UCC-1 form 1-303 debtor name requirements - getting rejections

That makes sense but I pulled the name directly from their articles of incorporation. Should I be looking somewhere else for the official registered name?

Articles can be outdated if they've filed amendments. Check the current standing certificate or good standing letter - that will show the name as it appears in current state records.

Also watch out for things like "LLC" vs "L.L.C." - some states are very particular about the abbreviation format used in the official records.

How does that work exactly? Do you have to pay for each document check?

You just upload PDFs of both documents and it does an automated comparison. Really straightforward - highlights any inconsistencies between the charter and what you're filing.

This is exactly what I needed to hear. Been manually comparing documents and obviously missing something important.

I feel your pain but unfortunately the UCC system is designed to be very literal about name matching for good legal reasons.

I get the legal reasons but the error messages could be WAY more specific about what exactly doesn't match instead of generic rejection notices.

That's true - better error messaging would save everyone time and reduce filing delays.

It's definitely a business entity, not an individual. The loan is to ABC Manufacturing LLC for equipment financing.

OK then focus on the exact entity name format. Also make sure you're not including any "DBA" or "doing business as" names - those don't belong in the debtor name field.

Great checklist! I'd add - make sure you're not accidentally including the state of incorporation in the name field.

Calling the filing office is a good idea. Didn't think they'd give specific guidance but worth a try.

Some offices are more helpful than others but it's worth trying, especially if you've been rejected multiple times.

This is just equipment financing, no real estate involved. But good to know for future reference.

OK then stick with the standard entity name verification process. Equipment-only filings are usually more straightforward.

That's possible - this is an existing client so there could be old paperwork floating around. How do I check for entity changes?

Secretary of State website usually has an entity search where you can see the filing history and any name changes or conversions.

Also check if they've had any mergers or acquisitions that might affect the legal entity name.

That's a great point about EIN vs state registration differences. Never thought to compare those.

Yeah it's one of those things you don't think about until it causes a filing rejection. The automated checking really helps catch these inconsistencies before you submit.

A comma! That's exactly the kind of small detail that would drive me crazy. Good catch.

Punctuation is surprisingly important in UCC filings. The system really is very literal about matching.

Always use the legal registered entity name for the debtor field, not trade names or DBAs. Trade names can go in additional debtor name fields if your state allows that.

Thanks, that clarifies it. I was wondering if I should include both names somehow.

Some states do have additional name fields for trade names but the primary debtor name must be the exact legal entity name.

In my experience, states with newer electronic filing systems tend to be more strict because the automated validation is very literal. Older systems with more manual review sometimes have more flexibility.

Delaware and Nevada seem particularly strict about exact name matching in my experience. But honestly they all should be consistent if they're following the same UCC code.

The UCC code is uniform but each state implements their own filing procedures and validation rules, so there can be differences in how strict they are.