Georgia Mechanics Lien Laws
Subs and suppliers must send Notice to Contractor within 30 days of first work. Lien must be verified before a notary and attested by 2 witnesses. 90 days from last work. 1 year to enforce.
Key Facts
Step-by-step guide for Georgia
- 1
Confirm your lien rights
Verify you hold a valid contract, are properly licensed (if Georgia requires it), and that the work was on private property. Public projects require a payment bond claim, not a lien.
- 2
Send preliminary notice within 30 days of first work
Georgia requires a preliminary notice within 30 days of first furnishing labor or materials. Missing this notice permanently bars your lien rights.
- 3
Track your deadline from last day of work
Your lien must be recorded within 90 days of your last furnishing of labor or materials. Mark the calendar the day you finish work — this clock does not stop.
- 4
Prepare the lien document
Your lien claim must include: claimant name and address, property owner name, property description (legal description or address), amount claimed, description of labor/materials, and dates of first and last furnishing.
- 5
Notarize the lien (required in this state)
Georgia requires the lien to be notarized before recording. Two witnesses are also required. Use an in-person notary or an online notarization service.
- 6
File with the Superior Court Clerk
Record your lien with the Superior Court Clerk in the county where the property is located. Filing fee is typically $25–$60. Request a file-stamped copy for your records.
- 7
Serve a copy on the property owner
Most states require you to mail or personally serve a copy of the filed lien on the property owner within a short window of recording. Check Georgia rules for exact timing and method of service.
- 8
Enforce by month 12
If the debt remains unpaid, you must file a lawsuit to foreclose on the lien within 12 months of recording. If you miss this deadline, the lien expires and the cloud on title is removed without payment.