A lien is typically a public record. It is generally filed with a county records office (for real property) or with a state agency, such as the secretary of state (boats, mobile homes, office equipment, and the like).
When a bank loan is paid off, a Release of Lien or Certificate of Satisfaction is provided by the bank and is recorded in the Land Records office to provide notice that the prior lien has now been paid in full and released from the property.
