What Is a Mechanics Lien in California — Complete 2026 Guide
California mechanics lien law requires a 20-Day Preliminary Notice for most subcontractors and suppliers, a 90-day lien filing deadline from project completion, and a 90-day window to enforce the lien in court under Civil Code Sections 8412 and 8460.
California 20-Day Preliminary Notice
California subcontractors and material suppliers must serve a 20-Day Preliminary Notice on the property owner, the original contractor, and the construction lender within 20 days of first furnishing labor or materials. This notice is a condition precedent to having any lien rights for work done more than 20 days before the notice was served. If you send the notice late, you retain lien rights only for work performed within 20 days before the notice date and all work done after.
California 90-Day Lien Filing Deadline
After completing work on a California project, most claimants have 90 days from the date of project completion or cessation of work to record a mechanics lien with the County Recorder. However, if the property owner records a valid Notice of Completion or Notice of Cessation, the deadline is shortened dramatically. Direct contractors have 60 days from the Notice of Completion. Subcontractors and suppliers have only 30 days from the Notice of Completion.
Where to File — County Recorder
California mechanics liens are recorded with the County Recorder in the county where the project property is located. Major recording offices include the Los Angeles County Recorder, Orange County Clerk-Recorder, San Diego County Recorder, and Santa Clara County Recorder. California allows electronic recording in most counties.
California Lien Enforcement — 90 Days
California has the shortest lien enforcement deadline in the United States. After recording a mechanics lien, the claimant must file a foreclosure lawsuit in Superior Court within 90 days of the lien recording date. The claimant must also record a lis pendens in connection with the enforcement lawsuit. Missing the 90-day enforcement deadline causes the lien to expire and the claimant loses all priority against the property.
Common California Mechanics Lien Mistakes
The most common California lien mistakes include: failing to serve the 20-Day Preliminary Notice at the start of the project, missing the shortened 30-day deadline after a Notice of Completion is recorded, failing to file the enforcement lawsuit within 90 days of recording the lien, and not recording a lis pendens with the enforcement lawsuit. The Mechanics Lien Management State System tracks all California deadlines including shortened NOC deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline to file a mechanics lien in California?
The deadline is 90 days from project completion or cessation of work. If the owner records a Notice of Completion, subcontractors and suppliers have only 30 days from that recording date.
Do I need to send a 20-Day Preliminary Notice in California?
Yes. California subcontractors and material suppliers must serve a 20-Day Preliminary Notice within 20 days of first furnishing. Without this notice, lien rights are limited to work performed within 20 days before the notice was served.
Where do I file a mechanics lien in California?
File with the County Recorder in the county where the project is located.
How long do I have to enforce a mechanics lien in California?
California gives you only 90 days from recording the lien to file a foreclosure lawsuit in Superior Court. This is the shortest enforcement window in the United States.