Are Liens Public Record?

If you’re involved in a property transaction, it’s important to look beyond prices and paperwork. Certain records tied to a property can impact how a deal moves forward, if at all. This includes liens.

A lien is a legal claim connected to unpaid debt. But what does that mean for you, practically? More importantly, are liens public record?

Before you sign on a deal, you’ll want to know if any liens exist against the property. This guide explains how liens work and where to find them in public records.

What Is a Lien? Are Liens Public Record?

A lien is a legal claim placed on a property you own when money is still owed.

The purpose of a lien is to protect the person or organization that’s owed money. The owner usually can’t sell, refinance, or fully transfer the property until that debt is cleared.

What Types of Liens Are Public Record?

Most liens are public record. Here are some common examples you may come across:

Mortgage Liens: When someone borrows money to buy a home, the bank places a lien on the property. That lien stays until the loan is paid off.
Tax Liens: If property taxes go unpaid, the local government can place a tax lien on the property. This is very serious because tax liens can lead to foreclosure.
Mechanic’s Liens: These liens happen when a contractor, builder, or repair person isn’t paid for their work on a property. The lien makes sure their claim is recorded publicly.
Judgment Liens: If someone sues and wins money in court, they may put a lien on the debtor’s property to secure payment.

Why Are Liens Public Record?

Liens are generally part of the public record to protect buyers. If liens were kept secret, people could buy property without knowing they were inheriting someone else’s debts.

Public records are maintained by local government offices. For real estate, liens are recorded with the county recorder or registrar. Once recorded, anyone can see them.

How Can You Find Liens on Public Record?

Below are a few ways you can search for property liens:

Visit the County Recorder’s Office

The most direct option is visiting the county recorder, clerk, or assessor’s office where the property is located. This is where liens are officially filed and stored. You can usually search records by the property address or the owner’s name.

Staff members may also be available to guide you on how to access the records, though they won’t offer legal advice. This option can take time, but it’s one of the most accurate ways to confirm what’s on file.

Use Government Websites

Many counties now offer online access to public records, including lien filings. You can enter a name or address on the website and check for any recorded liens from the comfort of your home. While systems can vary by location, they’re often free and regularly updated.

The only downside is that some databases can be hard to navigate, and not all counties provide full digital access.

Use Public Records Search Tools

People search tools collect and organize public data from multiple sources to make the search easier. These tools may show liens tied to people or properties.

This may save time and make the process less confusing, especially if you’re checking records across multiple locations.

Hire a Title Company

If you’re buying or selling property, a title company can handle the search for you. Title companies perform detailed title searches to uncover liens, ownership issues, and other legal claims tied to a property.

This is often the safest option for real estate transactions because it makes sure there are no hidden issues before closing.

Is It Possible for a Lien to Not Be Public Record?

Yes, a lien can exist without appearing in public records. This happens if it wasn’t filed correctly, was recorded in the wrong county or department, or was listed under a different name, such as a previous owner, business name, or spelling variation.

Hidden liens can cause serious problems during a property transaction. They may delay a sale, complicate refinancing, or even stop a deal entirely until the issue is resolved. This is why due diligence is important. For higher-risk or high-value transactions, it’s best to work with legal professionals or title companies.