Job Clock

California

How long do you have to file a lien in California?

On private jobs, a direct contractor records the claim of lien before the earlier of 90 days after completion or 60 days after a recorded notice of completion or cessation. Everyone else records before the earlier of 90 days after completion or 30 days after that notice.

Statute: Cal. Civ. Code § 8412 · Cal. Civ. Code § 8414

Notice deadlines before the lien, and the lawsuit deadline after it, are on the California page. Those dates depend on who hired you and the kind of property.

Get your California dates

California 20-day preliminary notice deadline

This answer is the California rule only. Lien deadlines are different in every state.

This is general information, not legal advice. Rules change. Check the current statute or ask a construction attorney in that state before you rely on a date. Job Clock does not file liens, mail notices, pull permits, or give legal advice.