Filing a mechanics lien in St Joseph County

If you’re trying to record a mechanics lien or construction notice in St Joseph County, Indiana, you’re in the right place. On this page, you’ll find contact information for the St Joseph County Recorder, document rules, delivery requirements, fees, payment methods, and more.

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You can easily record a document with the St Joseph County Recorder in just a few clicks.
File your lien now.

Before you file a lien in St Joseph County, read How to File a Lien in Indiana for a step-by-step guide to the process and requirements.

Types of documents recorded in this office:
Mechanics lien
Lien release
UCC lien

Download St Joseph County Recorder Forms:

Lien FAQs for St Joseph County

Where do I file a mechanics lien in St Joseph County, Indiana?

You can file your Recorder in person at the Recorder's Office, located at:
227 W Jefferson Boulevard Room 321
South Bend, Indiana, 46601

Hours of operation:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Recording stops at 4:00 pm, computers are shut down at 4:20 pm

If you need more information, you can call them at 574-235-9525.

E-Filing

File your lien electronically with Levelset now

Can I file a mechanics lien in St Joseph County, Indiana?

Generally, anyone who provides labor or materials to a construction project has the right to file a mechanics lien in Indiana. If the project property was located in St Joseph County, then the lien must be filed with the St Joseph County Recorder, regardless of where you or your company are located. But whether or not you have the right to file a lien will depend on a number of factors, including your position on the payment chain, whether you sent the required notices, and whether the deadline has passed.

To learn more about the requirements and deadlines, visit the Indiana Mechanics Lien Guide & FAQ page.

When is the deadline to file a lien in St Joseph County?

In St Joseph County, Indiana, your deadline to file a mechanics lien is dependent upon your role in the project. General contractors have 60 days on residential projects and 90 days on non-residential projects to file a lien after the date of last furnishing. Subcontractors and suppliers have 60 days on residential projects and 90 days on non-residential projects to file.

How much does it cost to file a lien in St Joseph County?

Currently, the cost to file a lien with the St Joseph County Recorder is as follows:
$25; fee includes 1 mailing $2 for each additional mailing

Costs change periodically.

Visit the St Joseph County Recorder fees page for the latest information.

What forms of payment does the St Joseph County Recorder accept?

St Joseph County Recorder accepts the following forms of payment:

Escrow or draw down accounts is a service provided by the St. Joseph County Recorder’s office. Customers will conveniently be able to record documents, order copies as well as fax documents anywhere within the local area. A minimum of $25 must be in the account at all times.

How do I release or cancel a lien with the St Joseph County Recorder?

To cancel a lien that you previously recorded in St Joseph County, you will need to file a lien release. The fee is $25.

A mechanics lien is typically canceled after the claim has been paid, or when the lien expires.

How can I get a copy of a lien or other document recorded in St Joseph County?

The St Joseph County Recorder maintains a record of all property documents, including mechanics liens and certain construction notices. You can obtain either a certified or conformed copy of a document. Related: What type of document copy do you need?

In person

227 W Jefferson Boulevard, Room 321 South Bend, IN 46601

By mail

227 W Jefferson Boulevard, Room 321 South Bend, IN 46601

Electronically

The St Joseph County Recorder does not currently have an online resource for requesting document copies.

Fees

Certified copy: $5.00

Do preliminary notices need to be recorded in St Joseph County?

Preliminary notices are not recorded in St Joseph County. Learn more about Indiana’s preliminary notice requirements and how to send one.