The Personal Property Security Registration System is a computer-based system with both registration and enquiry functions. Information submitted by registrants is stored in a computer database and this information can be accessed by members of the public who make an enquiry.

Persons involved in one of two basic types of transactions should make a registration in the system to protect their interests. Creditors who secure payment of a debt by taking a security interest in the personal property of their debtor should register a financing statement under the Personal Property Security Act (PPSA). Persons who repair or store an article and who, prior to receiving full payment give up possession of that article, should register a claim for lien under the Repair and Storage Liens Act (RSLA). Registering in the system pursuant to these Acts helps to establish priorities between individuals with competing interests in the same personal property, and in the case of a claim for lien will also ensure that the non-possessory lien is enforceable against third parties. Information is kept current through the registration of a financing change statement or
change statement.

A person who is intending to purchase personal property or who is intending to lend money on the security of personal property will want to ensure that the owner has not already pledged the property as security and that the property is not subject to any nonpossessory liens. A search of the owner's name will inform the enquirer of any registrations that have been recorded in the system and indexed under that name. A search can also be conducted against the vehicle identification number (VIN) of a motor vehicle.