Washington Notice of Intent to Lien

Washington does not require a notice of intent before a claim of lien. The statutory steps are the notice to owner, where it applies, and the claim of lien (RCW 60.04.031, 60.04.091).

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Does Washington require a notice of intent to lien?

Not required. Washington does not require a notice of intent before a claim of lien. The statutory steps are the notice to owner, where it applies, and the claim of lien (RCW 60.04.031, 60.04.091).

A notice of intent is a final written demand. It names the amount, the property and the date you will file. An owner who wants to keep a lien off the title has a clear reason to pay first, and you keep a dated record of the demand.

Notice of intent: Not required; RCW 60.04.031, 60.04.091
When to send it: None required
Lien deadline: Within 90 days after last furnishing labor or materials
Where the lien is filed: County recorder where the property sits
Free blank form: Yes, PDF; Notice of Intent to Record a Claim of Lien

Who sends it, to whom, and how

Who sends it: No one has to. Any claimant with lien rights can send one as a last demand before filing.
Who receives it: No law says. Our letter goes to the property owner and the general contractor.
How to send it: Send it by certified mail, return receipt requested, so you can prove when it arrived.

What a Washington notice of intent says

The notice our service prepares states the following. Keep it to facts you can prove.

Your name and the party you contracted with
The property, with its address and county
The labor or materials you furnished, and when
The amount unpaid
A demand to pay within 10 days, or you will file your claim of lien
Your signature and the date

Download a blank Washington notice of intent to lien

The Notice of Intent to Record a Claim of Lien our service prepares, with every field left blank. PDF, free, no sign-up. Fill in your own facts and check them against the rules on this page before you send it.

The Washington lien deadline it protects

The Washington lien deadline is within 90 days after last furnishing labor or materials. The lien is filed with the county recorder where the property sits. Send the notice early enough that the payment window ends before that deadline.

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More Washington rules to know

Quote the exact amount owed. A frivolous or clearly excessive claim can cost you the other side's attorney fees (RCW 60.04.081).

Source: RCW 60.04.031, 60.04.091. Read the Washington lien statute. Notice rules turn on facts specific to your project. Confirm with counsel before relying on them.

Send your Washington notice of intent

We prepare the notice from your project details. Self-serve from $49: you review, sign and send it. Full service from $99: we send it to every party with proof of delivery.

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Washington notice of intent FAQ

Is a notice of intent to lien required in Washington?

Washington does not require a notice of intent before a claim of lien. The statutory steps are the notice to owner, where it applies, and the claim of lien (RCW 60.04.031, 60.04.091).

When do I send a Washington notice of intent to lien?

No law sets a time. Send it early enough that the 10-day payment window ends before you must file. The Washington lien deadline is within 90 days after last furnishing labor or materials.

Who gets the notice, and how is it sent?

No law says. Our letter goes to the property owner and the general contractor. Send it by certified mail, return receipt requested, so you can prove when it arrived.

What does a Washington notice of intent to lien say?

Our letter states: your name and the party you contracted with; the property, with its address and county; the labor or materials you furnished, and when; the amount unpaid; a demand to pay within 10 days, or you will file your claim of lien; your signature and the date.

Is there a free Washington notice of intent to lien form?

Yes. Download the blank Notice of Intent to Record a Claim of Lien on this page. It is the same notice our service prepares, with every field left blank. Or we prepare and send it for you from $49.

More Washington lien tools

Bordering states

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.