Missouri Mechanics Lien Deadline (2026): 6 Months after Last Work for Remodelers
How long a remodeler hired by the homeowner has to record a mechanics lien in Missouri, what notice comes first, and the deadline to sue, worked on three dates.
Not legal advice. General information from each state's lien statute, checked Oct 29, 2026, for a contractor hired directly by the owner of an existing home. Dates are calendar arithmetic; some states move a deadline that lands on a weekend or holiday and some don't, and a recorded notice of completion or commencement can change the clock. Before you rely on a date, check with a construction attorney in your state.
The rule in Missouri
6 months after last work
File with the circuit clerk within 6 months after the debt accrued, generally your last day of work or materials.
6 months after recording
Sue within 6 months after filing the lien.
Notice before first payment
Before any payment, give the homeowner the state notice to owner in 10-point bold. Use the contract, delivery, start of work, or first invoice.
Check first
The notice is required for any lien by a contractor hired by the owner, not just on homes. Separate owner-occupied rules govern subcontractors and suppliers.
Source: RSMo 429.012, 429.080, 429.170 (Missouri Revisor of Statutes section pages: 429.080 (eff. 8/28/2007), 429.012 (eff. 1/1/2017), 429.170 (eff. 8/28/1959))
“within six months after the indebtedness shall have accrued”
Three last days of work, worked
| Last work | Record by | Sue by |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 13, 2026 | Sep 13, 2026 | Mar 13, 2027 |
| Jul 31, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | Jul 31, 2027 |
| Nov 20, 2026 | May 20, 2027 | Nov 20, 2027 |
Suit dates assume you record the lien on its last day; record earlier and a suit deadline that runs from recording comes earlier. Dates are calendar arithmetic and aren't moved off weekends or holidays.
Missouri lien questions
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Missouri?
File with the circuit clerk within 6 months after the debt accrued, generally your last day of work or materials.
How long does a mechanics lien last in Missouri?
Sue within 6 months after filing the lien.
Does a contractor need to send a notice before filing a lien in Missouri?
Before any payment, give the homeowner the state notice to owner in 10-point bold. Use the contract, delivery, start of work, or first invoice.
Compare other states
How we checked
We read each state's mechanics lien statute on the legislature's site, for a contractor hired directly by the homeowner on an existing home. Two independent research passes covered all 50 states and DC, and a third reviewer checked the result. Where a state's own site would not load, the row names the copy we read. Last checked .
This guide explains the general rule. It is not legal advice.