Information for lenders financing vehicles in Maryland

If you are a lender financing a vehicle in Maryland, you must record your security interest (lien) with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).

What is a security interest (lien)?

A security interest, also called a lien, gives a lender legal rights in a vehicle until the loan is paid in full.

When you record a lien:

• The lien is listed on the vehicle’s title
• The MVA issues a Security Interest Filing (SIF) instead of a paper title to the vehicle owner

The SIF shows that your lien is properly recorded.

How to place a lien on a Maryland vehicle

Follow these steps to record your security interest.

How to Place a Lien on a Maryland Vehicle

1. Gather required documents

   To record a lien, the following must be submitted to the MVA:

   • A completed Application for Certificate of Title - PDF - 193.52 KB
   • Proper assignment of the title (if transferring ownership)
   • Your name and address listed as lienholder
   • Required title fees

   Make sure your lienholder information is accurate. Errors may delay processing.

2. Submit the application

   The title application may be submitted by:

   • The dealer
   • The vehicle owner
   • A licensed tag and title service

   Once processed, the MVA will:

   • Record the lien
   • Issue a Security Interest Filing (SIF) to the lienholder

Important notes for lenders

• Maryland is an electronic title state for lien filings when applicable.
• The vehicle owner will not receive a paper title while a lien is active.
• The SIF serves as proof of your recorded security interest.

Releasing a lien

When the loan is paid in full, you must properly release the lien in accordance with Maryland law. Failure to release a satisfied lien may result in penalties.

Questions? We can help.

Contact us if you have questions or need more information.

Contact MVA