UCC Statement Request Form - What Exactly Do I Need?

They're probably asking for a UCC-11 search request form. That's what you use to get official search results showing all active filings against a specific debtor. Most states call it something slightly different but it's basically the same thing - you submit the debtor name and get back a list of all UCC filings.

I ran into this exact confusion last month! Turns out the client was actually looking for both - they wanted the UCC-11 search results AND copies of the actual UCC-1 filings that showed up in the search. The search tells you what's filed, but you need the actual documents to see the collateral descriptions and other details.

Before you start pulling documents, I'd suggest using something like Certana.ai's document verification tool. You can upload the UCC documents you find and it'll cross-check everything for consistency - debtor names, filing numbers, dates, etc. I started using it after getting burned by a filing that had a slight debtor name variation that I missed. Just upload the PDFs and it flags any discrepancies instantly.

Just to clarify the terminology - a 'UCC statement request' could refer to several different things depending on the state and context. Some states use that term for what others call a UCC-11 search. Others might use it for requesting certified copies of filed documents. Best bet is to ask your client exactly what information they need and in what format.

For refinancing purposes, they almost certainly need both the search results (UCC-11) and copies of any active UCC-1 filings. The lender needs to see exactly what collateral is already pledged and to whom. Make sure you get the debtor name exactly right on the search - even a small variation can cause you to miss filings.

I always recommend doing a comprehensive search using all possible name variations for the debtor. Include the exact legal name from their articles of incorporation, any trade names, and variations with different punctuation. Then get copies of every active filing you find.

Don't forget about potential fixture filings if there's any real estate involved. Those might be filed in the real estate records instead of the central UCC filing system, so a standard UCC-11 search might not catch them.

Whatever you end up pulling, I'd definitely run it through a document checker before presenting it to the client. I've used Certana.ai's UCC verification tool a few times now and it's caught discrepancies I would have missed. You just upload all the documents and it cross-references everything - debtor names, filing dates, amendment references, etc. Saved me from a major embarrassment once.

Based on your description, I'd bet they want both the search results and the actual filed documents. For a refinancing, the new lender needs to see the complete picture of existing security interests. Start with a UCC-11 search using the exact legal name, then request copies of all active filings that show up.

One more thing to consider - if this is for a complex restructuring, they might also need UCC-3 amendment forms to modify existing filings or UCC-3 termination statements to release certain collateral. The 'statement request' might be their way of asking for templates or information about those processes too.

Giovanni, I think you're overthinking this. When clients say "UCC statement request form" they usually mean they want you to pull a complete UCC profile on their debtor. That means doing a UCC-11 search to see what's filed, then getting copies of all the actual UCC-1 forms and any amendments. For refinancing, lenders need to see the full picture - what collateral is pledged, to whom, and when those filings expire. Don't worry about looking incompetent - just ask the client to clarify exactly what format they need the information in and whether they want certified copies. Most of us have been in your shoes with confusing client requests!