How to Properly File a UCC-1 in Louisiana

maile64
May 20
2 min read

A UCC-1 financing statement is one of the most important legal tools for protecting a creditor’s interest in a borrower’s personal property. Whether you’re a private lender, equipment financier, or business owner extending credit, filing a UCC-1 gives public notice of your claim and helps secure your right to collect if the borrower defaults.

Here’s how to file a UCC-1 correctly in Louisiana—and why it matters.

What Is a UCC-1?

The UCC-1 Financing Statement is a legal document governed by the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). It’s filed to:

Give public notice of a secured transaction
Establish a creditor’s interest in collateral
Create priority over other creditors who may have claims to the same assets

Commonly used for:

Equipment financing
Business loans
Inventory or receivables as collateral
Agricultural or manufacturing loans

What You Need to File

A UCC-1 must include:

Debtor’s legal name (individual or entity)
Creditor’s name and address
Collateral description (can be broad, but must be specific enough to give notice)

Where to File in Louisiana:

For most personal property: Louisiana Secretary of State
For fixtures or property tied to real estate: Parish Clerk of Court where the property is located

Why Filing It Correctly Matters

Errors in filing can render your lien unenforceable or place it behind other claims. Common pitfalls include:

Misspelling the debtor’s name
Using a trade name instead of legal name
Describing collateral too vaguely
Filing in the wrong jurisdiction

Best Practices

Use the debtor’s name exactly as it appears on business formation documents or official ID
Double-check addresses and entity status
File renewals before the 5-year expiration date
If collateral includes real property fixtures, file both at the Secretary of State and the Parish Clerk

At Title Stream, we help lenders, investors, and business owners properly prepare and file UCC-1 statements to protect their interests from day one.