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 Idaho, 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 an auto repair shop or mechanic. Under Idaho Code § 45-501 to § 45-525, mechanics and similar tradespeople can place a lien on a vehicle they have serviced or repaired if they are not paid for their labor or materials. This lien gives the repair shop the right to retain possession of the vehicle until the debt is paid. The lien must be perfected by following specific statutory requirements, including a timeline for filing a notice of lien with the appropriate county recorder's office. If the vehicle owner fails to pay the debt within the stipulated time frame, the lienholder may enforce the lien through a sale of the vehicle to recover the owed amount. It is important for both vehicle owners and repair shops to understand their rights and obligations under Idaho's mechanic's lien laws to ensure proper legal procedures are followed.