In the fast-paced world of commercial finance, waiting several business days for a lien filing or search result can delay critical closings. Expedited processing is a priority service offered by most Secretaries of State to accelerate the review and indexing of Uniform Commercial Code documents.
Standard Speed Tiers
Most jurisdictions offer one or more of the following priority levels.
24-Hour Review
The standard priority tier for most states. Documents submitted before a specific cutoff time are typically processed and indexed by the next business day.
Same-Day / 1-Hour
High-priority "emergency" processing. Often requires submission by noon and carries significantly higher fees. Ideal for multi-million dollar closings.
Online E-Filing
In many states, e-filing provides immediate acknowledgment and a file-stamped copy, effectively bypassing the need for traditional "expedited" paper processing.
The Cost of Speed
Expedited fees are in addition to standard filing fees and are generally non-refundable.
| Service Level | Typical Fee Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 24-Hour Expedited | $15.00 – $50.00 | Routine business loans and leases. |
| Same-Day Service | $100.00 – $500.00 | Time-critical real estate or M&A closings. |
| 1-Hour / Emergency | $500.00 – $1,000+ | High-stakes litigation or immediate funding needs. |
Note: Fees vary widely by state. For example, Delaware offers specific 1-hour and 2-hour tiers, while other states may only offer a single "Priority" option.
Need to File Now?
Access the official Secretary of State portals to check current expedited availability and submit your filing.
Access the 50-State Directory