Maryland § 9-313

Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 9-313, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 9-313.

    (a)    Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), a secured party may perfect a security interest in tangible negotiable documents, goods, instruments, money, or tangible chattel paper by taking possession of the collateral. A secured party may perfect a security interest in certificated securities by taking delivery of the certificated securities under § 8-301 of this article.

    (b)    With respect to goods covered by a certificate of title issued by this State, a secured party may perfect a security interest in the goods by taking possession of the goods only in the circumstances described in § 9-316(d).

    (c)    With respect to collateral other than certificated securities and goods covered by a document, a secured party takes possession of collateral in the possession of a person other than the debtor, the secured party, or a lessee of the collateral from the debtor in the ordinary course of the debtor’s business, when:

        (1)    The person in possession authenticates a record acknowledging that it holds possession of the collateral for the secured party’s benefit; or

        (2)    The person takes possession of the collateral after having authenticated a record acknowledging that it will hold possession of collateral for the secured party’s benefit.

    (d)    If perfection of a security interest depends upon possession of the collateral by a secured party, perfection occurs no earlier than the time the secured party takes possession and continues only while the secured party retains possession.

    (e)    A security interest in a certificated security in registered form is perfected by delivery when delivery of the certificated security occurs under § 8-301 of this article and remains perfected by delivery until the debtor obtains possession of the security certificate.

    (f)    A person in possession of collateral is not required to acknowledge that it holds possession for a secured party’s benefit.

    (g)    If a person acknowledges that it holds possession for the secured party’s benefit:

        (1)    The acknowledgment is effective under subsection (c) or § 8-301(a) of this article, even if the acknowledgment violates the rights of a debtor; and

        (2)    Unless the person otherwise agrees or law other than this article otherwise provides, the person does not owe any duty to the secured party and is not required to confirm the acknowledgment to another person.

    (h)    A secured party having possession of collateral does not relinquish possession by delivering the collateral to a person other than the debtor or a lessee of the collateral from the debtor in the ordinary course of the debtor’s business if the person was instructed before the delivery or is instructed contemporaneously with the delivery:

        (1)    To hold possession of the collateral for the secured party’s benefit; or

        (2)    To redeliver the collateral to the secured party.

    (i)    A secured party does not relinquish possession, even if a delivery under subsection (h) violates the rights of a debtor. A person to which collateral is delivered under subsection (h) does not owe any duty to the secured party and is not required to confirm the delivery to another person unless the person otherwise agrees or law other than this article otherwise provides.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 9-313

What does Maryland Code § 9-313 cover?

Section 9-313 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Maryland § 9-313?

A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 9-313" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Maryland law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.

How does Maryland § 9-313 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.