Lien Registrations

A lien is a legal claim on personal property as security for a debt.

Liens are filed in the Personal Property Registry against motor vehicles, boats, outboard motors, trailers, aircraft and manufactured homes. Each type of lien has legislation that governs the filing in the registry. The legislation prescribes the conditions that must be met before the lien can be filed.

Anyone intending to lend money to an individual or business can secure their loan by registering a lien against the debtor's personal property.  Liens can be registered for any length of time and provides the lender with collateral to secure payment of the debt.

Who Registers and Why?

Lenders and Sellers (Secured Parties) register their interest in the personal property of a debtor to secure payment of the debt and to establish a priority position in the collateral vis a vis other secured parties.

Garage keepers register non-possessory liens against motor vehicles, trailers, boats, outboard motors or aircraft for collection of outstanding repair bills.  Garage keepers may also be required at times to register a Repairer's Lien.  

Buyers may register a buyer's interest in the personal property of a seller to protect the buyer's interest in goods purchased and left in the possession of the seller.

Taxing Authorities register tax liens against the personal property of a taxpayer for collection of outstanding taxes.

Others: Agents, notaries, law firms and other parties who have been authorized to act as registering parties on behalf of secured parties may register statements on their behalf.