California Mining Claim Guide
Current 2025 regulations, fees, and filing requirements
⚡ Quick Facts
📞 BLM California State Office
Bureau of Land Management - CASO
ATTN: Accounts/Mining
2800 Cottage Way, W-1623
Sacramento, CA 95825
BLM California State Office
💰 2025 Fees & Deadlines
Annual Maintenance Fees
- $200 per lode claim, tunnel site, or mill site
- $200 per 20 acres (or portion thereof) for placer claims
Critical Deadline
September 2, 2025 - Maintenance fees or Small Miner's Waiver must be filed/postmarked by this date.
(Extended from Sept. 1 due to federal holiday)
Assessment Work Deadline
December 30, 2025 - Affidavit of Annual Assessment Work required for Small Miner's Waiver holders.
Includes $15 processing fee per claim
📮 How to File in California
1. Online (Recommended)
Pay maintenance fees online through the Mineral & Land Records System (MLRS):
Visit MLRS →2. By Mail
Mail payments to the address above. Must be postmarked by September 2, 2025.
⚠️ Note: Small Miner's Waiver cannot be filed online - must be mailed or filed in person due to original signature requirement.
3. In Person
Visit the California State Office Public Room in Sacramento during business hours.
🏛️ County Recording Requirements
In addition to filing with BLM, you must record your mining claim with the county recorder's office where the claim is located.
Important: Recording requirements and fees vary by county. Contact your local county recorder's office for specific requirements.
Popular Mining Counties in California:
- El Dorado County
- Nevada County
- Placer County
- Plumas County
- Sierra County
- Trinity County
- Yuba County
- Inyo County
- Mono County