My car seems to have a lifter problem

My car seems to have a lifter problem. It started making a clacking kind of noise, about 3 weeks ago, when I turn it on, but only when it is cold. If I turn it off and then turn it back on again, it won't do it, until it sits for awhile. The noise seems to disappear after 3-6 clacks.

1) Does it sound like a lifter problem?
2) If it is, how serious is this problem?
3) What are my options?
4) How much would you estimate these options would cost?

Thanks, Letty