Land records · Parcel maps · October 6, 2026
What Is a Release of Lien? Clearing a Paid Claim
What is a release of lien? A recorded document showing a lien was paid or discharged, clearing it from title. Types, who signs, and fixing missing ones.
What is a release of lien? A release of lien is a document signed by a lienholder, and usually recorded, stating that a lien against a property has been paid or otherwise discharged. Once recorded, it tells anyone searching the title that the claim no longer affects the property. Releases are used for mortgages, judgment liens, mechanics liens, tax liens, HOA liens, and other claims. A missing release is one of the most common title problems found before a sale. This page is general land-records background, not legal advice.
Names you may see
| Lien | Common release document |
|---|---|
| Mortgage | Satisfaction of mortgage or release of mortgage |
| Deed of trust | Deed of reconveyance |
| Judgment | Satisfaction of judgment |
| Mechanics lien | Release of mechanics lien or lien release bond |
| Federal tax lien | Certificate of release |
| HOA lien | Release of assessment lien |
See what is a satisfaction of mortgage.
Release vs lien waiver
A lien waiver is signed by a contractor or supplier, often before or during a project, giving up the right to file a lien for work paid so far. A release of lien removes a lien that was already recorded. See what is a lien waiver.
Who signs and records it
The current lienholder signs, often with a notary acknowledgment, and records it in the county where the lien was recorded. Many states require lenders to record a release within a set number of days after payoff and impose penalties if they do not. For mechanics liens, the claimant signs the release or the owner may bond around the lien.
What a release contains
- The lienholder and property owner names.
- A reference to the original lien by recording number or book and page.
- The legal description or address.
- A statement that the lien is released, in full or partially.
- Signature and acknowledgment.
Partial releases
A partial release removes the lien from part of the property, common in subdivisions where a developer’s loan is released lot by lot as homes sell.
When the release is missing
A paid lien without a recorded release still shows as an open item and can cloud title. See what is a cloud on title. Steps to fix it:
- Find proof of payment, such as a payoff statement or canceled check.
- Contact the lienholder or its successor to request a recorded release.
- If the lender is gone, contact the successor bank or regulator.
- Use state statutory procedures that let a title company or owner record an affidavit of payoff after notice.
- As a last resort, a quiet title action.
Checking for releases
Search the county index for the lien by number and look for any document referencing it. Many indexes show “released” or link the release to the original.
Bottom line
A release of lien is a recorded document that shows a lien has been paid or discharged, clearing it from the property’s title. Lenders, judgment creditors, contractors, and agencies each have their own release forms. If a paid lien has no release, gather proof of payment and request one before you sell. Find county recorders via the Platbookmapper map.
What is a release of lien FAQ
What does a release of lien do?
It shows in the public record that a lien has been paid or discharged.
Who records a lien release?
Usually the lienholder, in the county where the lien was recorded.
What if my mortgage was paid off but there is no release?
Contact the lender or its successor for a recorded release, or use your state’s payoff affidavit process.
Is a lien waiver the same as a lien release?
No. A waiver gives up the right to file a lien; a release removes a recorded lien.
Can a lien be partially released?
Yes. Partial releases remove a lien from part of a property, such as one lot.