Alabama keeps its UCC records with the Secretary of State, in Montgomery. You search the index by debtor name or file number, and you file by mail or online. The fees are set by the office and are listed in full below.
For the rest of the office, see the Alabama office guide. For how searches work in every state, read the UCC search guide.
How much does an Alabama UCC search cost?
The office charges $20.00 for a debtor name search request, and $1.00 per page for copies. If you already know the file number, a copy request costs $1.00 per page.
A certified search by debtor name is more. The fee schedule lists $20.00 for the name, $1.00 per page and $5.00 per file number. Expedited handling is a separate $100.00 per search.
| Who takes UCC filings | Alabama Secretary of State, PO Box 5616, Montgomery, AL 36103 (sos.alabama.gov, checked ) |
|---|---|
| Search fee | $20.00 per debtor name search, plus $1.00 per page of copies (sos.alabama.gov, checked ) |
| Copies and certified searches | Copy by file number $1.00 per page. Certified search $20.00, $1.00 per page, $5.00 per file number (sos.alabama.gov, checked ) |
| File a UCC-1 | $20.00 for the first two pages, $2.00 for each extra page (sos.alabama.gov, checked ) |
| Filing online | Forms are completed online or sent by mail, nothing is mailed to you (sos.alabama.gov, checked ) |
| Processing time | Expedite fee of $100.00 per search (sos.alabama.gov, checked ) |
| Worth knowing | The office warns that fraudulent UCC forms are mailed to businesses. It does not mail UCC forms. (sos.alabama.gov, checked ) |
| termination | All terminations are filed at no charge (sos.alabama.gov, checked ) |
How do you search Alabama UCC records?
The office runs an online records inquiry system with three search options. You can use an advanced search with images, an advanced search without images, or a simple search without images. You can search by debtor name or by filing number.
- Get the debtor's exact legal name.
- Open the UCC records search on the Secretary of State site.
- Choose a search type and enter the name or file number.
- Open each filing and read the secured party and the collateral.
- If you need proof for a lender or court, send a certified search request with the fee.
What does it cost to file a UCC-1 in Alabama?
A UCC-1 for a business lien costs $20.00 for the first two pages, and each extra page costs $2.00. Transmitting utility and agricultural liens use the same amounts. A manufactured home financing statement costs $10.00. A non-standard form is listed at $5.00.
You complete the form online or send it by mail. Read the UCC-1 filing guide for what the form must contain.
What about amendments and terminations?
A UCC-3 that continues, amends or assigns a filing costs $20.00 for the first two pages, with $2.00 for each extra page. All terminations are filed at no charge, which helps if a debt has been paid. The UCC-3 guide explains the timing rules.
Is the UCC mailer you received real?
The Secretary of State has warned about fraudulent UCC forms mailed to businesses. The office says it does not mail UCC forms and never mails an invoice. You pay the filing fee when you submit your own filing. If a mailer asks for payment, check it against the office before you pay.
Want help with a search or filing? You can ask our private filing service. State fees are separate, and you can always search and file yourself with the Secretary of State.
Sources
- www.sos.alabama.gov/business-entities: office name, division, mailing address, street address, phone, hours, online filing, processing time, status terms. Checked .
- www.sos.alabama.gov/newsroom/secretary-state-wes-allen-promotes-business-registration-video-honor-small-business-week: officeholder. Checked .
- www.alabamainteractive.org/sos/welcome.action: contact page. Checked .
- www.sos.alabama.gov/government-records/business-entity-records: business search, search fields, search disclaimer, search tips. Checked .
- www.sos.alabama.gov/business-entities/llcs: LLC name endings. Checked .
- www.sos.alabama.gov/business-entities/domestic-corporations: corporation name endings. Checked .
- www.sos.alabama.gov/sites/default/files/2022-01/2021FeeSchedule.pdf: name reservation fee, LLC filing fee, corporation filing fee, nonprofit filing fee, foreign LLC fee, good standing certificate, certificate fee. Checked .
- www.sos.alabama.gov/sites/default/files/form-files/domesticEntityNameReservation.pdf: name reservation form. Checked .
- www.revenue.alabama.gov/faqs/when-is-the-alabama-business-privilege-tax-return-due/: franchise tax. Checked .
- www.sos.alabama.gov/sites/default/files/form-files/business-files/sosfdf-2.pdf: certificate ordering. Checked .
- www.sos.alabama.gov/sites/default/files/form-files/trademark-files/lat-1.pdf: assumed names (DBA). Checked .
- www.sos.alabama.gov/node/97: who takes ucc filings, filing online, worth knowing. Checked .
- www.sos.alabama.gov/business-services/filing-fees: file a ucc-1, search fee, copies and certified searches, processing time, termination. Checked .