Generate a conditional or unconditional lien waiver for California (CA) construction projects. Includes state-specific notarization guidance and legal notes. Free, print-ready, no account needed.
Notarization
California does not require notarization for lien waivers, but waivers must substantially comply with Civil Code §8132–§8138 forms.
Conditional Waiver
Per CA Civil Code §8132, a conditional waiver is only effective upon receipt and negotiation of the payment check.
Unconditional Waiver
Per CA Civil Code §8134, an unconditional waiver is effective immediately upon signing and confirms full payment received.
California does not require notarization for lien waivers, but waivers must substantially comply with Civil Code §8132–§8138 forms.
Parties
Project & Payment
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Legal Document
Upon receipt by the undersigned of a check from [Contractor Name] in the sum of [$0.00], payable to [Subcontractor / Vendor Name], and when the check has been properly endorsed and has been paid by the bank upon which it is drawn, this document shall become effective to release any mechanic's lien, stop payment notice, or bond right the undersigned has on the job located at:
This release covers a progress payment for all labor, services, equipment, and materials furnished through May 8, 2026.
This document does not affect any of the following: (1) Retention amounts withheld; (2) Extras or change orders for which the undersigned has not received payment; (3) The right of the undersigned to recover compensation for any work not compensated by the payment described above.
Important: This waiver is CONDITIONAL. It is effective only upon actual receipt and clearance of the payment instrument described above.
Executed on: May 8, 2026
Claimant (Subcontractor / Vendor)
Company / Name:
Signature:
Printed Name:
Title:
Date:
Notary Acknowledgment (if required by your state)
State of _________________ County of _________________
Subscribed and sworn to before me this _____ day of _____________, 20___
Notary Signature:
My Commission Expires:
Generated by Suparate · suparate.com/tools/lien-waiver-generator
This document is a template. Consult a licensed attorney to confirm compliance with your state's mechanic's lien statutes.
Our AI mobile app connects directly to your accounting software. When you mark a payment sent, the waiver is auto-generated, sent to the sub, and e-signed — all without touching a PDF.
See How It Works →State-Specific Lien Waiver Guides
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use California's exact statutory language
California courts have invalidated waivers that deviate from Civil Code §8132–§8138. Use the exact statutory forms — do not paraphrase the waiver language even slightly.
Send a Preliminary Notice on every California job
California requires subcontractors and suppliers to serve a 20-day Preliminary Notice to preserve lien rights. Failing to serve it on time means you cannot record a valid mechanic's lien.
Yes. California Civil Code §8132–§8138 mandates four statutory lien waiver forms: conditional progress, unconditional progress, conditional final, and unconditional final. Using a non-compliant form may render the waiver unenforceable. California is the strictest state in the country on lien waiver form compliance.
No. California eliminated the notarization requirement in 2012 when it overhauled its lien law. A signed waiver that substantially complies with the Civil Code statutory forms is enforceable without notarization.
In California, a mechanic's lien must be recorded within 90 days after completion of the work, or within 60 days after a Notice of Completion or Notice of Cessation is recorded. For subcontractors and suppliers, the deadline is 30 days after recording of a Notice of Completion.
Common Trades Using Lien Waivers in California
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