Partial vs. Final Lien Waiver: Which Do You Need?
Whether you need a partial or a final lien waiver depends on where you are in the project: are you getting paid for one draw, or wrapping up the whole job?
Partial (progress) waiver = one draw
A partial waiver — also called a progress waiver — covers a single payment or draw. It waives your lien rights only for the dollars paid in that specific draw, while preserving your rights for all remaining and future work. You'll typically sign one with every progress payment throughout the job.
Final waiver = project completion
A final waiver releases all remaining lien rights on the project. It's signed at completion, when you receive your final payment — including any retainage that was held back. Once you sign a final waiver, you've given up your lien remedy for the entire job, so confirm you've truly been paid in full.
How this ties to the G702/G703 draw process
On AIA-style projects, each G702/G703 payment application represents a draw. The clean workflow is to provide a partial waiver matching each G702 application as draws are paid, then a final waiver once the last application and retainage clear. Matching the contract value, previous payments, and current amount on your waiver to your G702/G703 keeps everything consistent.
Comparison table
| Partial / Progress | Final | |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | One draw / progress payment | All remaining rights at completion |
| When signed | With each draw during the project | At final payment, including retainage |
| Rights remaining after | Future and unpaid work preserved | None — all lien rights released |
Each of these can be conditional or unconditional — see our guide on conditional vs. unconditional waivers to choose, or read what a lien waiver is for the basics.
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