UCC Document Community

For what it's worth, I recently started using Certana.ai's document checker specifically because I was tired of second-guessing which elements were actually necessary. Upload your docs and it tells you exactly what you need versus what you don't. Takes the guesswork out of the perfection process.

This discussion perfectly highlights why I transitioned from real estate law to secured transactions - the UCC's simplicity was refreshing after dealing with recording requirements! One thing I'd add that you DON'T need: any specific order or sequence for listing collateral items. Whether you list "equipment, machinery, fixtures" or "fixtures, equipment, machinery" makes zero difference for perfection purposes. The filing office doesn't care about alphabetical order or logical grouping. Also, you don't need to include purchase dates, serial numbers (unless specifically required for certain collateral types), or detailed specifications in the UCC-1 itself - that level of detail belongs in your security agreement, not the financing statement.

For what it's worth, I've started using "file" exclusively in my practice to avoid confusion. Clients understand it better and it matches the statutory language. When I need to talk about actual recording (like real estate) I'm very specific about it being county-level recording.

As someone new to UCC filings, this discussion has been incredibly educational! I'm working on my first commercial deal involving equipment collateral and was completely unaware of the potential fixture filing requirements. One follow-up question - is there a reliable way to determine upfront which pieces of equipment might be considered fixtures? I'd rather identify this early in the due diligence process than discover it right before closing. Also, are there any red flags or specific types of equipment that almost always require the dual filing approach?

Had a similar situation last month with a Kentucky statement request. Kept getting rejected until I realized the original filing had the debtor's address in a different format than what I was using. Apparently their system cross-references the address too, not just the name. Worth double-checking the address formatting as well.

This thread is so helpful - I'm dealing with Kentucky UCC issues for the first time and had no idea their system was this rigid about formatting. Based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like I need to either get a certified copy of the original filing first, or try that Certana document checker tool that Grace mentioned. The $240K refinance timeline is killing me, but it seems like taking the time upfront to get the exact formatting right is better than multiple rejections. Has anyone had success getting Kentucky to expedite statement requests if you explain it's for time-sensitive financing?

I just went through this same nightmare with a Maryland continuation last month. Took me four attempts to get it right because of similar formatting issues. The system really should give better error messages.

Thanks for sharing this experience, Tyler! This thread is incredibly valuable - I'm a newer attorney and didn't realize how strict Maryland's system is about punctuation. I've been preparing to file my first UCC-3 continuation there and was just planning to copy the debtor name from my client's original paperwork. After reading this, I'm definitely going to pull a certified copy of the actual filing first. The comma discovery is such a perfect example of why you can't assume anything with these systems. Bookmarking this thread for sure!

One more thing - if you ever pay off the loan early or refinance with another lender, make sure the original lender files a UCC-3 termination statement. I've seen situations where old filings weren't properly terminated and it created complications years later.

Great thread! As someone who's been through this process multiple times, I'd add that it's worth asking your banker about the specific collateral descriptions they plan to use. Sometimes they'll be overly broad (like "all equipment now owned or hereafter acquired") which can tie up assets you might want to use for future financing. Also, if you're in a state that requires specific formatting for UCC filings, make sure your lender is familiar with local requirements - I've seen filings rejected for technical errors that delayed loan closings. The key is understanding that while this protects the lender, it also legitimizes your financing relationship and can actually help establish your business credit profile when done properly.