Tennessee § 47-9-203 - Attachment and enforceability of security interest — Proceeds — Supporting obligations; formal requisites.

Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 47-9-203 — Attachment and enforceability of security interest — Proceeds — Supporting obligations; formal requisites., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 47-9-203. Attachment and enforceability of security interest — Proceeds — Supporting obligations; formal requisites.

Attachment. A security interest attaches to collateral when it becomes enforceable against the debtor with respect to the collateral, unless an agreement expressly postpones the time of attachment. Enforceability. Except as otherwise provided in subsections (c) through (i), a security interest is enforceable against the debtor and third parties with respect to the collateral only if: value has been given; the debtor has rights in the collateral or the power to transfer rights in the collateral to a secured party; and one (1) of the following conditions is met: the debtor has authenticated a security agreement that provides a description of the collateral and, if the security interest covers timber to be cut, a description of the land concerned; the collateral is not a certificated security and is in the possession of the secured party under § 47-9-313 pursuant to the debtor's security agreement; the collateral is a certificated security in registered form and the security certificate has been delivered to the secured party under § 47-8-301 pursuant to the debtor's security agreement; or the collateral is deposit accounts, electronic chattel paper, investment property, or letter-of-credit rights, or electronic documents, and the secured party has control under § 47-7-106, § 47-9-104, § 47-9-105, § 47-9-106, or § 47-9-107 pursuant to the debtor's security agreement. Other UCC provisions. Subsection (b) is subject to § 47-4-210 on the security interest of a collecting bank, § 47-5-118 on the security interest of a letter-of-credit issuer or nominated person, § 47-9-110 on a security interest arising under Chapter 2 or 2A, and § 47-9-206 on security interests in investment property. When person becomes bound by another person's security agreement. A person becomes bound as debtor by a security agreement entered into by another person if, by operation of law other than this chapter or by contract: the security agreement becomes effective to create a security interest in the person's property; or the person becomes generally obligated for the obligations of the other person, including the obligation secured under the security agreement, and acquires or succeeds to all or substantially all of the assets of the other person. Effect of new debtor becoming bound. If a new debtor becomes bound as debtor by a security agreement entered into by another person: the agreement satisfies subsection (b)(3) with respect to existing or after-acquired property of the new debtor to the extent the property is described in the agreement; and another agreement is not necessary to make a security interest in the property enforceable. Proceeds and supporting obligations. The attachment of a security interest in collateral gives the secured party the rights to proceeds provided by § 47-9-315 and is also attachment of a security interest in a supporting obligation for the collateral. Lien securing right to payment. The attachment of a security interest in a right to payment or performance secured by a security interest or other lien on personal or real property is also attachment of a security interest in the security interest, mortgage, or other lien. Security entitlement carried in securities account. The attachment of a security interest in a securities account is also attachment of a security interest in the security entitlements carried in the securities account. Commodity contracts carried in commodity account. The attachment of a security interest in a commodity account is also attachment of a security interest in the commodity contracts carried in the commodity account. Acts 2000, ch. 846, § 1; 2008, ch. 814, § 26. Compiler's Notes. Former part 2, §§ 47-9-201 — 47-9-208 (Acts 1963, ch. 81, § 1 (9-201 — 9-208); 1985, ch. 404, §§ 11, 12; 1986, ch. 737, § 47; 1994, ch. 915, § 4; 1997, ch. 79, § 6; 1998, ch. 725, § 1) was repealed and replaced in the revision of chapter 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code by Acts 2000, ch. 846, § 1, effective July 1, 2001. Cross-References. Transition provisions, title 47, ch. 9, part 7. Prior Tennessee Law: §§ 47-1003, 47-1301, 64-901. Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 4 Tenn. Juris., Bankruptcy, § 26; 6 Tenn. Juris., Commercial Law, §§ 98, 99, 101, 102; 18 Tenn. Juris., Liens, § 3. Law Reviews. Priorities in Accounts: The Crazy Quilt of Current Law and a Proposal for Reform (Dan T. Coenen), 45 Vand. L. Rev. 1061 (1992). The New Article 9: Its Impact on Tennessee Law (Part I), 66 Tenn. L. Rev. 125 (1999).

Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 47-9-203

What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 47-9-203 cover?

Section 47-9-203 ("Attachment and enforceability of security interest — Proceeds — Supporting obligations; formal requisites.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Tennessee § 47-9-203?

A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 47-9-203" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Tennessee law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.

How does Tennessee § 47-9-203 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.