The Secretary of State’s Office is a ministerial filing office and cannot provide legal advice to citizens. Nothing in the following language should be construed to constitute legal advice. The Secretary of State’s Office strongly recommends that you seek the assistance of counsel before making any decisions that may have legal implications.

1)      What is the Uniform Commercial Code and what types of transactions does it cover?

The Uniform Commercial Code governs commercial transactions.  The Code covers the sale of goods, commercial paper, bank deposits and collections, letters of credit, bulk transfers, warehouse receipts, bills of lading and investment securities.

        2)     What do I need to file with the Secretary of State’s Office? 

The proper UCC form should be submitted with the appropriate fee.  Please visit our Library of Forms and Fees page for additional information.  A self-addressed, stamped envelope should be included.

3)      What are the hours of the Secretary of State’s Office?

The Secretary of State’s Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.

4)      How do I file documents with the Secretary of State’s Office?

5)      Should I include my social security number on UCC filings?

No.  All documents filed in the UCC Division of the Secretary of State’s Office are considered documents open to public inspection.  For your own protection, you should not include your social security number on documents filed with the Secretary of State’s Office.

6)      Do I need to file a UCC with the Secretary of State's Office for goods that are covered by a certificate of title statute?

Generally goods that are covered under S.C. Code Section 56-19-10 et seq. (Protection of title to and interests in motor vehicles) and S.C. Code Section 50-23-15 et seq. (Filing of watercraft and outboard motors) should be perfected according to those specific statutory requirements.  Please review S.C. Code Section 36-9-311 for further information. 

7)      How long is a UCC filing good for?

A UCC filing is good for 5 years from the date of filing.

8)      Can a UCC filing be extended beyond the original filing date?

A UCC filing can be continued within six months of its lapse date.  The continuation statement will add an additional five years to the effectiveness of the UCC filing.  For example, if your UCC filing lapses on January 1, 2009, you can file a continuation statement as early as July 1, 2008.  The continuation statement will move the lapse date from January 1, 2009 to January 1, 2014.

9)      How can I search the UCC filings database?

You can use our UCC Online Search to search UCC Filings by debtor and secured party.  Debtor name, secured party name, addresses, date of filing, and type of filing are all available.  Images of filed documents are not yet available online.  You will still need to submit the UCC-11 form to request a copy of a filed document.  Please visit our Library of Forms and Fees page to get additional information about the forms and fees required for UCC searches.

10)  Can the Secretary of State’s Office provide me with legal assistance in completing UCC filings?