UCC 104 filing rejected - debtor name mismatch issue

This happened to me last month! Turned out the company was registered as 'ABC Manufacturing, LLC' with a comma, but we filed as 'ABC Manufacturing LLC' without it. One tiny punctuation mark cost us 3 days.

Ugh yes the comma thing gets everyone. Also watch out for 'Inc.' vs 'Incorporated' - they're treated as completely different names in most state systems.

Thanks! I checked the SOS entity search and found the issue - they're registered as 'ABC Manufacturing L.L.C.' with periods. Our UCC 104 had 'ABC Manufacturing LLC' without periods. Such a small difference but apparently huge consequences.

That period situation trips up so many people. The automated matching systems are completely unforgiving about punctuation and abbreviations.

Interesting - how does that work exactly? Do you upload the charter documents too?

Yeah exactly. You can upload the articles of incorporation or LLC formation docs along with your UCC-1 draft and it compares all the entity names across documents. Catches stuff like the period differences we're talking about.

I've heard of Certana but haven't tried it yet. Does it work with UCC-3 amendments too or just initial filings?

I get the frustration but honestly the automation catches a lot of genuine errors too. At least with electronic filing you get instant feedback instead of waiting weeks to find out about problems.

True, but when you're dealing with tight loan closing deadlines, even a 1-day rejection can mess up the whole transaction timeline.

Good point about the priority date. So if I file the amendment today, my lien priority will still be based on the original UCC 104 filing date from yesterday?

Correct, as long as the amendment is filed to correct an error in the initial financing statement. The corrected filing relates back to the original date for priority purposes.

Just make sure you clearly indicate on the UCC-3 that you're correcting the debtor name. Some states want specific language about what type of correction you're making.

So true. I've learned to screenshot the entity search results and keep them in the loan file as backup documentation of what name I used and why.

Smart practice. Also helps if questions come up later during lien searches or when filing continuations.

Name matching requirements are identical regardless of the specific UCC form type. Whether it's UCC-1, UCC 104, or any other variant, the debtor name has to match the official entity records exactly.

Thanks for clarifying. I was hoping maybe UCC 104 had slightly more flexible rules but apparently not.

Nope, the state systems don't care what type of secured transaction you're filing for. A name mismatch is a name mismatch.

Most states have online portals where you can check filing status using your confirmation number. Usually shows pending, accepted, or rejected within 24-48 hours.

Found it! Shows as 'accepted' so I guess I got lucky with the name matching. Phew.

DBA vs legal entity name is a common trap. The UCC filing has to be against the entity that actually owns or will own the collateral, using their exact legal name.

Exactly. And sometimes the business operates under multiple DBAs which makes it even more confusing to figure out the right name to use.

That's why I always request a copy of the articles of incorporation or LLC formation documents before preparing any UCC filings. Can't rely on what the borrower tells you the legal name is.

Awesome! Glad the Certana verification caught the issue quickly. Those period/punctuation discrepancies are so easy to miss when you're reviewing documents manually.

Great outcome. And good reminder that UCC-3 amendments usually process much faster than initial filings since they're just corrections to existing records.

Seriously grateful for this community. Saved my loan closing and probably my sanity. Will definitely be more careful about entity name verification going forward.