California
Lien Waiver Forms
California lien waiver forms: the four statutory releases, reproduced exactly
State Rules
How California treats lien waivers
California prescribes exactly four lien waiver forms in Civil Code sections 8132 through 8138: conditional and unconditional releases for progress and final payments. Any waiver signed in exchange for, or to induce, a payment is null, void, and unenforceable unless it substantially follows the statutory form, so we generate the statutory text verbatim and fill in only the blanks. Conditional waivers take effect only when the identified check is paid by the bank it is drawn on, while unconditional waivers bind the claimant on signing (even if payment never arrives), which is why each unconditional form carries the mandatory NOTICE TO CLAIMANT warning.
California lien waiver forms we generate
California prescribes the waiver language by statute; we generate the exact text of Cal. Civ. Code §§ 8132–8138, filled in with your project details.
Conditional Waiver and Release on Progress Payment
Signed when a progress payment is promised: the waiver only takes effect once that payment actually arrives.
Unconditional Waiver and Release on Progress Payment
Signed after a progress payment has been received: immediately waives lien rights for work through the covered date.
Conditional Waiver and Release on Final Payment
Signed when the final payment is promised: waives all remaining lien rights, but only once the payment clears.
Unconditional Waiver and Release on Final Payment
Signed after the final payment is in hand: a complete, immediate waiver of lien rights on the project.
Signing a lien waiver in California
Execution rules (the form's wording, notarization, witnesses, and whether an electronic signature works) are set by state law. Here's what applies in California, built into every waiver we generate.
Advance waivers
Cal. Civ. Code §§ 8122 and 8126: a contract term or any other oral or written statement purporting to waive, affect, or impair a claimant's lien, stop payment notice, or payment bond rights is void and unenforceable unless and until the claimant executes and delivers a waiver and release in the statutory form.
California execution rules
- ⚖ Statutory form: the waiver must substantially follow the form in Cal. Civ. Code §§ 8132–8138; we generate the statutory text as written.
- ✓ Notarization: not required in California.
- ✓ Witness: not required in California.
- ✓ E-signature: available. Send California waivers for electronic signature and get the signed copy stored with a tamper-evident audit certificate.
Create a free California lien waiver
The correct California form, filled in and ready to download in about two minutes. Free to generate and download. Upgrade only when you want e-signature and automatic reminders.
Working in another state?
Every state's waiver rules are different. Check before you sign.