UCC Search

1 About Uniform Commercial Code

The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) is a standardized set of laws governing commercial transactions in the United States. It provides a consistent legal framework for businesses and individuals engaged in activities such as sales, leases, negotiable instruments, and secured transactions. UCC filings, specifically, are public records used to document a creditor's legal interest in a debtor's assets, often in the context of loans or credit agreements. These filings help ensure transparency and prioritize claims in case of default.

2 Using state UCC sites

State UCC search sites allow users to access public records of UCC filings, typically for:
Lien Searches - Verify existing liens or claims against assets.
Debtor Research - Assess a business or individual's financial obligations.
Secured Party Checks - Confirm creditor interests in collateral.
Filing Validation - Ensure personal UCC filings are properly recorded.
Due Diligence - Identify liabilities during transactions or mergers.
These tools provide transparency and help mitigate financial risks by offering searchable records by debtor name, secured party, or filing number.

3 UCC in the United States

The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) was developed in the mid-20th century to create a standardized legal framework for commercial transactions across the United States. Drafted by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws (NCCUSL) and the American Law Institute (ALI), the UCC was first published in 1952. Its goal was to streamline and harmonize state laws governing sales, leases, negotiable instruments, and secured transactions, facilitating interstate commerce.

By the 1960s, most states had adopted the UCC, tailoring parts of it to fit their specific legal systems. Over time, the code has been revised to address modern business practices, such as electronic transactions. Today, it remains a cornerstone of commercial law in the U.S., ensuring consistency and reliability in business dealings nationwide.

4 Perform a UCC search in a state

Choose the state for the person or corporation you are researching.

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Other resources

Secretary of State Corporation Search
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

UCC Search

Search Uniform Commercial Code filings nationwide