State Information | Colorado | National Lien Services

This is an overview of the state’s statutory approach to lien law and what contractors might want to focus on to ensure lien rights are established timely, correctly, and effectively.

While we are happy to provide this guide as a quick reference, we highly encourage you to work with a construction attorney for your particular circumstances in our complex construction lien law environment.

Colorado Quick Overview

Pursuant code	Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 38-22-101 et seq.
Prelien required for private / commercial projects	No, but may be beneficial
Prelien required for public projects	No
CO statutory relief	Full price
Lien milestone event	Last furnishing / last invoice
Lien enforcement deadline	120 to 180 days
Waivable lien rights	Yes
Supplier to supplier rights	Likely no
Prelien document name(s)	Notice to Owner, Disburser Notice
Prelien minimum information	Copy of lien statement to be filed, including legal property description, amount claimed, owner name, and related parties.
Prelien minimum notifications	Owner (mandatory), prime contractor (if not claimant)
Prelien recording requirement	No
Prelien notarized	No

Understanding the Prelien Process on Construction Projects in Colorado by Role

Colorado does not require a traditional preliminary notice before furnishing work or materials. However, lien claimants must serve a Notice of Intent to Lien (along with the lien statement) on the property owner at least 10 days prior to recording a mechanic's lien. This rule applies to all parties including prime contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers.

Prime/ Original / General Contractors (GCs): Private/Commercial: Prime contractors are not required to give preliminary notice before starting work but must serve a Notice of Intent to Lien on the property owner at least 10 days before filing the lien.
Subcontractors/Trade Partners (Subs): Private/Commercial: Subcontractors must serve a Notice of Intent to Lien on both the property owner and the prime contractor at least 10 days before recording their lien.
Second-tier Subcontractors: Private/Commercial: Same requirements as subcontractors: serve a Notice of Intent to Lien on both the property owner and the prime contractor at least 10 days prior to filing the lien.
Lower-tier Subcontractors: Private/Commercial: Same requirements as subcontractors: serve a Notice of Intent to Lien on both the property owner and the prime contractor at least 10 days prior to filing the lien.
Material Suppliers: Private/Commercial: Material suppliers must serve a Notice of Intent to Lien on both the property owner and the contractor to whom they supplied materials at least 10 days before recording the lien.
Equipment Lessors: Private/Commercial: Equipment lessors follow the same rules as material suppliersmust provide a Notice of Intent to Lien at least 10 days before recording.
Second-tier Material Suppliers: Private/Commercial: Must serve a Notice of Intent to Lien on the property owner and the party with whom they contracted (e.g., subcontractor or sub-subcontractor), at least 10 days before filing the lien.

Mechanic's Liens in Colorado

In Colorado, a lien claimant must first serve a Notice of Intent to File a Lien at least 10 days before recording the lien statement. The lien must be recorded within 4 months after the last furnishing of labor or materials. Suit to enforce the lien must be initiated within 6 months after completion of the improvement or last furnishing.

Bond Claims in Colorado

On public projects, mechanic's lien rights are typically replaced by bond claim rights. Bond claim notice and enforcement timelines can vary by project type and bond language, so coordinate with your construction attorney to confirm the correct deadline and required notice path.

Construction Lien Waivers in Colorado

Required format: Colorado does not require any specific statutorily required verbiage to be valid but be sure to check with your constuction attorney and consult any relevant state statutes.

Required notarization: Colorado does not require waivers to be notarized.

Lien waivers in Colorado are generally governed by contract. There is no statutory form or requirement for conditional or unconditional waivers, but they must not waive lien rights in advance of furnishing labor or materials.

Learn more about waivers here, including the when and how to use various types of waivers, the difference between a Lien Waiver and a Lien Release, what to look for before signing, and more.

As a client, you'll have free access to our system that easily creates statutorily correct lien waivers.
Through our technology partner Prelien Pro, you can also access best-in-class lien waiver management software, allowing you to easily track, collaborate, and share lien waivers with all your trade partners.

Assessors’ websites in Colorado counties

Most often, the county Assessor’s office is the go-to resource for online lien-related information for construction project parcels—ownership records, special warranty deeds, and more. Counties that we’ve not yet found online (those with “*”) link to a Google search for your convenience.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) on Colorado lien processes for contractors

Is a preliminary notice required at the start of a Colorado project?

No traditional start-of-project preliminary notice is required, but a Notice of Intent to Lien is typically required 10 days before filing.

How long do I have to file a mechanic’s lien in Colorado?

Most claimants have 4 months after last furnishing labor or materials; some labor-only claims have shorter windows.

Do I need to serve the owner before filing in Colorado?

Yes. Serve Notice of Intent with a copy of intended lien statement at least 10 days before recording.

Can a material supplier file a lien in Colorado?

Yes, when statutory notice and filing requirements are met.

Is a bond claim the same as a mechanic’s lien in Colorado?

No. Public projects typically use bond claims rather than property liens.

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Not only do we provide the tools, knowledge, and team to help you feel confident your rights are secured—we’re prepared for the trenches and ready to coordinate with your legal team when things “go sideways” on a project.

Our Guide to Preliens, Waivers, Mechanic’s Liens, and Bond Claims in Colorado