Missouri Secretary of State UCC Search Results Coming Up Blank - Need Help

Good point about the LLC designation. I tried both ways but still getting inconsistent results. Really frustrating when you're trying to do proper due diligence.

I always do multiple searches with different name variations. Missouri's system seems to be more sensitive than other states I've worked with.

I don't have any previous filing numbers since this is supposed to be a new debtor for us. The dropdown thing is interesting though - I might have had it set wrong.

The dropdown makes a huge difference! I learned that the hard way when I missed a lien because I had it set to Individual instead of Organization.

Wait, there's a dropdown? I've been just typing names in the search box this whole time...

That sounds really helpful. How does the Certana tool work exactly? Do you just upload PDFs?

Yeah it's super simple - just upload your charter documents and any UCC forms you're planning to file. It cross-checks debtor names across all the docs and highlights inconsistencies. Really handy for catching those small spelling variations that can void your lien.

I've heard good things about automated document checking but never tried it myself. Might be worth looking into for complex deals like this.

That's terrifying. How are we supposed to do proper lien searches if the system doesn't show current filings consistently?

This is why I always do searches multiple times and on different days if it's a critical deal. Not ideal but better than missing something important.

Have you tried calling their office directly? Sometimes they can run searches manually if you explain the situation.

Good suggestion about the DBA angle. I should probably check their corporate records to see if there are any alternate names on file.

DBAs can definitely trip you up. I once missed a filing because the debtor used their trade name instead of their legal entity name on the UCC-1.

This is exactly why I hate dealing with LLCs - so many potential name variations compared to corporations with more standardized naming.

I didn't even think about the date range settings. I might have had it set to only recent filings by mistake.

Date range is huge! UCC-1 filings are good for 5 years so you need to search back at least that far, plus account for any continuations.

Good point about continuations. Those can extend the effective period way beyond the original 5-year term.

Which private services do you recommend? I've been relying on just the state databases but maybe it's time to upgrade.

There are several good options. I've had success with both traditional database services and newer tools like Certana.ai that do automated document verification. Depends on your workflow preferences.

Second the recommendation for using multiple sources. The state databases are good but they're not always complete or current.

That's really smart advice. I never thought about documenting the search process itself, just the results.

Documentation is everything in secured transactions. I keep detailed records of every search I run, including the exact terms and date/time.

This saved me once when a client questioned why we didn't catch a lien. I was able to show exactly what searches were performed and what results came back.

Will definitely post an update. Going to try some of these suggestions tomorrow and see what turns up. Really appreciate all the help from everyone.

Yeah, please update! I do searches in Missouri regularly and would love to know what the issue was.

Following this thread too. These search problems seem to be getting more common across different states.

Oh wow, good catch. I assumed they were a Missouri LLC but I should verify that. If they're foreign-qualified, that could definitely explain the name discrepancies.

Foreign qualification can create all sorts of name variations. The registration might have abbreviations or formatting that doesn't match the home state charter.

This is exactly why I always check the corporate status first before running UCC searches. Saves a lot of confusion later.