UCC filings and other common state filings
A UCC financing statement (often called a UCC-1) is a public notice that a lender has a security interest in a borrower's property, such as business equipment or inventory. In most states it's filed with, and searchable at, the Secretary of State.
UCC basics
- UCC-1: filed by the secured party (usually the lender) to give public notice.
- UCC-3: amends, continues, or terminates an earlier filing.
- Searches: many states offer a UCC search on the same site used for business filings.
- Some filings tied to real estate (fixture filings) are recorded at the county level instead.
Other filings you may run into
- Trademarks (state level): many Secretaries of State register state trademarks. Federal trademarks are handled by the USPTO.
- Assumed or fictitious business names (DBAs): filed with the state or the county, depending on the state.
- Notary commissions: issued by the state, usually the Secretary of State or Lieutenant Governor.
- Liens and judgments: often recorded with county offices or courts.
Where to go
Use your state's business filing office from the business filings directory, or open your state page.
Checked November 12, 2026. Not legal advice.