How many days do you have to file a mechanics lien in Indiana?
To get a lien, file a sworn statement and notice of intention to hold a lien, in duplicate, with the county recorder within 90 days after performing the labor or furnishing the materials or machinery. For a Class 2 residential structure and its auxiliary improvements the deadline is 60 days. The statement gives the amount claimed, the claimant's name and address, the owner's name and latest tax-record address, and the legal description and street address. The recorder mails one copy to the owner within 3 business days. The lien is created when the statement is recorded and relates back to the day work began.1 IC 32-28-3-3; 32-28-3-5(b)
Do you need a preliminary notice in Indiana?
A supplier or subcontractor who sells or furnishes on credit to a contractor for repair or alteration of an owner-occupied one- or two-family home must give the occupying owner written notice of the delivery or work and of lien rights within 30 days after first delivery or work. For original construction of a one- or two-family home that the owner will occupy, the notice goes to the owner within 60 days after first delivery or work, and a copy must also be recorded with the county recorder within the same 60 days. Giving this notice is a condition of getting a lien on those homes. The chapter sets no preliminary notice for other projects.2 IC 32-28-3-1(h), (i)
How long is a mechanics lien good for in Indiana?
The lien holder must file a complaint to enforce the lien in the circuit or superior court of the county where the property sits within one year after the notice of intention to hold a lien was recorded, or after a recorded written credit period ends. If it is not enforced in that time the lien is void. The owner or any interested party can also give written notice to file suit; if the lien holder does not file within 30 days after receiving that notice, the lien is void.3 IC 32-28-3-6; 32-28-3-10
Who can file a mechanics lien in Indiana?
A contractor, subcontractor, mechanic, equipment lessor, journeyman, laborer or any other person who performs labor or furnishes materials or machinery for building, altering, repairing or removing a building or other structure, or for walks, wells, drains, sewers, cisterns or earth moving, may have a lien on the structure and on the owner's interest in the lot or parcel.2 IC 32-28-3-1(a), (b)
Does an Indiana lien claim have to be notarized?
The statement and notice of intention to hold a lien must be sworn; an attorney in good standing with the clerk of the supreme court may verify and file it for a client.1 IC 32-28-3-3(a)
Public jobs: read the Indiana lien statute.
Sources
- IC 32-28-3-3; 32-28-3-5(b) (iga.in.gov, 2026-10-27)
- IC 32-28-3-1(h), (i) (iga.in.gov, 2026-10-27)
- IC 32-28-3-6; 32-28-3-10 (iga.in.gov, 2026-10-27)