U.C.C. Public Search - "Search a Database" (go directly to Search_Tips)

Introduction

This on-line function allows you to search our U.C.C. database for both active and inactive (1 year after lapse date) filing information.  This capability replaces the over the counter information retrieval system.

Page Structure & How the Search Function Works

When you select the search function, the first page you will see is the Search Page.

SEARCH PAGE:  To use the search function you must type in appropriate search criteria on the Search Page (see below for additional information on searching and search criteria).  The system will then display a Results Page with information reflecting the results that were found based upon your search criteria.  

RESULTS PAGE:  The Results Page lists all filings that were found based upon the search criteria.  There may be one, none or many.  On the Results Page, you can select an individual filing to view.  You select the individual by clicking on the applicable Filing # (it will be underlined).  The system will then display a Filing History Page.

FILING HISTORY PAGE:  The Filing History Page lists all filings associated with the Filing # you selected.  In other words, you can see the entire history of the filing, including amendments, continuations, partial releases, etc.  From this this page, if the information is available, you can select to download information on specific filings.

Filings are saved in an Adobe Acrobat Format (PDF) that can be downloaded from the web site.  If the filing information is available for download, you will see a underlined hyperlink in the filing history box. 

The Adobe Acrobat Reader is required for viewing .pdf files.  If you do not have the Adobe Acrobat Reader, you will need to download it from the Adobe web site. 

Searching Methods

There are three types of searches that you can perform.  Please note that this system uses two search methods (selectable from the dropdown box in the bottom right corner).  The first is a “begins with” search method.  This means that your search criteria must reflect the beginning of a word.  If you enter AB as your search criteria, you results will include Able and Abbot but not Fable nor Rabbit.  The second is a “Rev. Article 9” search method.  Results provided using this method are based on the provisions of Revised Article 9 and the standard search logic.  Therefore, your search criteria should reflect the exact debtor name you are searching.  For example, if you enter Custom Design as your search criteria, you results will only include Custom Design Inc and Custom Design Co., but not Custom Eateries nor Custom Fits.

To begin searching, you must select the type of search you would like the system to perform.  Please click the appropriate option button then complete the section based upon the following guidelines:

  1. Individual Name - You must enter a last name.  The last name must be at least two letters.  You do not need to type the entire name, however the more specific you are in your search criteria the more likely it is that you return results containing what you want to find.  If you would like to limit the search, you may also include the following items, although they are optional:  First Name, Middle Name, Suffix, City and State.
  2. Organization Name - You must enter at least the first two letters of the organization or company you want to find.  If you would like to limit the search, you may also include the following optional items:  City and State.
  3. Filing Number - If you know the exact number for the filing you looking to find, you can enter the Enter the Filing Number. Filing Numbers are 8 or 12 numbers long.

If you would like to further restrict your search (which is recommended if you generate too many results) you may include additional search criteria.  The section where you can enter this additional criteria is directly below the main search area.  

  1. If you would like to search for filings that were filed after a specific date, you can select a date for the Filing Start Date.  The search is inclusive of the date you select.  If you select 01/02/2000, you will return results for filings dated 01/02/2000 and after.
  2. You can also limit your search criteria so that the system only displays your search results in relation to a specific party.  You can limit your search results to Debtors, Secured Parties or/and Assignees.  If you use a last name search criteria of Smith and you also check the option button next to Debtors, your results will only display debtors with a last name of Smith.  The system will not return assignees with the last name of Smith (unless in relation to a debtor result with an assignee with the same last name). 


Search Tips

 

  1. All searches are case insensitive.  This means that you may type your search criteria in lower case letters, capital letters or both.  Your results will be the same
  2. Search results are displayed in alphabetical (ascending) order by individual name or organization name.
  3. If you are searching for a word that may also abbreviated, such as St. for Saint, please be sure to perform a search with both spellings.  The search function cannot determine that St. may also mean Saint.  The same is true for Jr. and junior, Sr. and senior, etc.  A company with the name Saint John's Signs may be found only in a search for St. John's Signs.
  4. Punctuation will not change your search results.  Smith, Jones and Waters will also return Smith Jones and Waters.
  5. The search function ignores the word "The" when it is at the beginning of an organization name.  Whether you chose to include or exclude the word "The" in your search criteria, the results will be the same.  The search function also ignores noise words and corporate endings as defined by IACA at the end of an organization name (Company, LLC, Inc.).  Please note that the search function only ignores noise words at the end of an organization name.  Therefore, a search on “Lincoln Packing Company Inc” will not yield the same results as a search for “Lincoln Packing Company”.  This is because a search for the first debtor “Lincoln Packing Company Inc” will yield results for “Lincoln Packing Company” while a search for the second “Lincoln Packing Company” will yield results for “Lincoln Packing” due to the corporate ending being stripped at the end of the organization name.