Nevada Lien Law
Nevada's mechanic's lien law rewards early notice from those not in direct contract with the owner. This chapter covers the Notice of Right to Lien and its deadline.
The Notice of Right to Lien
Nevada's mechanic's lien law is in NRS Chapter 108. A claimant who does not contract directly with the owner - a subcontractor or supplier - must serve a Notice of Right to Lien, generally within 31 days after first furnishing labor or materials (NRS 108.245), to preserve lien rights.
Why the early notice matters
Missing the 31-day notice can defeat the lien even when the claimant is clearly owed the money, so tracking the first-delivery date on every job is essential. The notice puts the owner on notice that a lower-tier party may claim a lien if it is not paid, which is exactly the protection the statute is designed to give.
State-specific details
State exam facts
- State regulator
- Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB)
- Prelicensing education
- Four years of relevant experience within the last fifteen years
- Passing score
- 75%
- Scored questions
- 60
Does Nevada require a state contractor license?
Yes. The Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) licenses contractors under NRS/NAC Chapter 624, using Class A (Engineering), Class B (Building), and Class C (specialty). The monetary limit is tied to the financial statement, with a reviewed or audited CPA statement required for limits of $1,000,000 or more.
What is on the Nevada Construction Management Survey (CMS) exam?
The CMS Business & Law exam has 60 scored questions and requires 45 correct (75%) to pass; it is open book. Applicants must show four years of relevant experience within the last fifteen years. NASCLA is not accepted in Nevada.
How does Nevada protect residential customers?
Nevada maintains a Residential Recovery Fund, and lien law (NRS 108) requires a Notice of Right to Lien within 31 days. Nevada has no personal or corporate income tax but does impose the Modified Business Tax.
Sources: https://www.nvcontractorsboard.com