Financing Statements (UCC-1)
A financing statement — often called a UCC-1 — is a public notice filed with a state filing office to perfect certain security interests under UCC Article 9.
What it does
Filing a financing statement gives public notice that a secured party may have a security interest in the debtor’s described collateral. It is a notice filing: it does not itself create a security interest or a debt.
Contents
UCC § 9-502(a) requires the financing statement to provide the name of the debtor, the name of the secured party or a representative, and an indication of the collateral.
Authorization is required
A person may file an initial financing statement only if the debtor authorizes the filing in an authenticated (or, under the 2022 amendments, signed) record, or as otherwise provided in UCC § 9-509. A financing statement filed without authority is not effective.
Fixing a wrongful filing
A person who believes a record filed against it is inaccurate or wrongfully filed may file an information statement under UCC § 9-518 (formerly called a correction statement); filing one does not by itself change the challenged record. A debtor may also demand a termination statement under § 9-513, and § 9-625 provides remedies — including statutory damages — against a person who files a record without authority.
A common misconception
Filing a UCC-1 naming yourself, your “strawman” or your birth certificate does not create rights against the government or discharge debts. See the theory review.
Researching financing statements in your state
First, find the statute or rule that governs financing statements where you live. State law controls most of these questions, so the answer can change from one state to the next. Next, read recent decisions from the appellate courts in your state. They show how judges apply the law today. Also, check the local rules of the court that would hear your case. Our state procedures guide links to each state’s official rules. In addition, the Research Center explains how to confirm a source is still good law.
Sources and further reading
Official sources used on this page:
Related reading on Lawtopolis:
Sources
- UCC §§ 9-502, 9-509, 9-518, 9-625
Official sources:
law.cornell.edu/ucc/9/9-502
law.cornell.edu/ucc/9/9-509
law.cornell.edu/ucc/9/9-518
law.cornell.edu/ucc/9/9-625
Sources last reviewed: 2026-10-23
Lawtopolis provides legal information and education, not legal advice. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and court rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time; verify every authority against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your situation.