I reluctantly used the BLM's free online payment portal to file and pay my annual maintenance fees this year and am happy to report that everything went smoothly and I received receipt by mail for both of my claims. This is a real time saver for me and I'm very pleased that they are offering this now. Still have to file 'Notice of Intent to Hold' manually (by Dec 31st) but that's okay.

Glad to hear they give you that option to save you a little time!

I've heard of no problems over the past few years created by using the online payment system. This seems to be a new thing that the BLM has done well. The big mining companies still pay by hand delivered check but it's been a help for smaller claim owners.

Just a heads up. The deadline for your Notice of Intent to Hold (or Labor Affidavit) is December 30th - not the 31st. Small miners will lose their claims if they file the following day.

Thanks Clay I did not know that, for some reason I thought it was the 31st. I think I just figured 'end of the year'. I file it well ahead of the date but that's just the type of thing that could trip someone up if they file it at the last minute.