By Associated Press
Montgomery AL – A division of the secretary of state's office used by hundreds of people each day is going online. Banks, credit unions, finance companies and others should be able to file financing statements electronically by the end of the year. People will also be able to check the forms to see a person's records before giving them any new credit. Secretary of State Beth Chapman said people suggested during last year's campaign that she pursue more efficient online services. She said people using the new service will pay an extra 8 dollars, 25 cents, which they can charge to their credit cards. The fee will cover the full cost. And for those who don't want to do the work electronically, the paper forms will still be available. The secretary of state's Web site currently lets viewers see which people or firms have forms filed, but they can't see the details without paying for copies of the paper records. Most states already provide the service onlines.
On the Net: Secretary of state: http://www.sos.state.al.us