Does California require a specific lien waiver form?

Yes. California prescribes a statutory lien waiver form (Civil Code §8132-8138). A release that does not substantially follow the statutory language can be unenforceable.

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California lien waiver requirements

Form type

Statutory form

Statute

Civil Code §8132-8138

Notarization

Not required

Key rules

Civil Code §8132-8138

Sources: California Civil Code 8132 — https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=8132 · California Civil Code 8134 — https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=8134 · California Civil Code 8136 — https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=8136 · California Civil Code 8138 — https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=8138

The California statutory conditional progress waiver

This is the actual form SubLien generates for California — filled from your payment data. Sample values shown.

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SubLien fills, sends, and e-signs the California statutory waiver — and chases the signature for you.

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This guide is general information, not legal advice, and may not reflect the most recent changes to the law. Statutory lien-waiver and insurance requirements change — confirm the current rules with qualified counsel or your insurance advisor for your specific project and jurisdiction.