What information do I need to fill out a lien waiver?

You'll need the project name and address, the owner and customer (who is paying), the payment amount, the check number and date for unconditional waivers, the through-date, and any exceptions such as retention or disputed amounts.

What is the 'through date' on a lien waiver?

The through-date (or 'effective date') is the cutoff date through which you are releasing lien rights. Work or materials provided after that date are not covered by the waiver.

What should I list as exceptions on a lien waiver?

List anything you are NOT waiving rights for — typically retention being held, disputed change orders, unbilled work, or amounts not yet paid. Listing exceptions protects your right to claim those amounts later.

How to Fill Out a Lien Waiver: A Step-by-Step Guide

Filling out a lien waiver correctly matters: a small mistake — wrong amount, missing exception, or signing the wrong type — can cost you your lien rights. This guide walks through every field on a standard waiver and the mistakes to avoid.

Step 1: Choose the right waiver type

Before filling anything in, confirm you have the correct form. There are four: conditional or unconditional, and progress (partial) or final. If you have not been paid yet, always use a conditional waiver.

Step 2: Project & party details

Project name and address — the legal job site location.
Owner — the property owner named in the contract.
Customer — the party paying you (often the GC).
Maker of check — only if different from the customer.

Step 3: Payment amount and dates

Enter the exact payment amount for this draw. For an unconditional waiver, add the check number and date. Set the through-dateto the last day the waiver covers — work after that date stays protected.

Step 4: List your exceptions

This is the field most people skip — and it's the one that protects you. List retention, disputed change orders, and any amounts not included in this payment. Without exceptions, the waiver can be read as releasing everything through the date listed.

Step 5: Sign (and notarize if required)

Sign and date the waiver. A few states require notarization — see our guide on whether you need a notary. Rules also vary by state, so check your state lien waiver requirements first.

The fastest way to avoid errors is to generate a lien waiver with the fields pre-structured — no account required.