A new online service announced today by Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky provides businesses and financial institutions all across Maine with 24 hour a day, 7 day a week access to Uniform Commercial Code lien information and documents.  UCC Interactive Search, the Department of the Secretary of State’s tenth and most recent e-Government service, allows copies of imaged UCC liens and supporting documents to be printed anywhere there’s an Internet connection.  Reports verifying search results are also available online.  Statutory fees apply, requiring $12 for each search and an additional $5 for certification.

“UCC Interactive Search allows for quicker and more convenient service to financial institutions,” said Gwadosky.  “Quicker service to financial institutions, translates into quicker service for their customers seeking loans on personal property.”

The Secretary of State’s Office has over 175,000 personal property liens on file and conducts nearly 18,000 lien information searches annually.   UCC lien filings serve as public notice to the priority of liens on a particular piece of personal property, similar to a title for a car or a deed for a piece of land.  UCC Interactive Search allows a user to search debtor information for individuals or organizations for select results.   

“Each new online service provides businesses and citizens with better access to government information,” stated Secretary Gwadosky.  “While Internet services will never replace conventional methods of service, there is a growing number of individuals and businesses that are demanding that government keep pace with the private sector in providing online services as an alternative.   Our department will continue to look for services that will lend themselves to an online application.” 
 
To get started, visit www.sosonline.org, review the easy to follow instructions and get online, not inline!