Washington Mechanics Lien Laws

Contractor pre-lien notice (Notice to Customer) required within 60 days of first furnishing. 90 days from last work. 8 months to enforce after filing.

Step-by-step guide for Washington

1. 1

   Confirm your lien rights

   Verify you hold a valid contract, are properly licensed (if Washington requires it), and that the work was on private property. Public projects require a payment bond claim, not a lien.

2. 2

   Send preliminary notice within 60 days of first work

   Washington requires a preliminary notice within 60 days of first furnishing labor or materials. Missing this notice permanently bars your lien rights.

3. 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. 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. 5

   Notarization (not required in this state)

   Washington does not require notarization.

6. 6

   File with the County Auditor

   Record your lien with the County Auditor in the county where the property is located. Filing fee is typically $73–$100. Request a file-stamped copy for your records.

7. 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 Washington rules for exact timing and method of service.

8. 8

   Enforce by month 8

   If the debt remains unpaid, you must file a lawsuit to foreclose on the lien within 8 months of recording. If you miss this deadline, the lien expires and the cloud on title is removed without payment.