What is a UCC?

A UCC, short for Uniform Commercial Code, is a lien filed by a creditor to declare its right to seize certain collateral of a debtor who defaults on a loan or so a borrower can’t take out multiple loans on the same asset.

A UCC in Iowa is for any asset with the exception of real estate liens, which are filed at the Recorders Office in the county where the real estate is located.

Here, we provide info on what UCCs are and the instructions on how to search.

What information does a UCC search show?

Debtor’s name and address, contact information of the secured parties, UCC number, type of document, date and time of filing.

Also see: How to do an Iowa business entity search

Why is a UCC needed?

To notify debtors that a creditor has a security interest in the debtor’s personal or business assets.

Where is a UCC filed in Iowa?

A UCC Financing Statement is filed through the Iowa Secretary of State’s office.

How much does a UCC search cost in Iowa?

An Iowa UCC search is free using the state database.

The filing fee for county real estate UCC filings is $7 for the first page and $5 for each additional page.

How to do a UCC search in Iowa

Step 1 – Go to the Iowa Secretary of State’s website.

Step 2 – Click on Search Databases and then UCC Certified

Step 3 – Select the kind of search you would like to carry out and fill in the boxes with the appropriate information

For more information, contact:

Iowa Secretary of State
1st Floor, Lucas Bldg.
321 E. 12th St. Des Moines, IA 50319

Phone: 515-281-5204
Fax: 515-242-5953
Email: sos@sos.state.ia.us