BLM Announces New Maintenance Fees for 2026
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has officially announced the annual maintenance fees for mining claims in 2026. All claim owners should be aware of these changes to keep their claims in good standing.
New Fee Structure
The annual maintenance fee has been adjusted to $165 per claim for the 2026 filing year. This represents a slight increase from previous years and applies to both placer and lode claims.
Important Deadline
All maintenance fees must be paid by August 31, 2026 to maintain active status. Late payments will result in claim forfeiture.
What These Fees Cover
Your annual maintenance fees help cover:
- BLM administrative costs for maintaining claim records
- LR2000 database access and updates
- Environmental monitoring and oversight
- Public land management and conservation efforts
Payment Options
The BLM offers several convenient payment methods:
- Online Payment - Pay directly through the BLM website using a credit card
- Mail Payment - Send a check or money order to your local BLM office
- In-Person Payment - Visit your local BLM field office during business hours
Pro Tip
Pay early to avoid the August rush. The BLM payment portal can be slow during the final week before the deadline.
Multiple Claims
If you own multiple claims, you can pay the fees in a single transaction. However, each claim must be listed separately with its:
- Claim name
- Serial number
- Township, Range, and Section information
- County and State
Small Miner Waiver
Small miners who meet specific criteria may qualify for a fee waiver. To be eligible, you must:
- Perform at least $100 of assessment work on each claim
- File a detailed affidavit documenting your work
- Submit all paperwork by the deadline
- Meet the BLM's definition of a small miner (10 or fewer claims)
Assessment Work Alternative
Instead of paying the maintenance fee, you can perform $100 worth of assessment work per claim. This must be documented and filed with both the BLM and your county recorder.
What Happens If You Don't Pay
Failure to pay maintenance fees by the deadline will result in:
- Immediate forfeiture of your mining claim
- Loss of all mineral rights to that parcel
- The claim becomes available for relocation by others
- No refunds on previous years' fees
Key Dates to Remember
- March 1, 2026 - BLM begins accepting maintenance fee payments
- August 31, 2026 - Final deadline for fee payment
- September 1, 2026 - Claims with unpaid fees are forfeited
Additional Resources
For more information about maintenance fees and filing requirements, visit:
- BLM Mining Claims Portal
- Your local BLM field office
- County recorder's office where your claim is located
Stay Informed on BLM Updates
Get notified about important BLM deadlines, regulation changes, and fee updates.
Questions?
If you have questions about your specific claims or fee calculations, contact your local BLM field office. They can provide personalized guidance based on your claim locations and history.
Remember, keeping your claims current is essential to maintaining your mineral rights. Mark these deadlines on your calendar and plan to pay early to avoid any issues.
Eric Schumacher
Professional Gold Prospector
Expert contributor to Gold Claim Filing Service, providing insights and guidance on gold mining claims, BLM regulations, and prospecting best practices.