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Filings

How to File Annual Paperwork for Your Mining Claim: A Step-by-Step Guide

Owning a mining claim on federal land gives you rights to valuable minerals, but it also comes with responsibilities. Every year, you must submit specific documents to maintain your claim in good standing. Failure to file the correct paperwork or pay required fees will result in the loss of your claim.

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In this guide, we’ll walk you through the annual filing process for unpatented mining claims on BLM-managed public lands in the United States.

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🔍 Overview of Required Annual Filings

There are four main types of annual filings you may need to submit:

  1. Maintenance Fee Payment (due every year)

  2. Waiver Application (Small Miner’s Waiver) – if you own 10 or fewer claims

  3. Affidavit of Assessment Work – if you file a waiver. An Affidavit of Assessment, along with the appropriate processing fee, may be submitted with the Maintenance Fee Waiver Certification.

  4. Notice of Intent to Hold – Must be filed for the first calendar year claim(s) are located or the first instance a waiver form is filed.  May be submitted with the Maintenance Fee Waiver Certification.

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📅 Important Deadline

  • Annual filings are due by September 1st each year.

  • This includes both the payment and paperwork.

  • Missing the deadline will lead to claim forfeiture.

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🧾 Option 1: Pay the Maintenance Fee

Who Should Use This Option?

  • Claim holders who own more than 10 claims

  • Anyone who doesn’t qualify or choose to apply for a small miner waiver

What to File:

  • Maintenance Fee Payment of $200 per claim or site

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How to File:

  1. Prepare a list of all your claim names and serial numbers. Or, complete the Maintenance Fee Payment Form (Form 3830-5a (for placer claims))

  2. Write a check or money order for $200 per claim, payable to U.S. Department of the Interior – BLM; or make payment online using a credit card.

  3. Fees can be paid online using the Mineral & Land Records System (MLRS), in person at your BLM state office, or sent via the mail.

 

🧾 Option 2: File a Small Miner’s Waiver

Who Should Use This Option?

  • Claimants who own 10 or fewer mining claims, mill, or tunnel sites total, nationwide

  • Intend to perform the required assessment work

What to File:

  1. Waiver Application Form (Form 3830-2)

  2. A signed statement from each co-owner (if applicable)

Deadline:

  • Must be filed by September 1st each year

Follow-Up Filing Required:

If you file a waiver, you must also file:

  • Affidavit of Assessment Work (a.k.a. Proof of Labor)

    • Due by December 30th

    • Form 3830-4. Must describe work done on the claim during the assessment year (Sept 1–Aug 31)

    • Include a $15 per claim processing fee

🛠️ Affidavit of Assessment Work

What to Include:

  • Description of physical work done (digging, trenching, drilling, clearing, etc.)

  • The exact location of work performed

  • Total labor hours or dollar value of work

  • Signature of the claim holder or agent

Filing Tips:

  • File at the county recorder’s office first (in the county where the claim is located)

  • Then file a copy with the BLM State Office, along with the $15 per claim fee

🧾 Notice of Intent to Hold

Must be filed for the first calendar year claim(s) are located or the first instance a waiver form is filed.  May be submitted with the Maintenance Fee Waiver Certification.

What to File:

  • Simple statement of intent to hold the claim

  • Claim name and serial number

  • Filed by December 30th

  • Include a $15 per claim processing fee

 

🧭 Where to File

Send all documents and payments to the appropriate BLM State Office where your claims are recorded. Each office may have its own address, so verify it in advance.

You can find a list of BLM State Offices here:
👉 https://www.blm.gov

 

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Missing deadlines: There are no grace periods.

  • Failing to include all co-owners’ signatures on the waiver.

  • Forgetting to file Proof of Labor (or NOI in first year) after submitting a waiver.

  • Not recording paperwork at the county level when required.

 

💬 Final Thoughts

Filing your annual claim documents doesn’t have to be stressful. Stay organized, mark your calendar for deadlines, and double-check requirements based on your state and claim type. If in doubt, contact your local BLM office early in the year to clarify what’s needed.

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Keeping your claim active is worth the effort—don’t let paperwork cost you a valuable mineral right.

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