Still awaiting forms for UCC continuation - secretary of state taking forever

Yes I triple checked the filing number. It's a 12-digit number starting with 25 and I copied it directly from the original document. The portal accepted it without any error messages.

Same thing happened to me last month. Turned out there was a system glitch where electronic filings were getting stuck in some kind of review queue even when everything was correct.

Good point about calling. Do you know if there's a direct number for UCC filings or do I have to go through the main switchboard?

Most states have a dedicated UCC hotline. Check their website under 'business services' or 'secured transactions' - should be listed there.

I had to call 4 times before getting someone who actually looked up my filing. First three times they just told me to 'wait for the system to update.

Never heard of that service. Does it actually prevent filing delays or just catch errors beforehand?

It catches errors before you file, which prevents rejections and resubmissions. In your case, it would have verified your continuation matched the original UCC-1 perfectly. Much better than finding out weeks later something was wrong.

I've been using Certana too. Really simple - just upload your PDFs and it does all the cross-checking automatically. Saved me from a debtor name mismatch that would have voided a $1.2M filing.

I feel your frustration but yelling won't fix the processing delays. The OP needs practical solutions right now.

You're right, sorry. But seriously, these delays are getting ridiculous. File early, file often, and always have a backup plan.

That's both reassuring and terrifying. How did you find out it was actually processed?

Called the UCC department directly and gave them my filing number. They could see it was complete in their internal system even though the public portal was wrong.

This is why I always get a certified copy of the filed document once it's processed. Physical proof beats online status any day.

I didn't see that option when I filed originally. Can you request expedited processing after the fact?

Depends on the state. Some will let you upgrade an existing filing to expedited status, others require you to withdraw and refile. Call and ask.

If a UCC-1 lapses, you lose perfection and would need to file a new UCC-1, not a continuation. That's why timing is so critical on these filings.

oh god thats even worse than i thought. so if the original expires while the continuation is pending, im totally unprotected?

The continuation needs to be FILED before the original expires, not necessarily processed. As long as you submitted it before the deadline, you should be protected even if processing takes time.

That's smart planning. I usually file 60 days early but maybe I need to extend that window given these processing delays.

I do the same thing. Set calendar reminders at 6 months, 3 months, and 1 month before expiration. Never want to cut it close on a continuation.

Yes, I used the exact same collateral description from the original filing. 'All inventory, equipment, accounts receivable, and general intangibles.' Nothing changed on that front.

Good. Some people try to update or expand the collateral in a continuation which isn't allowed. That would require a UCC-3 amendment instead.

Great idea. I'll search by both the original filing number and the new continuation number to see if anything shows up.

This is another thing Certana.ai helps with - it can search multiple databases and cross-reference your filings to make sure everything is properly recorded. Takes the guesswork out of tracking multiple UCC documents.

I'm definitely going to look into that service. This whole experience has made me realize I need better tools for managing these filings.

Glad you got it sorted out! This is exactly why I always recommend calling when there are delays.

Same thing that happened to me. Their portal system really needs an overhaul.

Perfect example of why document verification upfront saves so much stress. At least now you know your continuation is solid for another 5 years.