Uniform Commercial Code FAQs

Continuations

Q1. What does continue a filing mean?

A1. See the definitions.

Q2. When do filings expire?

A2. UCC Financing Statements:

  • Most filings are effective for five years. For example, if you file on May 1, 2020, then the filing will expire (lapse) on May 1, 2025.
  • If the debtor is a transmitting utility, the record is effective until a termination is filed.
  • If the filing is connected to a manufactured home transaction, the record is in effect for 30 years.

Effective Financing Statements:

  • Filings are effective for five years. For example, if you file on May 1, 2020, then the filing will expire (lapse) on May 1, 2025.

Hospital, Agistor's, Harvester's, and Colorado Housing and Financing Authority (CHFA) liens:

  • The lien is effective until a termination is filed.

Restitution and child support liens:

  • The lien is effective for 12 years or until terminated. These liens can be continued for additional 12-year periods.

Federal Tax liens:

  • The lien is effective until the IRS releases it.

Q3. When can I continue a filing?

A3. UCC and Effective Financing Statements can be continued during the last six months of their effective period. For example, if a filing will lapse (expire) on 7/31/2020, a continuation could be filed between 1/31/2020 and 11:59 PM on 7/31/2020.

The following liens can be continued at any time:

  • Agistor's
  • Child support
  • Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA)
  • Harvester's
  • Hospital
  • Restitution

Q4. How do I continue a filing?

A4. To continue a filing:

  • Go to the UCC filing system.
  • Click on "Amend an existing record".
  • Enter the Document # and select Search
  • Confirm whether or not you have the right record
  • Mark the box next to Continuation
  • Continue the filing through payment

For help filing a continuation, see the amendment instructions.

Q5. I tried to file a continuation, but I don't see that option under "Amendment Type(s)". What's happening?

A5. There are several reasons why a "Continuation" may not be an available option.

  • The filing is already expired,
  • You are trying to file a continuation outside of the six month continuation window, or
  • The filing doesn't need to be continued because it doesn't have a lapse (expiration) date.

Q6. How can I tell if a filing has lapsed (expired)?

A6. To find a lapse date:

  • Go to the UCC filing system.
  • Search for the record by debtor name, secured party, or document #.
  • On the search results page, you will see the lapse date at the end of each row when applicable.

Lapse dates will also be listed on search reports.