Real Estate related UCC documents are filed in the office of the Register of Deeds, all other UCC filing documents are filed with the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI).  Laws which govern financing statements are uniform across the nation and thus, are termed "Uniform Commercial Code." or UCC.  UCC filings mortgage personal property.  They are also called "chattel" mortgages because the collateral used to secure the loan is moveable rather than real property which is fixed to the earth.  The following are examples of personal property; farm machinery, crops in the field, livestock, electronics, office equipment, musical instruments &  sound systems, specialized business equipment, and recreational vehicles.

Forms: Official UCC-1, UCC-3 and UCC-4 forms are available at office supply stores.

	UCC-1 Forms:  Used for financing statements when no real estate is involved.
	UCC-3 Forms:  Used for fixtures that are attached to the land and affect the value of real estate.  The legal description and parcel identifier number are required on the form.
	UCC-4 Forms:  Used for continuations, amendments, assignments, and releases.  Original filing numbers are required.  These forms can also be used to terminate filings.
	Non-Standard Forms:  When an additional page(s) are added to the UCC form, the cost is double the regular filing fee.

Continuations:  UCC financing statements expire in 5 years unless a continuation is filed.  The secured party must complete the continuation form (UCC-4) and mail it with the appropriate fee to the register of deeds.

Amendments:  In order to change items on the financing statement, such as adding collateral, an amendment is filed by the secured party.

Assignments: If the financing statement is assigned to another secured party, an assignment is filed.

Releases:  If part of the collateral or one of the debtors is released from the obligation, a release is filed.

Terminations: When the obligation is fulfilled (debt paid off), usually the pink copy of the original filing is signed by the secured party and filed, or else the UCC-4 form may be used.  There is no cost to file a termination statement.

Lien searches:  These can be performed by phone or with a UCC-11 form for a cost of $15.00 per debtor's name.  Individuals may come into the office and search the UCC Lien System free of charge, but first time users should ask for assistance.

Fees: See Register of Deeds Fee Schedule.