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State files updated Oct 27, 2026
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Idaho mechanics lienDeadlines and how to file

The lien deadline is 90 days after you complete your labor or furnish the materials1; the deadline to sue is 6 months after the claim is filed2.

Your Idaho lien deadlines

Enter your dates. Calendar days unless a line says otherwise.

    Deadlines that fall on a weekend or holiday may move; the statute linked on each line controls.

    Idaho lien timeline

    1. First day of work
    2. your workany lengthLast day of work
    3. 90 daysafter last workFile the claim of lien1
    4. 6 monthsafter recordingSue to enforce2
    Calendar days unless noted. The first rule listed for each step; the calculator applies the others.

    How many days do you have to file a mechanics lien in Idaho?

    File a claim of lien with the county recorder of the county where the property is located within 90 days after completing the labor or services or furnishing the materials. It states the demand after credits, the owner's name, who hired you, and a property description. A true copy must be served on the owner by an officer or certified mail within 5 business days after filing.1 Idaho Code 45-507

    Do you need a preliminary notice in Idaho?

    Idaho has no preliminary notice requirement for subcontractors or suppliers in its mechanic's lien chapter (45-501 to 45-525). The one pre-contract duty falls on general contractors: before signing a residential contract over $2,000 with a homeowner, they must give a written disclosure about lien waivers, insurance proof, title insurance and a surety bond option, and keep the homeowner's signed acknowledgment of receipt.3 Idaho Code 45-525; chapter 45-5 table of contents

    How long is a mechanics lien good for in Idaho?

    The lien stops binding the property six months after the claim is filed unless a suit to enforce it has been started in that time (a recorded payment or credit extension restarts the six months).2 Idaho Code 45-510

    Who can file a mechanics lien in Idaho?

    Anyone performing labor on, or furnishing materials for, construction, alteration or repair of a building or other structure, or who grades or otherwise improves land, has a lien on it. Professional engineers and licensed surveyors under contract can also claim one.4 Idaho Code 45-501

    Does an Idaho lien claim have to be notarized?

    The claim of lien must be verified by the oath of the claimant, the claimant's agent or attorney, stating that the affiant believes the claim is just.1 Idaho Code 45-507(4)

    What about public jobs in Idaho?

    Before a public contract of $50,000 or more is signed, the contractor must furnish a performance bond (at least 85 percent of the contract amount) and a payment bond. A claimant unpaid 90 days after last work may sue on the payment bond, must sue within one year after last work, and a claimant without a direct contract with the bonded contractor must give that contractor written notice within 90 days.5 Idaho Code 54-1926; 54-1927

    How do you file a mechanics lien in Idaho?

    1. File the claim of lien: due 90 days after you complete your labor or furnish the materials. Idaho Code 45-507 Serve a true copy on the owner within 5 business days after filing.
    2. Sue to enforce: due 6 months after the claim is filed. Idaho Code 45-510

    Each line restates the statute cited next to it. Check the statute text before you file.

    Sources

    1. Idaho Code 45-507 (legislature.idaho.gov, 2026-10-27)
    2. Idaho Code 45-510 (legislature.idaho.gov, 2026-10-27)
    3. Idaho Code 45-525; chapter 45-5 table of contents (legislature.idaho.gov, 2026-10-27)
    4. Idaho Code 45-501 (legislature.idaho.gov, 2026-10-27)
    5. Idaho Code 54-1926; 54-1927 (legislature.idaho.gov, 2026-10-27)