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 Georgia, a mechanic's lien, also known as a garageman's lien in the context of auto repairs, is a legal claim against a vehicle for unpaid repairs or improvements made by a mechanic or repair shop. Under Georgia law, mechanics and auto repair shops can retain possession of a vehicle until the owner pays for the services rendered. This type of lien is established by O.C.G.A. § 44-14-490 et seq., which outlines the process for enforcing the lien, including the requirements for filing a claim and potentially selling the vehicle to recover the owed amount if the debt is not settled. It is important for the lien claimant to follow the statutory procedures precisely, as failure to do so may invalidate the lien. Additionally, the lien must be filed within a certain time frame after the work is completed, and public notice must be given before the vehicle can be sold to satisfy the lien.