A business lien indicates a company's debt standing.
In California, if a company has a lien on it, the information will be available to the public through a search of the state's Uniform Common Code (UCC) filings. Anyone can initiate a search, either online, in person or by mail. The form necessary to file a search request is available online at the UCC Forms and Fees page under "Mail/Counter Submissions."
Instructions
1. Search online by going to the California Business Portal UCC Connect "Subscriber Login" website. Click on "Non-Subscriber" and enter all of the required information on the next page. You will need the business' name, address, phone number and email address. Submit your request. As of June 2010, the fee for this service is $5. Under "Information Options," be sure to check the box that returns "ALL" records.
2. Print off the California Form UCC11 National Information Request, available at the Secretary of State "UCC Forms & Fees" website. You must use this form because it is specific to California.
3. Complete the form with your contact information at the top, and then enter the name of the business you are inquiring about under "Debtor Name." Under "Information Options," be sure to check the box that returns "ALL" records. Do not enter anything in the "Additional Search Options" section so that the search range will be unlimited.
4. Mail the search request form to Secretary of State, UCC Section, P.O. Box 942835,
Sacramento, CA 94235-0001. Include in the envelope the correct search fee ($10 per search as of June 2010). Find additional information on fees for copies or certification on the Secretary of State "Forms and Fees" website.
5. Deliver the paperwork, in person, to the Secretary of State in Sacramento at UCC Section, 1500 11th Street, Room 255, Sacramento, CA 95814. There is an additional fee to file the search in person; $6 as of June 2010.
