Knowing what financial obligations a business faces is key when making decisions, and the Missouri Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) search is an important tool in helping to understand that.
To help you navigate the process of doing a Missouri UCC search, I’ll provide you with information regarding the steps on how to search the Secretary of State’s database.
What is a UCC?
A UCC, or Uniform Commercial Code, is a set of uniform laws governing commercial transactions as defined by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. It was officially adopted in 1952 to provide consistency and clarity between different states with regard to contracts, sales, and negotiable instruments. The UCC is broken down into nine articles covering various topics, such as sales and leases, negotiable instruments, secured transactions, bulk transfers, and more.
In Missouri, all UCC filings are maintained by the Office of the Secretary of State’s Uniform Commercial Code Division. By conducting a UCC search (officially called a UCC-1) in Missouri, an individual or business can determine who owns specific assets and if it’s encumbered by liens. This information is important for lenders, especially when evaluating the collateral being secured when requesting a business loan.
Where are UCC liens filed in Missouri?
With the exception of real estate liens and land records, All UCC filings in the state of Missouri are filed with the Missouri Secretary of State. Real estate records are filed with the County Recorder of Deeds in the county where the property is located
What information does a UCC search show?
A UCC search in Missouri will reveal any existing liens or the creditor’s interest against an individual or business’s property. This can include mortgages, security agreements, conditional sale contracts and more.
A UCC lien search will also show the name of the secured party, debtor name, description of the collateral and more.
Steps to Search the Missouri UCC Database
Step 1 –Go to the Secretary of State’s Website
To get started, go to the Missouri Secretary of State’s website. If you haven’t created an account, get set up.
Step 2 – Enter Search Information
Next, click on File/Search and enter the first and last name of the individual debtor or the name of the organization debtor if you are searching for a company.
Step 3 – Review the Search Results
Once the debtor information is added, click the Search button.
If the debtor that you are searching for comes back with a match, you can view the report to get more details or order a copy of the document.
What is the difference between a lien and a UCC filing?
A UCC filing is a financing statement (legal form) that lenders use to prove they have a security interest (collateral position) in a borrower’s assets or personal property.
The terms lien and UCC filing are used interchangeably but mean the same thing.
How much does a UCC search cost in Missouri?
There is no fee for searching and viewing the UCC-1 database, however, if a paper copy is needed, there will be a minimum of a $17 copy fee.
In which chapter of Missouri statutes can you find the UCC?
Section 400.2-502 of the Missouri Revised Statutes has more information regarding UCCs in Missouri.