Guide to filing a mechanics lien in Wayne County

Where is the Wayne County Register of Deeds that files mechanics liens?

You can file your mechanic liens in person at the Wayne County Register of Deeds at:

400 Monroe – 7th Floor
Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-224-5850

Hours of operation:
Mon-Fri
8:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.

The Wayne County Register of Deeds will be closed on:

New Year’s Day – Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Martin Luther King Jr Day – Monday, January 20, 2020
Good Friday – Friday, April 10, 2020, Closes at 11:45am
Memorial Day – Monday, May 25, 2020
Independence Day – Friday, July 3, 2020
Labor Day – Monday, September 7, 2020
Columbus Day – Monday, October 12, 2020
Election Day – Tuesday, November 3, 2020
Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 26, 2020
Day after Thanksgiving – Friday, November 27, 2020
Thursday, December 24, 2020 through Friday, January 1, 2021

What is Wayne County's Recording Backlog?

The Wayne County Register of Deeds does not publicly disclose information on recording backlog.

Should I file my mechanics lien in Wayne County?

If your construction project is located in Wayne County, then yes, you should file your lien here.

What are Wayne County's requirements for recording a mechanics lien?

The Wayne County Register of Deeds Office’s recording requirements are as follows:

-Documents must have all original signatures and the names must be printed, stamped, or typed beneath the signatures.
-Documents executed in Michigan which convey or encumber real estate require a notary’s acknowledgment.
-Documents must be on 8.5″ x 11″ or 8.5″ x 14″ paper and must have a 2.5″ top margin for the first page, and a minimum 0.5″ margin on the other three sides of all pages.
-Documents must be on white paper with black ink and have a 10-point minimum type size.
-The title and/or the type of document must be written on the first line of print.
-The property tax identification number and the commonly known address of the property should be on the document.
-Warranty deeds, deeds which contain a Covenant of Warranty, Land Contracts and Assignments of Land Contracts must be certified for payment of property taxes by the Wayne County Treasurer before recording with our office.
-Court orders cannot be recorded unless they are certified and sealed.
-The name and address of the person who drafted the document must appear on documents executed in Michigan.
-Death Certificates must be certified copies with the raised seal; a copy will not be recorded.
-Each document sent by mail for recording must include a complete “Return To” name and address.

What are the margin & page size requirements to file a lien in Wayne County?

The Wayne County Register of Deeds Office requires that liens follow these guidelines:

Liens must be printed on 8.5 x 11 or 8.5 x 14 size paper with at least 10-point font.
The first page of the lien must have a 2.5 inch margin at the top, and each subsequent page must have a .5 inch margin on all sides.

How can I make a payment to the Wayne County Register of Deeds?

The Wayne County Register of Deeds accepts the following forms of payment:

Credit/debit cards
Money orders
Cashier’s checks
Certified checks
Corporation checks
Law firm checks

Payments can be made to the Wayne County Register of Deeds at:

400 Monroe – 7th Floor
Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-224-5850

What are the filing fees to record a mechanics lien in Wayne County?

The Wayne County Register of Deeds recording fees are as follows:

Recording fees

$15 for the first page and $3 for each following page.

Copy fees

$2 per page
$10 per document for certification

How do I get a recorded copy of my lien from the Wayne County Register of Deeds?

You can obtain a recorded copy of your lien in person at the Wayne County Register of Deeds located at:

400 Monroe – 7th Floor
Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-224-5850

Copy fees are as follows:

$2 per page and $10 per document for certification.