What To Know
A lien is an obligation against real property. Generally, the City requires a lien sheet to delete the name of an owner of the real property from a Deed.
Individuals may request a Lien Certificate online or visit our office at:
Abel Wolman Municipal Building, Room 1
200 N Holliday Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Telephone: 410-396-3000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm.
Frequently Asked Lien Questions
- Explanation of liens
Please see Office of the State Tax Sale Ombudsman (maryland.gov) for an explanation of liens.
- Checking outstanding liens
There is no way to check online. Individuals must request a certificate.
- Cost of lien certificate
The cost is of a lien certificate is $55.
- Lien certificate timing
Once you submit the lien certificate request, please allow seven business days to receive the Lien Certificate.
- Validity of lien certificate
A Lien Certificate is generally valid for 45 calendar days from the date listed on the Liens Certificate. However, any lien sheets that are ordered from May 16th through June 30th will be void on July 1st of any given year.
- Lien certificate rush
The City does not expedite processing. The City processes these requests in the order we receive them.
- Check lien certificate status
To check the status of a lien certificate request, login to request a Lien Certificate online, call 410-396-3991, or visit the Liens Unit at 200 Holliday St., Room 1.
- Obtaining a lien certificate copy
Bureau of Revenue Collections will mail a completed Lien Certificate to the address provided or you may pick it up at the Liens Unit.
- Lien certificate-deceased parents
If your parents did not have a life estate and the property is in estate distribution, you will need a lien certificate. If you are the person designated in the life estate to receive the property, you will not need a lien certificate.
- Lien certificate-transferring property
If you are transferring to a company or coming out of the title and giving property to a child or spouse, you will need a lien certificate. If you are adding a child or spouse to the deed, you will not need a lien certificate.