also discharged if it is not enforced in time, or if the owner deposits cash equal to the claim or a surety bond for 1.25 times the claim with the clerk.

Download a blank North Carolina lien release form

The Release of Claim of Lien on Real Property 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.C. Gen. Stat. § 44A-16(a). Read the North Carolina lien statute. Release rules turn on facts specific to your lien. Confirm with counsel before relying on them.

Release your North Carolina 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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North Carolina lien release FAQ

What is a lien release called in North Carolina?

North Carolina law calls it a release of claim of lien (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 44A-16(a)).

How soon must I release a North Carolina lien after I am paid?

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

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

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

Where is a North Carolina lien release recorded?

Record it with the clerk of Superior Court (county where property is located). Bring the lien's recording details so the release can be matched to it.

Is there a free North Carolina lien release form?

Yes. Download the blank Release of Claim of Lien on Real Property 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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Bordering states

This page summarizes North Carolina 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.