Maine (ME) Secretary of State (SOS) LLC & Business Search

The Maine Department of the Secretary of State provides a corporate search facility which enables users to access general entity details and corporation mark details for businesses that have registered them in Maine. Their entity database can be searched by:

• Keyword
• Charter number

Search by keyword

You can search the database by keywords which will search the business name, address and agent name. You should use as fuller name as possible to aide with narrowing down the search results.

The search results produce a list of all matching businesses with a list showing the entity description and name type.

The businesses can be viewed in more detail by clicking on the information summary which includes details such as:

• Legal name
• Charter number
• Filing type
• Status
• Filing date
• Expiration date
• Jurisdiction
• Other names
• Principal home office addresses
• Clerk or registered agent details
• List of filings

You can also access certificates of existence and good standing which are charged at $30.

Search by charter name

You can also search the database by charter number if you know what the business’ charter number is.

The results from this search should be a single record and you should be directed straight into the business record. In the business record, you can view the business name, type of business, status and agent details as well as much more as listed above under search by keywords.

Contact details

Website: https://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/corp/index.html

Phone: (207) 624-7736

Address: 101 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0101

Hours: Monday-Friday 8.30am-4.30pm

Email: cec.corporations@maine.gov

How to register a business in Maine?

If you are a limited partnership or limited liability company you will need to register your business with the Bureau of Corporations at the Office of the Secretary of State. These steps can help you:

1. Firstly, you should select your business name and part of that selection process should include checking whether the name is already registered by using the Secretary of State corporate search.
2. Secondly, you should explore which business structure is the best type for your business to operate under, for example, limited liability company, corporation, limited liability partnership, partnership or sole proprietorship.
3. Then you can register your business with the Secretary of State which costs $145-175 to register depending on whether you need to complete a Certificate of Formation (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (corporations).
4. After this, you should also register for tax on the Maine Tax Portal.
5. You will also need to apply for all appropriate business licenses (see below).

How much does a Maine business entity search cost?

A business entity search on the Maine Secretary of State website is free.

How can I get a business license in Maine?

Business licenses are managed in Maine at a town or city level and you should contact your local town or municipal office for details of the licenses and permits that your business needs. Some professions and business types will also need additional licenses and permits. The cost of these licenses and permits varies depending on the type of business and the location but can range from a small fee to a few hundred dollars.