Glossary · Doing the deal
UCC searches(Lien search)
In short
A review of public records to identify any existing Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings against a business's assets. As a buyer, these searches confirm the seller has clear title to the assets and identify any liens that must be satisfied at closing.
What it means in a deal
Your SBA lender will conduct UCC searches on the seller's business and its principals to uncover any existing liens on inventory, equipment, or other business assets. All identified UCC liens must be released or subordinated at closing so your SBA lender can take a first lien position on your purchased assets.
Official sources
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
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 searches
- 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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