The California Secretary of State's office recently announced the activation of a new Uniform Commercial Code Online web portal.  The new portal allows users to "conduct free searches, access free copies, file notices of lien documents, and more".  

Three types of liens may be filed online using the portal.  UCC-1 financing statements, notices of judgments, and attachment liens.  All that is required is $5 and the relevant names and addresses. However, users must create an account and agree to the Secretary of State's terms and conditions.  In the case of UCC-1 financing statements, the collateral description can by entered as text (up to 10,000 characters) or attached as a file.

The search feature allows users to search by Debtor name or Secured Party name. The system will provide both Debtors and Secured Parties that match the name.  The system also allows for search results by file number.  There is no fee for downloading, saving or printing search results.  However, an account must be created to file amendments or request certified copies of documents.