Register a Foreign Corporation in Maine

Free Guide to Registering a Foreign Corporation in Maine

What does it cost to register a foreign corporation in Maine?

$250 for normal processing.
$100 additional for immediate expedited processing.
$50 additional for 24 business hour processing.

How long does it take for the state to process the Maine Certificate of Authority?

Maine accepts applications in person or by mail. Processing times depend on your method of filing.

• Mail: Once received, Maine will take about 3-4 weeks to process your application.
• In Person: Maine will typically review and process any in person applications within 2-3 weeks,.
• Expedited: Maine charges $50 for 24-hour processing service, add time for mailing. Or hand deliver your application, pay $100, and your filing will be processed immediately.

How will I get verification of qualification back from Maine?

A stamped copy of the application will be returned to you by mail.

What forms do I file with Maine to qualify my out of State Corporation?

The Application for Authority to do Business form, Filer Contact Cover Letter form, a Certificate of Existence and the filing fee is required.

What do I need from my home state?

A Certificate of Existence is required.

Will I need an Maine registered agent for my corporation?

Yes, when you hire Northwest as your registered agent, it’s a flat rate yearly price of $125 a year, you’ll have an online account that tracks your report due dates, which states your registered in, when your yearly service with us is up, and any documents we receive locally for you are uploaded into your account immediately for complete viewing. If or when you get served with a lawsuit, we can email up to 4 people and your attorney at the same time for real time complete viewing of a lawsuit. You’ll receive annual report reminders for your corporation in Maine. It’s the same price every year, and there are no weird fees or cancellation fees.

You’ll also see all the pre-populated forms and specific filing instructions on the thank you page, in your online account, and they are emailed to you immediately upon signing up for 1 year of registered agent service in Maine.

Does the Maine registered agent need to sign the filing?

No.

How can I file the Maine Certificate of Authority?

By mail or in person.

What is the state agency that accepts the out of state registration?

Maine Secretary of State
Division of Corporations
101 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0101
Phone: (207)624-7752

Do the signatures on the Maine corporation application need to be original?

Yes.

Who has to sign the foreign corporation filing?

Any duly authorized officer can sign the form.

Are there any weird things about registering in Maine?

County filing or publication is not necessary, unless specifically required by the county in which your registered agent resides.

Are there ongoing Maine annual report and/or initial reporting requirements?

Annual reports in Maine are due June 1st.

What are your fees?

You’ll need to have an Maine registered agent. We charge $125 a year to act as your registered agent in Maine. It’s a flat rate, once a year fee, and includes more than other registered agents. Here’s a little more about our registered agent service.

We charge a $100 one-time filing service fee if you would like us to obtain the certificates needed from your home state, and register your company in any state you choose. We have offices in every state and can act as your registered agent and make your filings for you in any state. If you would like to register with multiple states at once, we can usually drop our filing service fee down.

Additional ME Corporation Resources:

Maine Taxes
Withdraw a Foreign Maine Corporation
State by State Foreign Corporation Requirements