Guide to filing a mechanics lien in Albany County

Albany is one of the biggest counties in New York, and if you need to file a mechanics lien with the Albany County Clerk, you need to make sure you get everything right. Otherwise, you could face delays that prolong payment after the construction project even more. This page helps you avoid those delays by compiling useful information about New York lien law and the Albany County Clerk.

Before we discuss the County Clerk, here are a few important points in New York State Lien Law:

  1. Although most parties on a New York construction project have the right to file a lien claim, some do not. Unlicensed contractors who are doing work that requires a license, suppliers to suppliers, and parties that aren’t authorized to work in New York are the project participants who do not have lien rights in New York.
  2. New York has no preliminary notice requirements. In most other states, lien claimants are required to submit a preliminary notice to the property owner to retain their right to lien. In New York, however, contractors are not required to submit a preliminary notice. There are a few exceptions to this rule, though.
  3. The deadline to file a lien claim is shorter on single-family residential construction projects. The general deadline to file a mechanics lien in New York is eight months. However, if you’re working on a single-family residential project, you only have four months to file.

As you can see, New York has very generous guidelines as to who can and who cannot file a mechanics lien. On the other hand, there are still rules, regulations, and limitations that need to be adhered to. Check out our New York Mechanics Lien Guide and FAQ to learn more about these laws.

If the project took place in Albany County, you’ll need to record your lien claim with the Albany County Clerk. Below, you can find frequently asked questions about the Albany County Clerk’s recording requirements, recording fees, page size and margin requirements, and contact information, as well as information about how you can record by mail or eRecord your lien.

If you’re looking for a breakdown of the New York mechanics lien process, take a look at our Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Mechanics Lien in New York. You can find out how to eFile your mechanics lien with Levelset in just a few clicks.

Where is the Albany County Clerk's Office that files mechanic liens?

You can file your mechanic liens in person at the Albany County Clerk’s Office located at:

Albany County Court House, Room 128
16 Eagle Street, Albany NY 12207-1077

Phone: (518) 487-5100
Fax: (518) 487-5099
E-mail: countyclerk@albanycounty.com

Office Hours

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

What is Albany County's Recording Backlog?

The Albany County Clerk’s Office does not publicly disclose information on recording backlog.

Should I file my mechanics lien in Albany County?

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

What are the Albany County Clerk's requirements for recording a mechanics lien?

The Albany County Clerk’s recording requirements are as follows:

You must include the following information in your lien claim:

  1. Your name and information.
  2. The hiring party’s name and infofmation.
  3. The property owner’s name and information.
  4. The name and information of your attorney, if an attorney is representing you.
  5. A statement for the labor and materials you provided for the construction project.
  6. The lien amount.
  7. The first and last dates that work was performed on the project.
  8. The signature and notorization.

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

The Orange County Clerk’s page requirements are as follows:

  • Page sizes are 8 ½ x 11 or 8 ½ x 14.
  • Minimum size for type is 8 points.
  • Documents must be legible for the Optical Imaging System. Use black ink on white paper, no contrast or colors. Any portion of the document that is not legible will be cause for rejection.

How can I make payment to the Albany County Clerk's Office?

The Albany County Clerk accepts check payments. Make all checks payable to:

Albany County Clerk
County Court House, Room 128
16 Eagle Street
Albany, NY 12207

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

The Albany County Clerk’s recording fees are as follows:

Recording Fees

For recording any instrument required by statute to be recorded, $45.00 and, in addition thereto, $5.00 for each page or portion of a page to be recorded. $0.50 for each cross reference.

An Assignment of Mortgage which assigns more than one mortgage, there shall be an additional fee of three dollars for every Mortgage assigned. For each additional Mortgage satisfied on one document, the fee will be the full price of recording one Satisfaction.

Lien Fees

Mechanics Lien (no fee to cancel): $15.00
Mechanics Lien – discharge payment into court: $3.00
Mechanics Lien – affidavit of service: $5.00
Extension of Mechanic’s Lien: No Fee
Federal tax lien, to file or release: $40.00
Federal tax lien, copy of: $7.00

Copy Fees

Copy only: $0.65 per page – minimum $1.30
Certify prepared copy: $0.65 per page – minimum $5.20
Prepare and certify: $1.25 per page – minimum $5.00
Maximum per record: $40.00

How do I get a recorded copy of my lien from the Albany County Clerk's Office?

You can obtain a recorded copy of your lien in person at the Albany County Clerk’s Office located at:

Albany County Court House, Room 128
16 Eagle Street, Albany NY 12207-1077

Phone: (518) 487-5100
Fax: (518) 487-5099
E-mail: countyclerk@albanycounty.com

Office Hours

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Copy fees are as follows:

Copy only: $0.65 per page – minimum $1.30
Certify prepared copy: $0.65 per page – minimum $5.20
Prepare and certify: $1.25 per page – minimum $5.00
Maximum per record: $40.00

You can also search for Albany County Clerk’s online records online at:
https://www.searchiqs.com/nyalb/Login.aspx