Preliminary Notice Required

    Virginia Preliminary Notice Requirements for Contractors [2026]

    VA — Va. Code § 43-11

    Disclaimer: LienFlash is a document preparation platform, not a law firm. The statutory information below is provided for educational purposes and reflects state law as of 2026. Consult a qualified construction attorney licensed in Virginia for legal advice specific to your situation.

    Quick Facts

    Notice Required

    Yes

    Notice Type

    Notice

    Statute

    Va. Code § 43-11

    Deadline

    30 days from first furnishing

    Delivery Method

    Certified mail or personal delivery

    Key Fact: Virginia

    Virginia requires preliminary notice within 30 days, but only from sub-subcontractors and suppliers. Direct subcontractors to the general contractor are exempt.

    Understanding Virginia Requirements

    Virginia requires contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers to file a Notice to preserve their mechanics lien rights. Under Va. Code § 43-11, claimants must send this notice within 30 days from first furnishing to remain eligible to file a lien if payment disputes arise.

    Failing to send a timely Notice in Virginia can result in the complete loss of your right to file a mechanics lien. This makes compliance with the 30 days from first furnishing deadline one of the most critical administrative tasks for any construction project in the state.

    LienFlash automates the Notice process for states where we operate, handling document generation, CASS-certified address verification, and USPS certified mailing. When we launch in Virginia, you will be able to generate and send compliant notices in under two minutes.

    LienFlash is Coming to Virginia

    Join the waitlist to be notified when we launch automated preliminary notice filing in Virginia.

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