A mechanic’s lien is a security interest in real or personal property that is acquired by someone who adds material or labor to improve the property. A mechanic’s lien usually remains in effect until the lien holder (the auto repair shop) is paid for the material or labor added to the property. For a movable piece of property like a car, the property owner’s failure to pay the auto repair shop for material or labor may allow the auto repair shop to keep possession of the car until the owner pays for the material and labor. In the auto repair context, a mechanic’s lien is sometimes called a garageman’s lien.

In Ohio, a mechanic's lien, often referred to as a garageman's lien when it pertains to auto repairs, is a legal claim against a vehicle for unpaid repairs or improvements made by a mechanic or repair shop. Under Ohio Revised Code § 1311.55, any person who expends labor, material, or machinery on a motor vehicle for its preservation, storage, repair, or improvement has a lien upon that vehicle for a reasonable charge for the work done and materials furnished. This lien allows the repair shop to retain possession of the vehicle until they are paid. To perfect the lien, the repair shop must follow specific procedures, including sending a notice to the vehicle owner and possibly filing the lien with the appropriate local authority. If the vehicle owner fails to pay the debt within the stipulated time frame, the repair shop may enforce the lien through a sale of the vehicle after giving proper notice as required by law.