A UCC-1 Financing Statement (an abbreviation for Uniform Commercial Code-1) is a legal form that a creditor files to give notice that it has or may have an interest in the personal property of a debtor.
For example, if you lend money as part of a loan, or offer credit for the lease or purchase of equipment of any kind, you may file a UCC-1 The UCC-1 protects the creditor’s interest should the debtor default on the loan. Filing the UCC-1 in a timely manner is very important too. As a secured party, you want to make sure the filing is filed before any other to secure your interests. This all begs the question: Where do you file? The chart below lists out the most common debtor types and corresponding UCC filing protocols:
| Debtor Type | Where to File UCC Financing Statements |
| Registered organizations (Corporation, LLC, LP, etc.) | File at central filing office of state where entity was formed or organized (i.e., Secretary of State) and/or County recording office where principal office is located |
| Organizations with one place of business | File with the county or state of place of business |
| Organizations with multiple places of business | File with the county or state of chief executive office |
| Indian Tribes and Non-U.S. entity organized in foreign jurisdiction without a notice system | File in Washington, D.C. and other applicable jurisdictions |
| Individuals | File in the county or state of principal residence |
