Michigan lien waiver requirements

Michigan requires its statutory lien waiver forms under MCL §570.1115; using another format can invalidate your waiver. There are four forms, and — like Arizona — notarizing one is an alteration that can void it.

This guide covers Michigan’s four forms, the payment rule, and the no-notary quirk. It is general information, not legal advice — confirm specifics with a Michigan construction attorney.

Michigan at a glance

Mandatory statutory form

Yes — must use the MCL §570.1115 forms

Governing lien law

Michigan Compiled Laws §570.1115

Waiver forms

Four: full / partial × conditional / unconditional

Notarization

Not required — notarizing can invalidate the waiver

Electronic signatures

Recognized under Michigan’s UETA (MCL §450.831 et seq.)

How ClearLien handles Michigan waivers

ClearLien automates the waiver loop for general contractors on QuickBooks Online: pay a subcontractor’s bill and the waiver is drafted from the payment, sent for no-account signing on any phone, and stored with a full audit trail — with retainage carved out. Minnesota’s form is live today and Michigan’s statutory forms are on the roadmap — start free and you’ll be ready the moment Michigan support goes live.

Michigan lien waiver FAQs

Does Michigan require a specific lien waiver form?

Yes. A Michigan waiver must use the statutory form under MCL §570.1115 (full or partial, conditional or unconditional). Using a non-statutory format can invalidate it.

Do Michigan lien waivers need to be notarized?

No — and you should not. Notarizing alters the statutory form and can invalidate the waiver. The claimant’s signature is what is required.

When does a Michigan waiver take effect?

Michigan waivers are effective on payment of the amount stated. A claimant who receives full payment provides a full unconditional waiver; partial payments call for a partial unconditional waiver.

Are electronic signatures valid in Michigan?

Generally yes, under Michigan’s adoption of UETA and the federal ESIGN Act. ClearLien records a full audit trail and stores the signed PDF tamper-evident with a content hash.

Does ClearLien support Michigan?

ClearLien automates the lien-waiver loop for general contractors on QuickBooks Online — pay a bill and the waiver is drafted, sent for no-account signing, and stored with an audit trail. Minnesota’s form is live today and Michigan is on the roadmap; start free and you’ll be ready the moment Michigan support goes live.