Start an LLC in Maine
Start a Maine LLC by filing a Certificate of Formation with the Maine Secretary of State for $175.
You can use our free tool to fill out the paperwork right here yourself. Or hire Northwest to do it for you and we’ll provide one year of registered agent service and a free Business Identity—all for $39.
How to Start an LLC in Maine
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a permanent public record. Starting one requires sharing personal information with the government, banks, landlords, vendors, and of course, customers. We provide a Free Business Identity to anyone who needs it—that’s a domain name, website, phone line, email address, and Brand Protection on day one. This helps protect your privacy and keep you in control of your intellectual property.
1. Name Your LLC
Choosing a name for your Maine LLC is more than a legal requirement—it’s how people will recognize your business. A good company name should be clear, easy to remember, and flexible enough to grow with you over time. It’s also smart to check that your preferred name is available as a domain so you can secure a matching website and build a consistent online presence from the start.
Before deciding on a company name, make sure it meets Maine’s LLC name requirements and is available. You can check name availability using the Maine’s Corporate Name Search.
- Have the perfect company name but not quite ready to form your business? Consider reserving a name for your Maine LLC to ensure it’s available when you file.
- Want a more memorable or descriptive name for your LLC without changing its legal name? Upgrade your branding and marketing game with DBA registration—also known as an assumed business name.
- Worried your website name won’t match your LLC? Register your domain name early to secure your brand and ensure a consistent, trustworthy online presence.
- Concerned someone could take your company name and mimic your professional identity? Protect your business and brand by filing a trademark registration.
- Make sure it’s unique from other registered business names in Maine. Just using a different entity label, like LLC instead of Inc. is not enough to differentiate the name.
- Include limited liability company, limited company, or an abbreviation, such as LLC or LC.
2. Register Your Domain Name
After choosing your LLC’s name, a good next step is locking down a domain name for your business website. A professional domain should be easy to remember—and ideally, match or complement your business name. When you register your domain name early, you’re more likely to get a name that meets those standards.
You’ll need to claim a business domain name through a registrar. When you hire Northwest to form your LLC, domain registry is one of many in-house services we provide, so you also get an instant domain, plus your own customizable business website secured with SSL protection, and an email business address connected to that domain.
3. Appoint a Registered Agent
All LLCs in Maine are required to appoint a Maine registered agent when they file the Certificate of Formation. Your registered agent’s job is to accept state and legal mail on behalf of your business and deliver it promptly to you.
Maine registered agent legal requirements
Your registered agent must:
- Have a physical address (no P.O. Boxes or virtual offices) in the state of Maine, which will go on the public record.
- Be available during regular business hours to accept service of process.
The complete requirements for Maine registered agents are listed in 5 ME Rev. Stat. § 114.
Many small business owners wonder if they can be their own registered agents. And the truth is, yes, you can. However, registered agent names and addresses are public information.
So if you appoint yourself as registered agent, your address will be visible on the Maine Corporate Name Search, where it can end up in the hands of data brokers and scam artists. This is why using a registered agent service is often the smarter choice.
- Privacy: Keep your private address private.
- Peace of mind: Get notified IMMEDIATELY of legal mail.
- Image protection: Don’t get served at home.
4. File Certificate of Formation
When you’re ready to start your LLC, you’ll need to complete the Maine Certificate of Formation (31 ME Rev Stat § 1531)and submit it to the Secretary of State, along with the $175 state fee.
How to File the Maine Certificate of Formation
The Certificate of Formation can only be filed by mail or in person. You can submit your Certificate along with payment to:
| In person | Division of Corporations,
UCC & Commissions UCC Section 6 E. Chestnut Street, 5th Floor Augusta, ME 04330 |
| U.S. Postal Service:
Division of Corporations, UCC & Commissions UCC Section 101 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0101
UPS or FedEx: Division of Corporations, UCC & Commissions UCC Section 6 E. Chestnut Street, 5th Floor Augusta, ME 04330 |
If you’re in a hurry, you can pay extra for expedited filing. $50 gets you next business day filing and $100 gets you same business day filing.
Do you already have an LLC registered in another state or country? Then you may want to register a foreign LLC in Maine instead of forming a whole other business.
Local ME LLC
Registration Help
Register Your LLC
- Company name: Your company name needs an indicator like LLC.
- Filing date: This is when your LLC will start. Most LLCs select date of this filing for an immediate start, but you can choose a date up to 90 days in the future.
- Low-profit LLC: Check the box if you’re forming a low-profit LLC (must have a charitable or educational purpose).
- Professional LLC: Check the box if you’re forming a professional LLC (an LLC that offers services that require special licenses, like architecture or dentistry) and list the kind of services your LLC will offer.
- Registered agent: Person or entity that will be accepting legal mail on behalf of your LLC. Specify if your registered agent is commercial (like Northwest) or noncommercial (like your neighbor Jean).
- Name and signature of authorized person: This is the person or entity that signs and submits the Certificate of Formation. It can be someone outside of your LLC. If you hire us, then we’ll sign here.
- Customer contact cover letter: An attached form with your contact information, the amount of the fee enclosed, and whether you want expedited filing.
You also have the option to attach a Statement of Authority, stating who in the LLC is authorized to enter into legal contracts with third parties. However, this is not a requirement.
5. Create an Operating Agreement
An operating agreement (or limited liability company agreement) is a legal agreement between the owners of an LLC, establishing the rules and structure of the LLC. Other than the Certificate of Formation, your operating agreement is the most important document for your LLC.
It’s a good idea to hire an attorney to review your operating agreement. As a starting point, we offer free, attorney-drafted Maine operating agreement templates.
Your operating agreement can include almost any provision agreed upon by members of the LLC. At the least, your operating agreement should cover the following:
- Initial investments
- How profits and losses will be distributed
- Voting rights, decision-making powers, and management
- Transfer of membership interest
- The process for dissolving the business
6. Get an EIN
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a tax ID number for your business, similar to a Social Security number. Multi-member LLCs, LLCs taxed as corporations, and businesses with employees are required to have an EIN. Even if it’s not a requirement for your LLC, using an EIN is safer than giving out your Social Security number, and it can make your business appear more legitimate.
You can get an EIN directly from the IRS for free by filing online, by mail, or (for international applicants only) by phone. You can also hire Northwest to get your EIN for you!
7. File your Annual Report
Maine requires all domestic LLCs to file an annual report with the state. This filing keeps your business in good standing by ensuring the state has your LLC’s most up-to-date address and member or manager information.
Your Maine Annual Report is due each year by June 1, and the filing fee is $85. Reports are filed online through through the state’s online filing system—or you can access the paper filing if needed. Just make sure you have your LLC Charter Number handy to access the filing.
Not sure how to file? Check out our Maine Annual Report filing guide for step-by-step instructions, or hire Northwest to handle it for you and take the stress off your plate.
Ready to Start an LLC in Maine?