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State files updated Oct 27, 2026
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Washington mechanics lienNotice of right to claim a lien and deadlines

The notice of right to claim a lien is due 60 days after you first furnished, to cover all of your work (10 days on new single-family homes)1. The lien deadline is 90 days after you stopped furnishing2; the deadline to sue is 8 calendar months after recording3.

Your Washington 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.

    Washington lien timeline

    1. First day of work
    2. 60 daysafter first workNotice of right to claim a lien1
    3. your workany lengthLast day of work
    4. 90 daysafter last workRecord the claim of lien2
    5. 8 monthsafter recordingSue to enforce3
    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 Washington?

    Record a notice of claim of lien in the county where the property sits no later than 90 days after the claimant stopped furnishing labor, services, materials or equipment (or after the last benefit contribution due date). The claim states claimant details, first and last dates, who owes, the property, the owner, and the principal amount.2 RCW 60.04.091

    When is the Washington notice of right to claim a lien due?

    Anyone furnishing professional services, materials or equipment must give the owner (and the prime contractor, where the prime complies with RCW 19.27.095, 60.04.230 and 60.04.261) written notice of the right to claim a lien. It protects only work supplied after the date 60 days before the notice is mailed (certified/registered) or personally delivered; for new single-family residence construction the look-back is 10 days. Not required of those contracting directly with the owner, laborers, or subs contracting directly with the prime. On owner-occupied single-family remodels, claimants without a direct owner contract must notify the owner and can only reach amounts not yet paid to the prime when the notice is received.1 RCW 60.04.031(1)-(3)

    How long is a mechanics lien good for in Washington?

    The lien does not bind the property beyond eight calendar months after recording unless suit is filed in superior court in that time and the owner is served within 90 days of filing. The court may dismiss if the action is not prosecuted to judgment within two years. An owner's bankruptcy tolls the period.3 RCW 60.04.141

    Who can file a mechanics lien in Washington?

    Any person furnishing labor, professional services, materials or equipment for improving real property at the instance of the owner or the owner's agent or construction agent, subject to the notice rules of 60.04.031.4 RCW 60.04.021

    Does a Washington lien claim have to be notarized?

    The claim must be signed by the claimant or an authorized person who affirms under penalty of perjury they read it and believe it true, and it must be acknowledged under chapter 64.08 RCW (notary-style acknowledgment).2 RCW 60.04.091(2)

    What about public jobs in Washington?

    On public works, a claimant must file a written notice of claim with the public body within 30 days after completion of the contract and acceptance of the work; a successful claimant recovers attorney fees, but not for suits filed before 30 days after the notice. The suit deadline is not in this section. Retainage claims run under RCW 60.28.011 (not summarized).5 RCW 39.08.030

    How do you file a mechanics lien in Washington?

    1. Notice of right to claim a lien: due 60 days after you first furnished, to cover all of your work (10 days on new single-family homes). RCW 60.04.031(1)-(3) The notice protects work supplied in the 60 days before it is sent and after.
    2. Record the claim of lien: due 90 days after you stopped furnishing. RCW 60.04.091
    3. Sue to enforce: due 8 calendar months after recording. RCW 60.04.141 The owner must also be served within 90 days after the suit is filed.

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

    Sources

    1. RCW 60.04.031(1)-(3) (app.leg.wa.gov, 2026-10-27)
    2. RCW 60.04.091 (app.leg.wa.gov, 2026-10-27)
    3. RCW 60.04.141 (app.leg.wa.gov, 2026-10-27)
    4. RCW 60.04.021 (app.leg.wa.gov, 2026-10-27)
    5. RCW 39.08.030 (app.leg.wa.gov, 2026-10-27)