Texas Mechanics Lien Release

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

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

What a lien release is in Texas

Texas law calls it a release of lien (Tex. Prop. Code § 53.152). 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 lien; Tex. Prop. Code § 53.152
When to release: Within 10 days after a written request, once the debt is paid; The owner, the original contractor or whoever paid can make the request.
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 Lien

When to release a paid Texas lien

Deadline after payment: Within 10 days after a written request, once the debt is paid. The owner, the original contractor or whoever paid can make the request. Source: Tex. Prop. Code § 53.152.
If you do not release it: We could not confirm a statutory penalty for not releasing a paid Texas 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 Texas rules to know

The release must be in a form that can be recorded, and recording it discharges the lien (Tex. Prop. Code §§ 53.152, 53.157(1)).
A release filed with the county clerk needs a notary, even though Texas lien waivers no longer do.

Download a blank Texas lien release form

The Release of 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: Tex. Prop. Code § 53.152. Read the Texas lien statute. Release rules turn on facts specific to your lien. Confirm with counsel before relying on them.

Release your Texas 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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Texas lien release FAQ

What is a lien release called in Texas?

Texas law calls it a release of lien (Tex. Prop. Code § 53.152).

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

Within 10 days after a written request, once the debt is paid. The owner, the original contractor or whoever paid can make the request. Source: Tex. Prop. Code § 53.152.

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

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

Where is a Texas 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 Texas lien release form?

Yes. Download the blank Release of 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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Bordering states

This page summarizes Texas 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.