To successfully perfect a lien against personal property, what document must a creditor record?

To successfully perfect a lien against personal property, a creditor must file a Financing Statement. This document serves as a notice to the public that a creditor has an interest in the personal property of a debtor. It provides essential information about the debtor and the secured property, helping to establish the priority of the creditor's claim in the event of default or bankruptcy.

Filing a Financing Statement is crucial because it establishes the legal rights of the creditor and protects their interest in the collateral. This is part of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), which governs secured transactions in personal property, ensuring that the rights of creditors are clearly documented and enforceable.

The other options relate to different aspects of real estate and liens. A Notice of Default pertains to the failure to meet the terms of a mortgage or deed of trust, often preceding foreclosure. A Deed of Trust is a security instrument used in real estate transactions involving real property, not personal property. A Judgment Lien arises from a court ruling but does not require the same specific filing process as a Financing Statement. Thus, the Financing Statement is the correct and necessary document for perfecting a lien against personal property.