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Mechanics Lien Deadlines in California

In California, a direct contractor must record a lien within 90 days after completion (60 days after a recorded notice of completion or cessation), a preliminary notice is generally required, and suit must be filed within 90 days after recording.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

California at a glance

Deadline to record lien
90 days after completion
Direct contractors: 60 days after a recorded notice of completion or cessation. Other claimants: 30 days after such a notice.
Preliminary notice required
Yes (preliminary notice)
Laborers are exempt. A direct contractor with the owner only has to give it to the construction lender, if any.
Deadline to enforce lien
90 days after recording
Can be extended by a recorded credit agreement, but never past one year after completion.

Sources

Last checked

The rules in California

How long does a contractor have to file a mechanics lien in California?

Deadline to record lien in California: 90 days after completion. Direct contractors: 60 days after a recorded notice of completion or cessation. Other claimants: 30 days after such a notice.

Is a preliminary notice required before filing a mechanics lien in California?

Yes (preliminary notice). Preliminary notice required in California: yes (preliminary notice). Laborers are exempt. A direct contractor with the owner only has to give it to the construction lender, if any.

How long do you have to foreclose a mechanics lien in California?

Deadline to enforce lien in California: 90 days after recording. Can be extended by a recorded credit agreement, but never past one year after completion.

Where do the California mechanics lien deadlines come from?

The rules above come from Cal. Civ. Code 8412, Cal. Civ. Code 8414, Cal. Civ. Code 8200 and Cal. Civ. Code 8460. Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.

What this means in practice

Deadlines often differ by role. The period for a general contractor who dealt directly with the owner can be different from the period for a subcontractor or supplier, and residential projects can have their own rules. Check which category fits before relying on a single number.

The event that starts the clock matters as much as the length of the period. Depending on the statute, it can be the last day labor or materials were furnished, completion of the project, or the recording of a notice of completion or commencement by the owner. Keeping dated records of the last work performed helps establish the start date.

Recording a lien is not the end of the process. If the debt is not paid, the claimant generally has to file a lawsuit to foreclose the lien within the enforcement period, or the lien expires. When the debt is paid, the owner will usually want a signed lien release recorded so the title is clear.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.