UCC lien search CA - Need help finding all active liens against debtor

That's exactly what I was afraid of. Do you know if there's a way to do wildcard searches in the CA Secretary of State system, or do I have to run separate searches for each name variation?

Unfortunately CA doesn't have great wildcard functionality. You'll need to search each variation separately. Also check if they've had any name changes filed with the state - those can create additional search complications.

Interesting, I hadn't heard of that tool. How does it work exactly? Does it actually search for additional filings or just compare what you upload?

It cross-checks all your documents to make sure debtor names are consistent and flags discrepancies. Really helpful for due diligence when you're trying to make sure you haven't missed anything. Just upload your charter docs and any UCC filings you find.

How accurate is it with name matching? I've been burned before by automated tools that miss obvious variations.

Good point - I've been focusing on the legal entity name mostly. Where would I find a complete list of their DBAs? Just the Secretary of State business records?

Check both SOS records and county clerk offices where they do business. Some DBAs only get filed at the county level. Also look at their tax records and business licenses if you can access them.

That's the worst! Was the misspelled filing still legally valid? I always wonder about that.

Unfortunately yes, it was still valid because it was 'close enough' to be reasonably identifiable. Courts generally don't void liens for minor spelling errors if the debtor can still be identified.

Good reminder about fixture filings. They do own the building where their main facility is located. Are fixture filings searched through the same system or do I need to check somewhere else?

In California, most fixture filings are recorded with the county recorder where the real estate is located, not through the Secretary of State UCC system. You'll need to search both.

Also check if any of the UCC filings have been continued. A filing from 2015 could still be active if it was properly continued in 2020.

We thought about it, but we're trying to keep due diligence costs down. Plus I like to understand exactly what searches were run so I can explain the results to our client.

Understandable. Just make sure you document all the search variations you ran and the dates you searched. That documentation becomes important if something comes up later.

That's a really good point. Should I be looking for UCC-3 termination statements specifically?

Yes, UCC-3 terminations and also full termination statements. Make sure each active UCC-1 you find has a corresponding termination if the debt was supposedly paid off.

Also watch out for partial terminations - sometimes a lender will terminate part of the collateral but not the entire lien.

Did you find any good resources for common name variations to search? I'm trying to be systematic about this.

I usually check the entity's articles of incorporation and any amendments to see how the name has been officially stated over time. Also look at old contracts or loan documents if you have access.

Two people have mentioned that now - seems like it might be worth trying. Is it complicated to use?

Not at all, you just upload the PDFs and it does the cross-checking automatically. Really helpful for due diligence situations like yours where you need to be absolutely sure about name consistency.

That's smart - I hadn't thought of searching partial names. 'Advanced Manufacturing' instead of the full 'Advanced Manufacturing Solutions LLC' might catch additional filings.

Exactly. I've seen UCC-1 filings where the secured party just used the first two or three words of a long business name, especially if they were filing manually.

Good advice. Also check if they've ever operated under a parent company name or subsidiary names - liens sometimes get filed under the wrong entity in complex corporate structures.