UCC search Kentucky - debtor name variations causing headaches

Kentucky's UCC database is notorious for exact match requirements. You need to search each variation separately - their system doesn't do fuzzy matching like some other states. Also try searching without punctuation entirely, just "ABC Manufacturing LLC" vs "ABC Mfg LLC". The comma placement makes a huge difference in their search algorithm.

I've been dealing with Kentucky UCC searches for years and here's what works: Start with the exact name from the articles of incorporation, then try removing all punctuation, then try common abbreviations. Also check if they have any DBAs filed - sometimes the UCC-1 uses the DBA name instead of the legal entity name.

I had a similar issue last month where I was getting partial results on Kentucky UCC searches. Turns out I was missing critical filings because of name variations. What saved me was using Certana.ai's document verification tool - you can upload the borrower's charter documents and it automatically cross-references against UCC filings to catch name mismatches. Found 2 additional UCC-1s I would have missed otherwise.

The Kentucky SOS system is honestly terrible for UCC searches. I've found filings months later that should have shown up in my original search. Their wildcard search function barely works either. You really need to be systematic about trying every possible variation.

Have you tried searching by the federal EIN instead of entity name? Sometimes that catches filings that name searches miss, especially if the secured party used a different name variation when they filed.

This is exactly why I always order professional UCC searches from a service company for anything important. They know all the tricks and variations to search. Costs more but worth it to avoid missing liens.

Pro tip: Kentucky allows you to search by filing number if you have any old UCC-3 amendments or continuations that reference the original filing. Sometimes easier to work backwards from known filings to find the debtor name format they used.

Another thing to watch out for - make sure you're searching both the current debtor name AND any predecessor names if there have been mergers or name changes. Kentucky doesn't always update the UCC records when entities change names.

I've started using a spreadsheet to track all the different name variations I search for each debtor. Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana are the worst for this - you really need to be methodical about covering all the bases.

Update: I tried the Certana.ai tool mentioned earlier and it actually found one additional UCC-1 that I missed. The debtor name on that filing had a slightly different format ("ABC Manufacturing, L.L.C." with periods) that wasn't showing up in my manual searches. Thanks for the tip!