PPSA - PPR Searches a.k.a. 'Lien Search'

Before purchasing used goods or vehicles a search should be conducted under the PPSA to determine if a seller or a previous owner has obtained a loan against those goods which may mean the lender may have rights on the used goods. The search results will provide details on the lender who can be contacted to confirm whether the loan is still in effect. If the loan has been repaid, the buyer should insist that the seller require the lender to promptly register a discharge before the sale is completed. However, if there is an outstanding loan, the consumer may either decide against completing the sale or require the seller to arrange for payment of the loan as well as registration of a discharge.

Considering a PPSA financing statement is a notice, only essential information relating to the loan is required. Searches will reveal the borrower's name, address and date of birth, the lender's name and business address, the registration period, classification of the collateral as consumer goods, initial amount of the loan, maturity date and description of the car including motor vehicle identification number (VIN).

Click here for PPSA/Lien Registration Services.

Types of searches:

As part of our Due Diligence and Investigative search services we conduct searches across Canada under the PPSA/PPR on Corporations, Business Names, Individuals and Motor Vehicle Identification Numbers which indicates whether the personal property is encumbered and subject to security interests of creditors.

• Individual Specific: When an enquiry for security interests or lien(s) is registered against an individual person the following 'specific' information of the individual must be provided:

  First (Given) Name,
  Middle Initial, (If any),
  Last Name (Surname), and
  Date of Birth
  

   
• Individual Non-Specific: If you are unsure or unaware of the date of birth and/ or middle initial a non-specific search can be conducted using the following:
  

  First (Given) Name,
  and Last Name (Surname)

   
  
• Business Debtor Name: Only one type of search is available with respect to a business debtor name. In order for the search to be effective the correct legal name must be provided.
  
  

  Does the Corporation have a 'Trade' or Operating Names registered? If yes, it is recommended that a search be conducted on the Corporation name as well as any Trade Names registered to the Corporation.



Does the Corporation name have a French version? If yes, it is recommended that a PPSA/PPR search be conducted on all four variations of the name to ensure all registrations/liens are revealed.

Click here for information Corporate and Business name searches.

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN):
  Every motor vehicle in Canada contains a unique VIN. It is a standardized 17 character alpha-numeric number. A motor vehicle other than an automobile (e. g. a motor-cycle) will have a VIN affixed to it, but may not contain 17 character alpha-numeric number.

• Uncertified Search Report: This report displays all liens/registrations registered against the subject name and sent electronically via email in PDF format. If the report contains a high-volume of liens/registrations it will automatically become certified and is available the next business day.
  
  
• Certified Reports: Available in 24 hours from search date and each page of the report bears a stamp from the Minstry of Government Services (in Ontario) indicating it's a certified true copy from the PPSA.
  Certified Reports are not available in all Provinces or the U.S. States and the report layouts and the information it contains will vary between the Provinces.
  
  
• C.S.R.A. copies: A copy of documents filed under the Corporation Securities Registration Act can be obtained. Unless specified only the particulars are supplied which include the stamped back page and pages showing the secured party(ies) and debtor(s). The complete file can be obtained if requested.

• Complete Search: A complete search reveals all registrations stored in the PPSA/PPR system to the currency date of the database.
  
  
• Update Search: This report only reveals PPSA/Liens registered from a specific date to the currency date of the database. Only available in Ontario.

Search Report Sample Report Total Cost   Ontario Certifed PPSA (Lien) Search View Sample $29.00 Ontario Uncertified Search View Sample $29.00 Ontario CSRA Copies n/a from $32.00*1 Call or Email Provincial Report View Sample $25.00 to $55.00*1 U.S. UCC Search Report View Sample from $25.00*3 Call or Email