Step 1 — Confirm Pre-Lien Notice Compliance
Before filing a lien, confirm whether the project is residential or commercial and whether the required pre-lien notice was properly provided. Determine whether the statutory notice language was included in the contract or whether a separate notice was sent within the required timeframe. Failing to satisfy Minnesota’s notice requirements can invalidate the lien entirely
Step 2 — Prepare the Minnesota Mechanics Lien Form
A Minnesota lien must include:
the legal description of the property
the owner’s name
the claimant’s name and address
the first and last furnishing dates
a description of the labor or materials provided
the amount unpaid
notarized verification
Step 3 — Record the Minnesota Mechanics Lien with the County Register of Deeds
The lien must be recorded with the County Recorder or Registrar of Titles in the county where the property is located. The lien must be recorded within the 120-day deadline.
Filling options vary by county:
In person
By mail
Electronically (varies by county)
Step 4 — Serve the Recorded Minnesota Mechanics Lien on the Owner
In Minnesota, after recording a mechanics lien, the lien claimant must serve a copy of the lien statement on the property owner.
Minnesota law allows service by:
Personal service (hand delivery to the owner), or
Certified mail to the owner’s last known address, or
Any method allowed for service of a civil summons
Step 5 — Enforce the Minnesota Mechanics Lien If You Remain Unpaid
If payment is not made, the Minnesota lien must be enforced by filing a foreclosure lawsuit within one year of the last furnishing of labor or materials. Lien foreclosure is a court action, and attorney representation is strongly recommended.