Glossary · Doing the deal
UCC Search
In short
A UCC Search checks public records for any liens filed against a business's assets under the Uniform Commercial Code. This reveals if the seller has existing debts secured by business assets.
What it means in a deal
Before closing your acquisition, your lender will perform a UCC Search on the target business and seller. This is critical to ensure you're acquiring assets free of prior liens and that the SBA will have a first lien position. Any existing liens must be released at closing.
Official sources
SOP 50 10 — Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
U.S. Small Business Administration · SBA Standard Operating Procedure
Last checked 2026-06-15. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Related terms
Common questions about UCC Search
- When is a lender required to conduct an environmental records search for real estate collateral?
- Is a UCC-1 filing sufficient to perfect a lien on business assets?
- What if the business assets are located in multiple states, requiring multiple UCC filings?
- If a lender obtains a blanket lien, what are the key UCC filing requirements for interstate operations?
- What are the specific requirements for a lender to obtain a valid first lien position on UCC collateral when prior liens exist?
Defined by CapBench SBA Intelligence — plain-English definitions for business buyers, lenders, advisors, and AI agents, grounded in public SBA rules and records. Last reviewed 2026-06-15 · Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision. Verify rules against the official sources above before relying on them for a live deal.
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