Last Updated on January 9, 2022

What is a UCC?

A UCC, or Uniform Commercial Code, is a set of laws regulating secure transactions. Through the UCC laws, there is a legal document that a creditor files to give notice that it has or might have a security interest in the personal or business property of a debtor.

More specifically, a UCC Financing Statement gives lenders a claim on assets a debtor pledges as security interest, such as when an individual obtains a mortgage for a home. The home is the collateral pledged for the property. With the UCC-1 filed, the homeowner can’t take out another loan on the home without first paying off the initial loan.

What information does a West Virginia UCC search show?

UCC records, which are public records, show the document number, file date, type of filing, debtor name, secured party name.

Also see: How to do a West Virginia business entity search

Why is a UCC needed?

A UCC record creates a lien against property used as collateral and to secure private financing.

Where is a UCC filed in West Virginia?

Most UCC forms are filed with the West Virginia Secretary of State’s office, however, real property filings are filed in the County Clerk’s office, in the county where the real estate is located

How much does a UCC search cost in West Virginia?

A single day of unlimited searches is $25. Otherwise price depends on the number of pages in the filing but averages $15 per search.

How to do a UCC search in West Virginia

Step 1 – Go to the West Virginia Secretary of State’s website

Step 2 – Click on Business and then click on Request a Search under Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) in the drop down menu.

Step 3 – Click on UCC Online Search.

Step 4 – Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on Search for an unofficial search or Certified Search.

Step 5 – Fill in the appropriate information to conduct the search.