How to Put a Lien on a Car

If you want to file a lien on a car, there are certain steps you must follow. The actions you take should be consistent with laws and regulations within your own county and state. Placing a lien on a car can help you collect on a debt that someone owes you for repair work done on the car.

Things You'll Need

• Repair order
• Filing form
• Preliminary notice
• Affidavit

Instructions

1. Locate the work order, estimate or invoice signed by the customer which allowed you to proceed with the needed car repairs.

2. Check with the statute in your state to make sure you follow all of the necessary steps. You can get your state's statues along with the legal forms on your state government's website. The county courthouse will also have legal forms.

3. Wait for the grace period to expire for payment of the debt. The debtor has a reasonable amount of time after the work has been performed to make payment.

4. Send the consumer a preliminary notice by certified mail if repayment arrangements cannot be established. Include the names and address of everyone who is a party to the transaction. Give a description of the repair services completed. Include the address where the work was done.

5. Give the consumer some time to address the notice. If there is no response file the lien in the county in which the car is situated. A copy of the repair service order should be included. The exact process varies from state to state. The county clerk can give you assistance.

   Allow the consumer time to answer the affidavit. If there is an answer by the consumer there will be a court date set for both parties to attend. Should the consumer not answer then you will have a judgment and the filing of the lien is complete.

Tips & Warnings

• all of the steps mentioned above can vary from state to state. check your state statue for the correct method for each step.

• Some contracts can have wording in them that waives lien rights. If this is your first time filing a lien seek out assistance from an attorney who is familiar with lien law. Don't take this information as legal advice

Resources

• Statues by state