Maine LLC Name Search & Entity Lookup (Guide)

Starting an LLC in Maine requires knowing if your desired business name is available. You can easily perform a Maine LLC name search to ensure your name is unique and legally compliant.

This blog guides you through the steps for a successful Maine LLC name search and lookup and provides helpful tips for navigating the process.

Should You Conduct a Maine Name Search or an LLC Lookup?

Before starting your LLC in Maine, check if your desired name is available. Conducting a Maine LLC name search helps you avoid potential legal issues.

Here are some reasons why you should perform this search:

• Avoid Conflicts: If your name is too similar to another business, you may face disputes. A name search helps ensure you choose a unique name.
• Understand Availability: Just because a name looks good doesn’t mean it’s available. An LLC lookup reveals if your chosen name is already taken.
• Saves Time and Money: Finding out early if your name is available can save you filing fees and costs related to rebranding.
• Compliance with State Law: Maine requires that all business names must be distinct. Conducting a search ensures your name meets state requirements.
• Brand Identity: A good name is crucial for your business identity. Ensuring it’s unique helps you establish brand recognition right away.

Maine LLC Name Search (step-by-step)

Searching for a desired LLC name in Maine is a straightforward process. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your name choice is unique and available for use.

Step 1: Visit the Maine Secretary of State’s website

Open your web browser and navigate to the official website of the Maine Secretary of State at maine.gov/sos/. This site offers reliable business services and resources.

Step 2: Navigate to the “Online Services” section

Once on the Maine Secretary of State’s website, locate the “Online Services” section. This area contains important links and options for business filings and searches.

Step 3: Click on “Corporate Name Search and Related Services”

In the “Online Services” section, find and click the link labeled “Corporate Name Search and Related Services.” This option gives you access to corporate information & filings and corporate name search.

Step 4: Click on “Corporate Search”

In the “Corporate Name Search and Related Services” section, find and click the link labeled “Corporate Search.” This action will take you to a page where you can perform an LLC lookup by name or charter number.

Step 5: Enter the desired LLC name in the search field

On the search page, you will see a field to type your desired LLC name. Be sure to type in the full name you want for your business.

Ignore the charter number if you are performing a Maine LLC name search instead of a specific LLC lookup.

After entering your LLC name, click the “Click Here to Search” button to initiate the name search. This action prompts the system to check the database of registered entities in Maine.

Step 6: Review the search results for name availability

Once the results appear, carefully review them to check if your desired name is available. If you get a “Nothing found matching your search,” it may mean it is not in use, giving you a better chance of registering it.

If your Maine LLC name search generates a result(s) for your desired name, it means your LLC name is taken.

You can click on the “Information Summary” link to get detailed information about the business entity such as:

• Charter Number
• Filing Type
• Status
• Filing Date
• Expiration Date
• Jurisdiction
• Principal Home Office Address
• Clerk/Registered Agent Information
• Filing Information

If your desired LLC name is available, proceed to register it. If the name you want is unavailable, revise your name and repeat the search to find an available option that fits your business vision.

Important LLC Naming Guidelines and Requirements in Maine

When forming an LLC in Maine, it is essential to adhere to specific naming rules to ensure your business name is approved and compliant with state regulations.

Here are the key guidelines:

1. Distinguishable Name

Your LLC name must be unique and must not closely resemble any existing business name in the state. For a name to be considered distinguishable, it must be substantively different in a recognizable way.

Minor alterations are often insufficient, as the goal is to prevent public confusion between businesses.

2. Prohibited Words

Certain terms are restricted to avoid misrepresentation. Words like “FBI,” “Treasury,” or “State Department” cannot be used, as they could imply affiliation with government entities, which may mislead the public.

3. Suffix Requirement

Maine requires that your LLC name reflects the business structure. Approved suffixes include “LLC,” “Limited Liability Company,” and abbreviations such as “L.L.C.”

This designation informs others that your business is an LLC and has the legal protections and structure that an LLC entails.

4. Name Restrictions

Words related to certain industries, like “bank” or “insurance,” are restricted and may require special approval from regulatory agencies if you wish to include them in your LLC name. This ensures that only authorized entities in specific fields can use these terms.

5. Punctuation and Articles

Altering punctuation, adding articles (like “the”), or adding conjunctions (like “and”) does not make a name distinct in Maine.

For instance, “Maine Tech LLC” and “Maine Tech and Solutions LLC” would be considered identical in the eyes of the state, as the changes are minor.

6. Availability Check

Before filing, it is recommended to check name availability using the Maine Secretary of State’s Business Search tool. This search helps you verify that your desired name is available and not already registered by another entity.

What Words are not allowed in my Maine LLC name?

In Maine, certain words are prohibited in LLC names to prevent public confusion and ensure clarity about your business’s services.

Here’s a list of commonly prohibited words:

• Bank: You cannot use “bank” or related terms like “banking” or “savings” unless your LLC is a chartered financial institution. These terms imply regulated financial services, and this restriction helps avoid misleading the public.
• Insurance: The word “insurance” is restricted unless your LLC is licensed to offer insurance services. This prevents the public from assuming your LLC provides regulated insurance products without proper licensing.
• Trust: Only entities with formal fiduciary duties, like managing assets on behalf of clients, can use “trust” in their name. This restriction ensures that only qualified businesses represent themselves as trust managers.
• State, United States, and Governmental Terms: Words suggesting government affiliation, like “state” or “United States,” are not allowed to prevent misrepresentation as a government agency.
• Industry-Specific Terms: Terms tied to regulated professions, such as “engineering” or “medicine,” may require approval from state boards. This restriction ensures only qualified, licensed professionals use these terms in their LLC names.
• University, College, Academy: Educational terms like “university,” “college,” or “academy” imply that your LLC provides formal educational services. Use of these terms is typically restricted to accredited educational institutions.
• Attorney, Lawyer, Law Firm: Terms related to legal services, such as “attorney,” “lawyer,” or “law firm,” are generally prohibited unless the LLC is established as a licensed legal practice.
• Credit Union: The term “credit union” is restricted to federally or state-chartered credit unions, as they are regulated financial cooperatives. Only authorized credit unions can use this term.
• Bankruptcy, Debt Relief, Foreclosure: Terms suggesting specific financial relief services, such as “bankruptcy,” “debt relief,” or “foreclosure,” are restricted and may require special licensing or regulatory approval.
• Mutual, Cooperative, Co-op: Terms like “mutual,” “cooperative,” and “co-op” are often associated with member-owned organizations or specific business structures. Use of these terms may require your business to meet certain criteria or be structured accordingly to prevent misrepresentation.
• Healthcare, Hospital, Clinic: Terms that imply healthcare services, such as “healthcare,” “hospital,” or “clinic,” may only be used by licensed medical entities.
• Assurance, Surety, Guaranty: Terms like “assurance,” “surety,” or “guaranty” are restricted as they suggest a guarantee or financial backing, which may require regulatory approval.

How do I File a Maine LLC Name Reservation? (In steps)

If you want to reserve a specific name for your LLC in Maine before filing the official formation documents, follow these steps through the Maine Secretary of State:

Step 1: Confirm Name Availability

Before proceeding, search the Maine Secretary of State’s business name database to confirm that your desired LLC name is available. This will ensure your name is unique and complies with Maine’s naming requirements.

Step 2: Complete the Name Reservation Form (Form MLLC-1)

Download or obtain the “Application for Reservation of Name” (Form MLLC-1) from the Maine Secretary of State’s website or office.

Fill out the form with your chosen LLC name, contact information, and other required details.

Step 3: Pay the Filing Fee

The name reservation fee in Maine is $20. This non-refundable fee can be paid by check or money order, made payable to the “Maine Secretary of State.” Double-check the accuracy of the information on the form before submitting it.

Step 4: Submit the Form and Payment

Mail or deliver your completed Form MLLC-1 and payment to the Maine Secretary of State’s office. The specific mailing address is Division of Corporations, UCC and Commissions, 101 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0101.

Step 5: Wait for Confirmation

Once submitted, the Secretary of State will process your reservation request. If approved, your LLC name will be reserved for 120 days.

Be sure to file your LLC formation documents within this timeframe, or the reservation will expire.

Other Business Entities and Naming Considerations

It’s important to understand the various naming options and registrations available to you when starting a business in Maine. This includes considering trade names, filing a Doing Business As (DBA), and checking for domain name availability.

Trade Names and Trademark Search

A trade name is a name under which your business operates that might be different from your LLC’s legal name. You should ensure your chosen trade name is unique and not already in use.

To search, you can use the Maine Secretary of State’s database to check for existing names. This helps prevent legal issues later.

Additionally, consider searching trademarks through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

A trademark protects names, symbols, or slogans used to identify goods or services. Registering a trademark gives you exclusive rights to use that name in your business category. Researching trademarks is crucial to avoid infringement.

Filing for Doing Business As (DBA) in Maine

If you want to operate under a different name than your LLC, you’ll need to file for a Doing Business As (DBA) designation. This allows you to use a trade name legally.

In Maine, you can file a DBA with the Secretary of State. The process involves filling out the appropriate forms and paying a fee.

Ensure your chosen DBA is not similar to existing businesses to avoid confusion. This can be checked through the same business name search tool used for LLC names.

A DBA does not provide legal protection, so consider trademarking it for broader protection.

Check Domain Name Availability

In today’s digital world, having an online presence is essential. Checking domain name availability is a crucial step when naming your business.

Use domain registration sites to see if your desired domain is available. It’s best to match your business name with your domain for consistency. If your preferred name is not available, consider variations or different domain extensions (like .net or .biz).

Registering a domain as soon as you have a name helps ensure it is secured for your use. An engaging and easy-to-remember domain can enhance your online visibility and customer reach.

Final Thoughts – Is it Worth it to Search and Reserve My Business in Maine?

Yes, it is worth searching for and reserving your LLC name in Maine. A Maine LLC name search ensures your desired name is unique and complies with state regulations, avoiding delays or rejection.

Reserving your name gives you exclusive rights for 120 days, providing peace of mind while finalizing your business plans.

If you’re ready to file and aren’t concerned about someone else taking your name, reserving it may not be necessary. The $20 reservation is only valid for 120 days.

Reserving your LLC name is a smart move if you’re in the early stages. But if you’re ready to form your LLC immediately, you can skip this step and go ahead with the filing process.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the fees associated with forming an LLC in Maine?

Forming an LLC in Maine typically involves a filing fee. As of now, the fee for submitting your Certificate of Formation is $175. Additional fees may apply for expedited processing or other services.

What are the most important LLC naming guidelines in Maine?

When naming your LLC in Maine, it must include “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation like “LLC.” The name cannot be similar to existing entities and should not include prohibited words like “bank” or “insurance.”

Do I need a name reservation in Maine?

While not required, reserving your LLC name can be beneficial. It gives you exclusive use of the name for 120 days while you prepare to file your LLC formation documents.

How much does it cost to reserve your LLC name in Maine?

Reserving an LLC name in Maine costs $20. You must file a name reservation application with the Maine Secretary of State to secure the name.

Can I use the name of another Maine entity?

No, you cannot use the name of another registered entity in Maine. Your LLC name must be unique and distinguishable from existing business names to avoid confusion.