How to Notarize Lien Waivers Without Leaving the Jobsite

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Online notarization enables lien waivers to be signed and notarized directly from the jobsite, saving time and effort.
• Digital solutions reduce paperwork and streamline payment processes for construction teams.
• Secure, remote notarization helps ensure compliance and faster project completion.

If you work in construction, you’ve probably dealt with the pain of notarizing lien waivers.

Subcontractors need them to be in agreement to get paid. General contractors need them to release payment and keep projects moving. Office admins spend hours tracking them down, chasing signatures, and waiting on notaries.

In a world where nearly everything else in construction has gone digital, notarizing lien waivers and resolving mechanics lien issues are still stuck in the past.

Let’s fix that.

Why Lien Waivers Matter (and Why They Often Need to Be Notarized)

Lien waivers are documents that confirm a contractor, sub, or supplier has received their final payment and waives the right to file a lien against the property for that payment, protecting their rights. They’re essential to maintaining a clean title, avoiding disputes, and closing out payments properly.

Some states require lien waivers to be notarized to be valid, particularly when they’re final, conditional, or tied to public projects. Notarization helps prevent fraud and ensures proper execution.

States where notarized lien waivers or related documents are commonly required include:

• Texas
• Florida
• California
• Georgia
• Mississippi
• Nevada
• Wyoming
• Michigan
• Indiana
• Ohio

Requirements can vary by project type (public vs private) and by lien type, so many companies standardize notarization for all lien documents to stay compliant across jobs.

Types of Lien Waivers (and Where They Show Up)

There are four main types of lien waivers in construction:

1. Conditional Waiver on Progress Payment – used when payment is expected but not yet received
2. Unconditional Waiver on Progress Payment – confirms payment has been received for partial work
3. Conditional Waiver on Final Payment – used at the end of a job before full payment is received
4. Unconditional Waiver on Final Payment – confirms all payments have been received and waives any further lien rights

These documents often come from subcontractors, suppliers, or even general contractors involved with the property, as part of the payment agreement process. In many cases, notarization is what unlocks the release of funds.

The Old Way: Chasing Notaries and Delaying Work

Here’s what happens on most jobsites or in project offices:

• The PM or admin prepares a lien waiver
• They try to coordinate with an in-house notary
• That person might be tied up, unavailable, or not onsite
• The team either waits, drives to a notary office, or calls in a mobile notary
• Hours or even days are lost, delaying payment and paperwork

Multiply that by a few jobs and a few documents per project, along with managing the final payment, and you have a serious admin bottleneck.

The Better Way: Notarize Online with NotaryLive

NotaryLive gives construction teams a faster, easier way to notarize documents, without leaving the jobsite or relying on in-house staff.

Here’s how it works:

1. Upload the lien waiver from your phone, tablet, or computer
2. Verify your identity using a secure, compliant process
3. Connect with a live notary, available 24/7
4. Complete the notarization online in minutes
5. Download and distribute the sealed document instantly

No travel. No scheduling. No delays.

Built for the Field and the Office

Whether you’re a project manager, office coordinator, subcontractor, or compliance lead, NotaryLive was built to fit right into your existing workflows.

• Works on any device
• 24/7 access for urgent docs
• Legally accepted in all 50 states
• Audit trail included for every notarization
• Business accounts available for teams with recurring needs, ensuring a streamlined process for any agreement requiring notarization.

Common Use Cases in Construction

✔️ Lien Waivers (Progress and Final)
✔️ Notices of Commencement (NOCs)
✔️ Permit affidavits or owner authorizations
✔️ Subcontractor onboarding or POAs
✔️ Draw request affidavits or closeout packages

Whether it’s the office admin prepping documents, a field supervisor trying to move a project forward, or managing a lien waiver, NotaryLive keeps the process moving without added costs or lost time.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re still chasing notaries or relying on paper-based workflows, there’s a faster, simpler way to get it done.

Start notarizing now Book a demo to learn more

Frequently Asked Questions

What is digital notarization? Online notarization using ID checks, video calls, and secure tools streamlines notarial acts.

Is it legally valid for construction docs? Yes. It’s compliant in all 50 states.

How does it prevent fraud and ensure verification? ID checks and tamper-evident records stop unauthorized edits.

About NotaryLive

NotaryLive is a leading provider of digital notarization and eSign solutions, dedicated to enhancing business efficiency through a secure, user-friendly platform that prioritizes understanding and meeting customer needs. By offering innovative tools for electronic signatures and online notarization, NotaryLive empowers professionals to manage documents easily, anywhere, any time.

Related Reads

• What is a Construction Lien Waiver form?
• Contractor Affidavit Made Simple with NotaryLive
• Notice of Commencement: What It Is And Do I Need To Get It Notarized?
• What Construction Documents Actually Require a Notary?