Step 1 — Determine Whether a Notice of Commencement Exists
Check county records
Ask the GC or owner
Review posted jobsite notices
If one exists → Notice to Owner is required.
If none exists → proceed to lien filing.
Send the Georgia Notice to Owner (If Required)
Must be sent within 30 days of first furnishing
Serve to owner and GC
Certified mail or overnight delivery recommended
GCs skip this step.
Step 2 — Prepare the Georgia Mechanics Lien Form
Your Georgia Mechanics Lien requires specific information:
Legal property description
Property owner’s name
Claimant’s name and address
First and last furnishing dates
Description of labor/materials
Amount claimed
Statement of lien rights
Verification under oath (notarized)
Step 3 — Record the Georgia Mechanics Lien
You must file the claim of Lien with the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the property is located.
You may file:
In person
By mail
Electronically (varies by county)
Step 4 — Serve the Recorded Georgia Mechanics Lien on the Owner
Georgia requires service of the lien on the property owner within 2 business days of filing the lien.
Service is typically done by:
Certified mail
Overnight delivery
Personal service
Keep proof of service.
Step 5 — Enforce the Georgia Mechanics Lien If You Remain Unpaid
If payment is not made, the lien must be enforced by filing a lawsuit to foreclose the lien and recording a Notice of Lis Pendens in the county where the property is located. Both the lawsuit and the Notice of Lis Pendens must be filed within 365 days of the lien filing date.Failure to timely take either step will render the lien unenforceable. Because lien foreclosure is a court action, attorney representation is strongly recommended.