Mechanics Lien Deadlines in North Carolina
North Carolina requires a claim of lien on real property to be filed with the clerk of superior court within 120 days after the last furnishing of labor or materials, with any enforcement action commenced within 180 days.
North Carolina's statutory liens on real property are governed by Chapter 44A, Article 2 of the General Statutes. A person who furnishes labor, professional design or surveying services, materials, or rental equipment under a contract with the owner may file a claim of lien on real property. The statutes set a 120-day window to file the claim of lien measured from the last furnishing of labor or materials, and a separate 180-day window to commence an action to enforce it. Subcontractors also have lien-upon-funds rights, and owners of larger improvement projects must designate a lien agent.
Filing and enforcing a claim of lien in North Carolina
A claim of lien on real property may be filed at any time after the obligation matures but not later than 120 days after the last furnishing of labor or materials at the site of the improvement by the person claiming the lien. 1
All claims of lien on real property must be filed in the office of the clerk of superior court in each county where the subject real property is located. 2
An action to enforce the claim of lien on real property may not be commenced later than 180 days after the last furnishing of labor or materials at the site of the improvement by the claimant. 3
A first, second, or third tier subcontractor also has a lien upon funds owed on the project, which is perfected by giving written notice of claim of lien upon funds to the obligor. 4
A potential lien claimant generally must serve a Notice to Lien Agent no later than 15 days after first furnishing labor or materials to preserve certain lien priority. 5
Sources
A claim of lien on real property may be filed no later than 120 days after the last furnishing of labor or materials at the site of the improvement by the person claiming the lien.
All claims of lien on real property must be filed in the office of the clerk of superior court in each county where the subject real property is located.
An action to enforce a claim of lien on real property may not be commenced later than 180 days after the last furnishing of labor or materials at the site of the improvement by the claimant.
A lien upon funds granted under this section is perfected upon giving written notice of claim of lien upon funds to the obligor as provided in G.S. 44A-19.
A potential lien claimant may be required to serve a Notice to Lien Agent no later than 15 days after the first furnishing of labor or materials.
Frequently asked questions
- How long do I have to file a mechanics lien (claim of lien on real property) in North Carolina?
- A claim of lien on real property must be filed no later than 120 days after the last furnishing of labor or materials at the site of the improvement by the person claiming the lien, under N.C. Gen. Stat. 44A-12(b).
- How long do I have to enforce a North Carolina claim of lien on real property?
- An action to enforce the claim of lien on real property may not be commenced later than 180 days after the last furnishing of labor or materials at the site of the improvement, under N.C. Gen. Stat. 44A-13(a).
- Where is a North Carolina claim of lien on real property filed?
- It must be filed in the office of the clerk of superior court in each county where the real property subject to the claim of lien is located, under N.C. Gen. Stat. 44A-12(a).
- Does North Carolina require a lien agent?
- For improvements costing forty thousand dollars or more, the owner must designate a lien agent no later than the time the owner first contracts with any person to improve the real property, under N.C. Gen. Stat. 44A-11.1(a).
Last reviewed August 4, 2026
This page is general information about state law, not legal advice. Laws change, and how they apply depends on the facts of your situation.