Our Guide to Preliens, Waivers, Mechanic’s Liens, and Bond Claims in Wyoming
WY Wyoming
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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 that you work with a construction attorney to help you with your particular circumstances in our complex construction lien law environment.
Wyoming Quick Overview
| Pursuant code | Wyo. Stat. Ann. §§ 29-1-201 et seq., 29-2-112, 29-2-106, 29-10-101 |
|---|---|
| Prelien required for private / commercial projects | Yes |
| Prelien required for public projects | Yes |
| WY statutory relief | Full Price |
| Lien milestone event | Conditional, check statutes |
| Lien enforcement deadline | 120 to 180 days |
| Waivable lien rights | No |
| Supplier to supplier rights | Likely No |
| Prelien document name(s) | Preliminary Notice of Right to Lien |
| Prelien minimum information | Name, address, phone, and contact person of the claimant; description of work or materials; address and legal description of the property; disclosure about lien rights and waiver rights. |
| Prelien minimum notifications | Owner, and if applicable, the Prime Contractor |
| Prelien recording requirement | No |
| Prelien notarized | no |
Understanding the Prelien Process on Construction Projects in Wyoming by Role
Subcontractors and suppliers must provide notice within 30 days of first furnishing. Prime contractors must provide notice before receiving any payments from the owner.
Prime/ Original / General Contractors (GCs): Prime contractors should issue statutory notice before owner payment and maintain proof of service.
Subcontractors/Trade Partners (Subs): Subcontractors should deliver preliminary notice within 30 days after first furnishing.
Second-tier Subcontractors: Second-tier parties should preserve first-furnishing records to support notice timeliness.
Lower-tier Subcontractors: Lower-tier claimants should coordinate owner and prime-contractor notice targets when applicable.
Material Suppliers: Suppliers should monitor first-delivery dates and required owner notices closely.
Equipment Lessors: Lessors should track delivery/use milestones for notice and lien deadlines.
Second-tier Material Suppliers: Second-tier suppliers should satisfy 30-day notice and 20-day NOI-to-lien timing rules.
Mechanic's Liens in Wyoming
In Wyoming, mechanics lien rights are governed by Wyo. Stat. § 29-1-201 et seq. Claimants must serve a written preliminary notice to the owner (and prime contractor, if not in direct privity) within 30 days of first furnishing labor or materials, using the statutory form (Wyo. Stat. § 29-10-101).
A notice of intent to lien must be served at least 20 days before recording a lien. General contractors have 150 days, and subcontractors and material suppliers have 120 days from the earlier of last furnishing or substantial completion to record the lien. Foreclosure actions must be filed within 180 days of lien recording.
Bond Claims in Wyoming
While Wyoming does not provide a comprehensive statutory framework for public project bond claims akin to the Miller Act, contractors may pursue claims under general contract law or federal Miller Act provisions if federally funded.
Subcontractors should seek guidance on payment bond claims on a case-by-case basis as public work projects may still require bonds; timely notice to the prime contractor and bonding entity is strongly advised even if not explicitly required by statute.
Construction Lien Waivers in Wyoming
Required format: Wyoming is one of a dozen states where all waivers MUST substantially follow statutorily required verbiage to be valid so be sure to check with your constuction attorney and consult the relevant state statutes.
Required notarization: Wyoming is one of a handful of states where waivers are require waivers to be notarized.
The owner or contractor has the right to request a lien waiver upon payment. Preliminary notice must inform the owner of this right.
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 Wyoming 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.
- *Albany County
- *Big Horn County
- *Campbell County
- *Carbon County
- Converse County
- *Crook County
- *Fremont County
- *Goshen County
- Hot Springs County
- *Johnson County
- Laramie County
- *Lincoln County
- Natrona County
- *Niobrara County
- Park County
- *Platte County
- Sheridan County
- *Sublette County
- Sweetwater County
- Teton County
- Uinta County
- *Washakie County
- *Weston County
Other important construction links in Wyoming
- Wyoming Statutes -- Mechanics and Materialmen's Liens (Title 29)
- Wyoming Secretary of State -- Business Center
- Wyoming Department of Workforce Services -- Labor Standards
- Wyoming Contractors Association (WCA)
- Wyoming Department of Transportation -- Contractor Information
- University of Wyoming -- Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
- U.S. Department of Labor -- OSHA Wyoming Area Office
Check out this ‘X’ list for Wyoming created by Prelien Pro!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) on Wyoming lien processes for contractors
Who must send a preliminary notice in Wyoming to preserve lien rights?
Subcontractors and material suppliers must send notice to the owner and prime contractor within 30 days after first furnishing services or materials. General contractors must provide notice before receiving any payment from the owner.
When is the deadline to file a mechanics lien in Wyoming?
General contractors must file a lien within 150 days, and all other claimants (e.g., subcontractors, materialmen) within 120 days, of the earlier of last furnishing or substantial completion of the project.
Is a notice of intent to lien required before recording a lien?
Yes. A notice of intent to lien must be served on the owner at least 20 days prior to filing the lien statement.
How long do I have to enforce a recorded lien in Wyoming?
An action to foreclose the lien must be brought within 180 days of recording the lien statement.
What happens if I don't strictly follow Wyoming's lien statute procedures?
Failure to strictly comply with statutory requirements may result in the lien being declared invalid by the court. Statutory forms and timelines must be precisely followed.
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