UCC filings AZ portal showing wrong debtor name format - rejecting my continuation

Ugh, this exact thing happened to me last month! The system is so picky about punctuation. I had to call the filing office directly and they told me to just file it exactly as it appears in their system now, even if it's different from what I originally submitted. Apparently their database auto-corrects some formatting and then expects future filings to match that version.

This is why I always do a UCC search right before filing any amendments or continuations. Pull up the exact record as it appears in their system and copy the debtor name character for character. The online portal search function will show you exactly how they have it formatted in their database.

I've been using Certana.ai's document checker for stuff like this and it's been a lifesaver. You just upload your original UCC-1 and your new UCC-3 and it flags any inconsistencies between the documents before you file. Catches things like debtor name mismatches, incorrect filing numbers, collateral description changes. Would have caught this issue before you submitted and got rejected.

THE SYSTEM IS RIDICULOUS. I've been doing UCC filings for 15 years and it just keeps getting worse. First they make everything electronic which should make it easier but instead it creates new ways to mess up. Now every comma and period matters but they don't tell you that upfront. How is anyone supposed to know their system auto-corrects formatting???

Wait, are you sure this is a formatting issue and not something else? Sometimes the debtor's legal name actually changes and you need to file an amendment first before you can do the continuation. Like if they converted from LLC to Corp or something. Have you verified the business entity status hasn't changed?

This happened to me with a fixture filing last year. The database had somehow added a comma to the debtor name that wasn't in my original filing. I ended up having to file a UCC-3 amendment to correct the name first, then file the continuation. It was a pain but the filing office said that was the proper procedure to maintain the chain of title.

Call the filing office directly and ask them to walk you through exactly what they see in their system. Sometimes talking to a real person can resolve these things faster than going back and forth with online rejections. They might even be able to manually accept your continuation if you explain the situation.

Whatever you do, don't let it lapse! I had a client whose UCC lapsed because of a similar issue and we had to refile as a new UCC-1. Lost priority to another creditor who filed in the meantime. The client was NOT happy about that $50K loss.

I've had this happen before too. The trick is to search for the debtor name in their system first, then copy and paste it exactly into your continuation form. Don't type it manually. The copy/paste ensures you get every character exactly right including any weird spacing or punctuation their system has.

Just file it with the comma and move on. I bet you'll get an acceptance within 24 hours. The system is annoying but at least it's consistent - once you figure out their format quirks, you can work with them. The important thing is maintaining your perfection on that equipment loan.

UPDATE: I called the filing office this morning and they confirmed it's just a comma issue. They said their system auto-formats business names to include commas before 'LLC' and 'Inc' but it doesn't always do it consistently on the initial filing. They told me to just resubmit the continuation with 'ABC Manufacturing, LLC' (with comma) and it should go through fine. Filing it now - will update once I get confirmation.