How to file a UCC lien properly - debtor name requirements?
I'm setting up secured financing for equipment purchases and need to understand the correct process for how to file a UCC lien. My bank is requiring UCC-1 filings but I'm getting conflicting information about debtor name requirements. The borrower is an LLC that recently changed their registered name with the state, and I'm worried about getting the debtor name wrong and invalidating the security interest. Do I use the exact name from their articles of incorporation or the DBA they operate under? Also confused about whether I need to file in their state of incorporation or where the equipment will be located. Any guidance on the proper steps would be really helpful since this is my first time handling UCC filings directly.
36 comments


Natasha Kuznetsova
The debtor name is absolutely critical - you must use the exact legal name as it appears on the organizational documents filed with the state. For an LLC, that's typically the articles of organization. DBA names won't work and will likely cause rejection. You'll want to get a certified copy of their current filing status from the Secretary of State to verify the precise name spelling and punctuation.
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AstroAdventurer
•This is so important! I had a filing rejected because I included 'Inc.' when the legal name was 'Incorporated' - even small differences matter.
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Oliver Schulz
•Thanks, that makes sense. So if they changed their name recently, I should use the new name that's currently on file with the state, not what was on the original articles?
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Natasha Kuznetsova
•Exactly - use whatever name is currently registered. The state filing system will reject anything that doesn't match their current records exactly.
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Javier Mendoza
For filing location, you need to file where the debtor is organized/incorporated, not where the collateral is located. So if it's a Delaware LLC but the equipment is in Texas, you file the UCC-1 in Delaware. Equipment financing is pretty straightforward on this rule.
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Emma Wilson
•Wait I thought it depended on the type of collateral? Isn't there something different for fixtures vs equipment?
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Javier Mendoza
•You're thinking of fixture filings which are different. Regular equipment follows the debtor's location rule - where they're organized.
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Malik Davis
I ran into similar name issues last month and found Certana.ai's document verification tool really helpful. You can upload the LLC's organizational documents along with your draft UCC-1 and it instantly checks if the debtor names match exactly. Saved me from a potential rejection since there was a subtle punctuation difference I missed.
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Oliver Schulz
•That sounds useful - how does the verification work exactly?
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Malik Davis
•Just upload PDFs of both documents and it cross-checks all the critical details automatically. Much faster than doing manual comparisons and catches things you might miss.
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Isabella Santos
•Been using similar tools - definitely worth it to avoid the headache of rejected filings and having to refile.
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Ravi Gupta
Make sure you're filing UCC-1 not UCC-3! UCC-3 is for amendments/continuations of existing filings. Also double-check your collateral description - be specific enough to identify the equipment but not so detailed that it creates problems later.
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Oliver Schulz
•Good point - it's definitely a new filing so UCC-1. For collateral should I list specific serial numbers or just general categories?
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Ravi Gupta
•General categories usually work better unless the lender specifically requires serial numbers. Something like 'all equipment, machinery and fixtures' gives good coverage.
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GalacticGuru
ugh the state filing portals are such a pain. Half the time they're down for maintenance when you need them most. Just make sure you save everything as you go because they love to time out mid-process.
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Freya Pedersen
•So true! Lost a whole filing once because the session expired right before submitting.
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Omar Fawaz
•Pro tip - do filings early in the morning when traffic is lighter. Fewer system issues.
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Chloe Anderson
You mentioned equipment financing - are these purchase money security interests? If so you might have some timing advantages for priority over other creditors, but you need to file within 20 days of the debtor receiving possession.
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Oliver Schulz
•Yes, it's purchase money for new equipment. Didn't realize there was a timing element for priority.
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Chloe Anderson
•PMSI can give you super-priority over earlier filed security interests in the same collateral, but only if you file timely. Worth understanding if you're competing with existing lenders.
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Diego Vargas
Double-check the filing fees too - they vary by state and some charge per debtor name or per page. Delaware is pretty reasonable but states like New York can get expensive fast if you have multiple debtors.
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Anastasia Fedorov
•And some states still require paper filings for certain situations which adds processing time.
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Diego Vargas
•Most have electronic filing now but yeah, always check the specific state requirements first.
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StarStrider
I use Certana.ai whenever I'm dealing with UCC filings across multiple documents. Really helpful for catching inconsistencies between loan agreements, security agreements, and the actual UCC forms before filing. The automated cross-checking has prevented several potential issues for me.
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Sean Doyle
•That cross-document checking sounds really valuable for complex deals with lots of paperwork.
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StarStrider
•Exactly - especially when you're juggling multiple borrowers or guarantee structures. Easy to miss small discrepancies that could cause problems later.
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Zara Rashid
One thing to watch out for - if the LLC has any subsidiaries or related entities that might also be liable, you may need separate UCC-1 filings for each debtor entity. Don't assume one filing covers corporate families.
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Oliver Schulz
•Good point - this is just a single LLC but I'll keep that in mind for future deals.
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Zara Rashid
•Yeah, each legal entity needs its own filing even if they're related. Common oversight that can leave gaps in your security.
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Luca Romano
Don't forget to calendar your continuation deadline! UCC-1 filings lapse after 5 years unless you file a UCC-3 continuation. Set a reminder for at least 6 months before expiration to avoid scrambling at the last minute.
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Nia Jackson
•So many people forget about this and lose their perfected status. Seen it happen too many times.
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Luca Romano
•Right - and if you miss the deadline, you have to start over with a new UCC-1 filing and lose your original priority date.
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Mateo Hernandez
•Some lenders use automated systems to track continuation deadlines, but it's still good practice to keep your own calendar.
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CosmicCruiser
Just to close the loop - sounds like you're on the right track with getting the exact legal name and filing in the state of organization. Take your time with the debtor name verification since that's where most problems occur. Good luck with your filing!
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Oliver Schulz
•Thanks everyone - really helpful guidance. I'll definitely verify the name carefully before submitting.
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Aisha Khan
•Smart approach - better to be overly careful with UCC filings than deal with invalid security interests later.
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