Free California Compliance Tool

California Lien Waiver Selector

California requires exact legal language on 4 specific waiver forms to be valid. Don't risk your lien rights or delay your payments. Answer 4 quick questions to find the right form, when to use it, and what to fill in carefully.

Question 1 of 4

Has the payment cleared the bank yet?

No, I am waiting for payment

I am requesting payment, the check hasn't cleared, or the money is not securely in my account yet.

Yes, the money is fully cleared

The payment has absolutely cleared the bank and the money is securely in my account.

Question 2 of 4

Is this payment for progress work or final closeout?

Progress payment

This covers part of the work. More invoices/payments may still happen later.

Final payment

This is the last payment for the project and the scope is complete.

Question 3 of 4

Is this project in California?

Yes, California project

I need California-compliant statutory lien waiver forms.

No, outside California

I need forms/rules for another state.

Question 4 of 4

Will the waiver be signed by you or an authorized company signer?

Yes, authorized signer

The person signing has authority to sign waivers for this claimant/company.

Not sure / maybe not authorized

I need to confirm who should sign before sending this waiver.

Recommendation Ready

Based on your answers, use this form:

Conditional Waiver and Release on Progress Payment

When to use it

Use this when payment is expected but not cleared, and this payment is for a progress draw.

Fill carefully

Through Date: include work/materials only through this payment period.
Claimant Name: match your legal business name exactly.
Signature: signer should be authorized for the claimant.

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Why Choosing the Right California Lien Waiver Matters

In California, the rules surrounding lien waivers are strict. Under California Civil Code Section 8132-8138, a lien waiver is only valid if it matches the exact statutory language provided by the state. Using the wrong form, or modifying the text of the form, can invalidate the waiver, leaving your project vulnerable to mechanics liens and holding up draw requests.

The 4 Types of California Lien Waivers

California law provides four specific types of lien waivers. The correct form depends on two simple factors: whether you have been paid (Conditional vs. Unconditional) and whether the payment is for a portion of the work or the entire project (Progress vs. Final).

Conditional Waiver on Progress Payment: Used when expecting a progress payment, but the check hasn't cleared yet. This is the safest and most common waiver for subcontractors to provide upfront along with their invoice.
Unconditional Waiver on Progress Payment: Used only after a progress payment has fully cleared the bank. Signing this means you give up lien rights for that payment amount, regardless of whether you actually got the money.
Conditional Waiver on Final Payment: Used when expecting the final payment for the project, but the money isn't securely in your account yet.
Unconditional Waiver on Final Payment: The final sign-off. Used only when the final payment has cleared and the job is 100% complete.

⚠️ Warning: The Unconditional Trap

Never sign an Unconditional Waiver unless the money is physically in your bank account and has completely cleared. If a check bounces after you've signed an unconditional waiver, you have legally forfeited your right to file a mechanics lien to recover that money.

Stop Chasing Signatures Manually

Figuring out the right form is only half the battle. Printing, scanning, and emailing PDFs back and forth wastes hours of your week and delays payments. With CollectWaivers.com, you can select the correct California form, send a text message link to your sub, and get a legally-binding e-signature in under 30 seconds.