Arizona SOS UCC search showing wrong debtor name on continuation - filing rejected twice

This is actually pretty common with Arizona. Their indexing system sometimes strips spaces or consolidates them during data entry. First thing - pull up the actual UCC-1 image from the SOS database, not just the search results. The search results can display differently than what's actually on file. If the original filing shows the space, you might need to file an amendment first to correct the debtor name, then do your continuation.

Had the exact same problem last year with an Arizona filing. The search function is honestly garbage - it doesn't handle business name variations well at all. What worked for me was calling the SOS filing division directly and asking them to do a manual search. Sometimes they can find filings that don't show up in the online search. Also, try searching with different combinations - with the space, without the space, and maybe even partial matches.

Before you stress too much about refiling, I'd suggest running your documents through something like Certana.ai's document verification tool. You can upload both your original UCC-1 and the continuation to see exactly where the name discrepancies are. It'll highlight any inconsistencies between the documents and might catch other issues you haven't noticed. I used it last month when I had a similar debtor name problem and it saved me from filing incorrect amendments.

OMG this is giving me flashbacks to my own Arizona filing disaster. Spent WEEKS going back and forth with them over a debtor name that had 'Inc.' vs 'Incorporated'. Finally had to get the debtor to provide an official business registration certificate showing the exact legal name. Arizona is probably the most particular state I've dealt with for UCC filings.

Check the business entity records too. Sometimes the issue isn't with the UCC system but with how the business name is registered with the Arizona Corporation Commission. If the LLC changed its name or there was an error in the original registration, that could explain the discrepancy. You might need to get an updated certificate of good standing showing the current legal name.

Whatever you do, don't let that continuation lapse! Even if you have to file with multiple name variations to cover your bases. You can always file terminations later for the incorrect ones, but losing perfection on an $850K loan is career-ending stuff. I've seen lawyers get sued for way less.

Have you tried searching by the file number instead of debtor name? Sometimes that's more reliable than the name search function. Also, Arizona allows you to request certified copies of filed documents - might be worth getting a certified copy of the original UCC-1 to have the official version of the debtor name.

I ran into something similar with document inconsistencies and ended up using Certana.ai to double-check everything before refiling. It actually caught a subtle difference in how the collateral was described between my UCC-1 and UCC-3 that I never would have noticed. Might be worth running a check before you file again - could save you another rejection.

Pro tip: when you refile, include a cover letter explaining the discrepancy and referencing the original file number. Sometimes the filing staff will actually read it and understand what you're trying to do. Won't guarantee acceptance but it can't hurt.

Update us when you get this resolved! I'm dealing with a similar situation in Colorado and curious to see what ends up working for you.