Maine business search
Maine's official business search is Corporate Name Search, run by the Maine Secretary of State, Bureau of Corporations. It's free, and you can search by name or file number.
Search Maine recordsHow to check if a name is taken in Maine
- Type the main words of the name into the search. Leave off endings like LLC or Inc.
- Look for exact matches and close ones. States usually refuse a name that only differs by punctuation, spacing or the ending.
- If nothing close comes up, run a free trademark search. A state accepting your name doesn't give you the right to use it as a brand.
LLC name endings in Maine
An LLC's name has to end with one of these: LLC, L.C., LC, L.L.C., Limited Company, Limited Liability Company.
Once the name is clear
Maine charges $175 to form an LLC and $145 to form a corporation. See how to start an LLC in Maine, or a Maine DBA if you only need a trade name.
Maine business search questions
Is the Maine business search free?
Yes. The Maine Secretary of State, Bureau of Corporations doesn't charge to search its records.
Does searching reserve a name in Maine?
No. A search only shows what's on record today. The name is yours once your filing is accepted, and most states also let you pay to hold a name for a set time.
Can I see who owns a Maine LLC?
The record shows what Maine requires a company to file, which is often its registered agent and sometimes its managers or members. Many states don't list owners at all.