This Washington lien deadline calculator is for prime contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, equipment rental companies, design professionals and laborers. Enter your role, the type of project and your last day of furnishing, and it shows each deadline under RCW chapter 60.04 with the statute section next to it.
Washington's Notice to Owner isn't a deadline, it's a lookback: it protects only what you supplied in the 60 days before you sent it (10 days on a new single-family home). Suppliers, equipment providers and design professionals can add the date they sent theirs, and the calculator shows where that coverage starts, or where a notice sent today would start. If you already recorded, add that date for the owner's copy and the 8-month foreclosure deadline.
It takes about 20 seconds, and it's free. When you're ready to file, LevelSet Collections records your claim of lien with the county auditor and sends the owner's copy, in all 39 Washington counties. Liens are $199 to $500 all-inclusive.
Leave blank and we'll show what a notice sent today would cover.
Leave blank if you haven't filed yet. With it, we show the enforcement dates too.
Public project? You can't lien public property, but you can still get paid. Ask us how. We get contractors, subs and suppliers paid on public work across the country through Freedom of Information Act and state public-records requests for the contract and payment bond, and Miller Act and state Little Miller Act bond claims. Call or text (469) 694-8003.
What sinks Washington liens
- Treating the 60 days as a deadline instead of a lookback, and sending the Notice to Owner late.
- A sub on an owner-occupied remodel assuming it doesn't need to give notice.
- A prime on a home job skipping the contractor disclosure statement.
- A claim that's signed but not notarized, or missing the first and last dates of furnishing.
- Recording late, or missing the 8-month foreclosure deadline.
- Filing a clearly excessive amount and losing a frivolous-lien hearing.
Every deadline above comes from RCW chapter 60.04. For the full rules, read the Washington mechanics lien filing guide →
- Washington mechanics lien filing
- Lien deadlines by state
- Mechanics lien filing in all 18 states
- Construction collections if your lien window has closed
Pricing and turnaround
Liens are $199 to $500, and that includes recording fees, notarizing and serving. Pre-lien notices are $100. Notices of intent are $100. Typical turnaround is 2 business days, and there's no minimum claim amount. We file in all 39 Washington counties. Collections run on contingency, 10% to 33%, with no charge if we don't collect. Call (469) 694-8003, Monday through Friday, 8am to 7pm.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file a construction lien in Washington?
90 days after you stopped furnishing labor, professional services, materials or equipment. The claim of lien is recorded in the county where the property sits (RCW 60.04.091).
What is the Washington 60-day notice rule?
It isn't a deadline. It's a lookback. A Notice to Owner only protects what you furnished starting 60 days before it was mailed or delivered, or 10 days before on a new single-family residence (RCW 60.04.031(1)). The earlier you send it, the more it covers.
Who has to send a Notice to Owner in Washington?
Anyone furnishing professional services, materials or equipment. It isn't required from parties contracting directly with the owner, laborers claiming only labor, or subs hired directly by the prime, except on owner-occupied single-family remodels (RCW 60.04.031(2)–(3)).
What happens if I don't send the owner a copy of the lien?
The lien survives, but you lose the right to recover your legal fees and costs from the owner. The copy is due within 14 days after recording, by certified or registered mail or personal service (RCW 60.04.091(2)).
How long does a Washington lien last?
Eight calendar months from recording. Foreclosure must be filed in superior court in that time, and the owner served within 90 days after filing (RCW 60.04.141).
This page is general information, not legal advice. LevelSet Collections is not a law firm; we prepare and file liens and notices as agent for the claimant. Deadlines change and depend on the facts of your job. We'll check your dates against the statute before filing.
Inside your deadline?
Liens $199 to $500, recording, notarizing and serving included. Usually filed in 2 business days. Call (469) 694-8003.
