For SBA lenders
Short answer
SBA Form 912 is required for any individual who is providing a personal guaranty for the loan, regardless of their ownership stake in the business.
The SBA requires all individuals providing a personal guaranty for a 7(a) loan to complete and sign SBA Form 912. This form collects personal history information, including criminal background, that the SBA uses to determine if the individual has acceptable character for involvement with an SBA loan. This applies to all owners with 20% or more equity, and also to any other individual who is a personal guarantor.
A business owner with 15% equity (below the 20% threshold) is required by the lender to provide a personal guaranty due to their strong personal financial statement. This non-owner guarantor must complete SBA Form 912 in addition to the other required documents.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
Criminal Justice Reviews for SBA Business Loan Programs - Final Rule
Last checked 2026-06-13. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 · SBA sources checked through 2026-06-13. DealRoom analysis of public SBA 7(a) lending records (FY2020–present). Grounded in the current SBA rulebook; verify against the official sources above before relying on it for a live deal. Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision.
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