Washington Mechanics Lien Release

Once a Washington lien is paid, a release of claim 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 Washington lien from $49 Download the free blank form

What a lien release is in Washington

Washington law calls it a release of claim of lien (RCW 60.04.071). 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; RCW 60.04.071
When to release: Immediately, once paid, when the owner or the person who paid asks
If you do not: If you delay without good reason, a court can order the release and award costs, reasonable attorney fees and damages (RCW 60.04.071).
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 Claim of Lien

When to release a paid Washington lien

Deadline after payment: Immediately, once paid, when the owner or the person who paid asks. Source: RCW 60.04.071.
If you do not release it: If you delay without good reason, a court can order the release and award costs, reasonable attorney fees and damages (RCW 60.04.071).
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 Washington rules to know

Page 1 of the recorded release must carry the recording number of the claim being released (RCW 65.04.045(1)(d)).

Download a blank Washington lien release form

The Release of Claim 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: RCW 60.04.071. Read the Washington lien statute. Release rules turn on facts specific to your lien. Confirm with counsel before relying on them.

Release your Washington 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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Washington lien release FAQ

What is a lien release called in Washington?

Washington law calls it a release of claim of lien (RCW 60.04.071).

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

Immediately, once paid, when the owner or the person who paid asks. Source: RCW 60.04.071.

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

If you delay without good reason, a court can order the release and award costs, reasonable attorney fees and damages (RCW 60.04.071).

Where is a Washington 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 Washington lien release form?

Yes. Download the blank Release of Claim 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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This page summarizes Washington 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.