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Mechanics Lien Deadlines in Utah

In Utah, a notice of construction lien must be recorded within 180 days after final completion of the original contract (or 90 days after a notice of completion is filed), a preliminary notice must be filed with the state registry within 20 days after starting work, and an action to enforce must be filed within 180 days after the lien is recorded.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

Utah at a glance

Deadline to record lien
180 days after final completion
If a notice of completion is filed, 90 days after that filing, but not later than 180 days after final completion.
Preliminary notice required
Yes (within 20 days of starting work)
Filed with the state construction registry. A late notice protects only work provided from 5 days after it is filed.
Deadline to enforce lien
180 days after recording the lien
A notice of pendency of the action must also be recorded within that time, or the lien is void.

Sources

Last checked

The rules in Utah

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

Deadline to record lien in Utah: 180 days after final completion. If a notice of completion is filed, 90 days after that filing, but not later than 180 days after final completion.

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

Yes (within 20 days of starting work). Preliminary notice required in Utah: yes (within 20 days of starting work). Filed with the state construction registry. A late notice protects only work provided from 5 days after it is filed.

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

Deadline to enforce lien in Utah: 180 days after recording the lien. A notice of pendency of the action must also be recorded within that time, or the lien is void.

Where do the Utah mechanics lien deadlines come from?

The rules above come from Utah Code 38-1a-502, Utah Code 38-1a-501 and Utah Code 38-1a-701. 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.