Maine Business Name Search

Getting Started

Before searching the Maine Business Name Database, you can save time by making sure your business name is unique and distinguishable from other existing business entities within the Maine business name database. We suggest coming with a few name ideas in-mind incase any are unavailable, you can also download the full Maine’s entity name guidelines here (click here to download)

Generate Business Name Ideas

Search business name availability

If you want to contact Maine’s Local secretary of state either by email or phone, it is totally free and it’s a more reliable method of checking the availability of your business name.

You can also search online by navigating to Maine’s Database, just enter your desired LLC business name in the Corporate Name Search box or you can go to the official website of the Secretary of State.

You can reserve a business name for 120 days by filing an MLLC-1 (Application for Reservation of Name) with the SoS. The name reservation must be filed by mail and it costs $20.

After doing this, you need to choose a Registered Agent.

Maine Secretary of State Office

Website: www.maine.gov/sos/

Phone: 207-626-8400

Email: cec.corporations@maine.gov

Hours: 8am – 5pm, Monday – Friday

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I register business name for use?

After you have successfully conducted a name search and your business name is distinguishable and unique. You need to choose your Maine LLC Registered Agent next.

After selecting your Registered agent, you have to file your Certificate of Formation with Maine’s Secretary of State.

As at this time, there is no provision for online filing, but it can be done by mail. The state filing fee is $175 and it takes between 5-10 business days to be approved (this process can be expedited if you pay an additional $50 or $100).

What do I need to register my business name?

To register your Maine LLC name, here are the following documents you need to prepare:

– A Certificate of Formation which must include your LLC’s name and address. It must also include the name and address of your LLC’s registered agent

– In an instance where the members of your LLC is more than one person, it is imperative you get an IRS EIN (Employer Identification Number). Even if there are no employees.

– Depending on the location of your business and its type, you may need to get state and local business licenses for your LLC.

After the approval of your Maine LLC, you need to complete your Operating Agreement and get your Federal Tax ID Number (aka EIN) from the IRS.

For you to keep your Maine LLC in compliance, you need to file an LLC Annual Report once a year (which is due on the 1^st of June) and it costs $85 to file.

(Source: How to Form an LLC in Maine)

What if my business name is already in use?

After running a search on the state’s database and your chosen name is not available to use, you have to choose another name or with a little creativity from your part come up with a variation that is unique.

If you’re still unable to find a business name that suits you, try using our business name generator to get unique name ideas (click here to find our business name generator).

Registering your business Domain/website

Don’t make the mistake of forgetting to check if the domain name is available for your business. The last thing you want is to register your business name and find out another competitor or company already has a website with your name! Use our domain check below to instantly check availability.

Enter your business name to check domain availability