Mechanics Lien Deadline Calculator
Miss a mechanics lien deadline and you can lose your right to payment. Select your state and enter your project dates to see your preliminary notice, notice of intent, and lien filing deadlines — free, no signup.
Your project
DISCLAIMER: These calculations are estimates for general guidance only and are not legal advice. Deadlines can shift based on project type, notices of completion, and other factors. Consult a licensed attorney before making decisions that affect your lien rights.
Select your state to see the mechanics lien deadlines that apply.
How mechanics lien deadlines work
A mechanics lien is one of the most powerful tools a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier has to secure payment on a construction project. But lien rights are governed by strict, state-specific deadlines — and missing one can wipe out your claim entirely.
Most states move through the same sequence of deadlines, each counted from a specific project milestone like your first or last day furnishing labor or materials:
- Preliminary notice — an early notice, often due shortly after you first furnish, that preserves your right to file later.
- Notice of intent to lien — a warning sent before filing, required in some states.
- Mechanics lien filing — the deadline to record the lien itself, usually counted from your last furnishing or project completion.
- Enforcement — the deadline to file suit to foreclose the lien after it is recorded.
For the full statutory details, notice requirements, and filing procedures in your state, browse the Mechanics Lien Resource Hub.
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