Tennessee Mechanics Lien Release

Once a Tennessee lien is paid, a release of lien clears it from the public record. Here is when it is due, what happens if you wait, and where it is recorded.

Release a Tennessee lien from $49 Download the free blank form

What a lien release is in Tennessee

Tennessee law calls it a release of lien (Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-11-135). It is the claimant's signed statement that the lien is paid or released, and it clears the lien of record.

A lien that stays on the record after payment can hold up a sale or a refinance. Release it promptly, even when no one has asked yet.

Document: Release of lien; Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-11-135
When to release: Within 30 days after the owner's written demand, once the lien is paid, expired or forfeited
If you do not: The owner's damages, costs and attorney's fees (Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-11-135(a)).
Where it is recorded: Register of deeds for the county
Notary: Required; Signed and acknowledged before a notary
Free blank form: Yes, PDF; Release of Lien

When to release a paid Tennessee lien

Deadline after payment: Within 30 days after the owner's written demand, once the lien is paid, expired or forfeited. Source: Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-11-135.
If you do not release it: The owner's damages, costs and attorney's fees (Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-11-135(a)).
Where it is recorded: Record it with the register of deeds for the county. Bring the lien's recording number or book and page so the release can be matched to it.

More Tennessee rules to know

Record it with the register of deeds where the notice of lien was recorded. The lien counts as released on the day the release is recorded (Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-11-135(b), (c)).

Download a blank Tennessee lien release form

The Release of Lien our service prepares, with every field left blank. PDF, free, no sign-up. Fill in the lien's recording details and your own facts before you sign it.

Source: Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-11-135. Read the Tennessee lien statute. Release rules turn on facts specific to your lien. Confirm with counsel before relying on them.

Release your Tennessee lien

We prepare the release from your lien's recording details. Self-serve from $49: you review, sign and record it. Full service from $99: we handle the recording for you.

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Tennessee lien release FAQ

What is a lien release called in Tennessee?

Tennessee law calls it a release of lien (Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-11-135).

How soon must I release a Tennessee lien after I am paid?

Within 30 days after the owner's written demand, once the lien is paid, expired or forfeited. Source: Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-11-135.

What happens if I do not release a paid lien in Tennessee?

The owner's damages, costs and attorney's fees (Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-11-135(a)).

Where is a Tennessee lien release recorded?

Record it with the register of deeds for the county. Bring the lien's recording details so the release can be matched to it.

Is there a free Tennessee lien release form?

Yes. Download the blank Release of Lien on this page. It is the same release our service prepares, with every field left blank. Or we prepare it for you from $49.

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This page summarizes Tennessee law for general information and is not legal advice. Notice and release rules depend on your role, project type and dates. Confirm them against the statute or with counsel before relying on them.