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 Illinois, 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 Illinois law, specifically the Illinois Mechanics Lien Act (770 ILCS 60/), mechanics and repair shops can assert a lien on a vehicle they have serviced or improved if the owner fails to pay for the labor or materials provided. This lien gives the repair shop the right to retain possession of the vehicle until payment is made. The process for perfecting and enforcing a mechanic's lien in Illinois involves filing a notice of the lien, and if necessary, pursuing legal action to enforce the lien, which could result in the sale of the vehicle to satisfy the debt. It is important for both vehicle owners and repair shops to understand their rights and obligations under the state's mechanic's lien laws.