How to stake a mining claim, state by state
Each state adds its own rules to the federal mining law: where to post the notice, which monuments to set, what to record, by when, and what to file each year. These guides summarize them from the statutes, reviewed October 11, 2026.
New to claims? Start with how to stake a mining claim on federal land.
| State | Statutes | Record lode claims | Notary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | AS 27.10 (federal claims); AS 40.17 and 11 AAC 06 (recording) | 90 days from discovery or posting, whichever is earlier | Not required |
| Arizona | A.R.S. 27-201 to 27-210 | 90 days from location | Recommended |
| California | Public Resources Code 3900-3924 | 90 days from posting | Not required |
| Colorado | C.R.S. 34-43-101 to 34-43-116 | 90 days from discovery (3 months) | Not required |
| Idaho | Idaho Code 47-601 to 47-619 | 90 days from location | Required |
| Montana | MCA 82-2-101 to 82-2-115 | 60 days from posting | Required |
| Nevada | NRS 517.010 to 517.300 | 90 days from location | Not required |
| New Mexico | NMSA 1978, 69-3-1 to 69-3-32 | 90 days from location | Recommended |
| Oregon | ORS 517.010 to 517.330 | 60 days from posting | Not required |
| South Dakota | SDCL 45-4 | 60 days from discovery | Required |
| Utah | Utah Code 40-1-1 to 40-1-11 | 30 days from posting | Required |
| Washington | RCW 78.08 | 30 days from signing (and within 90 days of discovery) | Not required |
| Wyoming | W.S. 30-1-101 to 30-1-125 | 90 days from discovery | Recommended |
These guides are summaries, not legal advice. Statutes, fees and recorder rules change; confirm with the county recorder and BLM before you file.