North Dakota Mechanics Lien Deadline (2026): 90 Days after Last Work for Remodelers
How long a remodeler hired by the homeowner has to record a mechanics lien in North Dakota, 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 North Dakota
90 days after last work
Record within 90 days after all your work is done.
3 years after recording
Sue within 3 years after recording. First give 10 days notice in person or 20 days by registered mail. A homeowner's demand cuts this to 30 days.
No notice needed
None. No early notice applies when the homeowner hired you directly. Send the homeowner written notice of intent to lien by certified mail at least 10 days before recording.
No special rule
None On jobs over $4,000 you need a state contractor license to sue, including to enforce your lien.
Source: N.D.C.C. 35-27-02, 35-27-13, 35-27-24, 35-27-25, 43-07-02 (Official ND session laws: 2023 (SB 2261, HB 1323, SB 2311) and 2009 (SB 2250 amending 35-27-25))
“within ninety days after all the person's contribution is done”
Three last days of work, worked
| Last work | Record by | Sue by |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 13, 2026 | Jun 11, 2026 | Jun 11, 2029 |
| Jul 31, 2026 | Oct 29, 2026 | Oct 29, 2029 |
| Nov 20, 2026 | Feb 18, 2027 | Feb 18, 2030 |
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.
Also check
- On jobs over $4,000 you need a state contractor license to sue, including to enforce your lien.
- Before you file: Send the homeowner written notice of intent to lien by certified mail at least 10 days before recording.
North Dakota lien questions
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in North Dakota?
Record within 90 days after all your work is done.
How long does a mechanics lien last in North Dakota?
Sue within 3 years after recording. First give 10 days notice in person or 20 days by registered mail. A homeowner's demand cuts this to 30 days.
Does a contractor need to send a notice before filing a lien in North Dakota?
None. No early notice applies when the homeowner hired you directly. Send the homeowner written notice of intent to lien by certified mail at least 10 days before recording.
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.