Short answer: Must contain Limited Liability Company or an abbreviation.
We've pulled these figures from the Maine Secretary of State, Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions's own pages. If something's changed since our last check, the state's portal wins, so it's worth a quick look before you pay.
Maine naming rules
Must contain Limited Liability Company or an abbreviation.
Open the official Maine name search
Reserving a name
Maine lets you reserve a name for $20, which holds it for 120 days.
Doing business under another name
Maine DBAs are filed with: state. Fee: $125.
How Maine compares
Maine's name reservation fee is $20. That's the 15th lowest of 50 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $25, so Maine comes in $5 under it.
| State | Fee | National rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| Maine | $20 | 33 of 50 |
| New Hampshire | $17 | 37 of 50 |
| Vermont | $25 | 18 of 50 |
| Massachusetts | $30 | 13 of 50 |
| Rhode Island | $50 | 7 of 50 |
| New York | $20 | 33 of 50 |
Maine fees that apply here
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Formation (Form MLLC-6) | $175 | Applies strictly to paper filings as the state does not offer online formation. |
| Name reservation (optional) | $20 | 120 days |
| Amendment | $50 | |
| DBA / assumed name | $125 | state |
Name search and rules: Maine questions
How do I check if an LLC name is available in Maine?
Use the official Maine Secretary of State, Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions business search. A name that's distinguishable from existing records can usually be registered.
What words must a Maine LLC name include?
Must contain Limited Liability Company or an abbreviation.
Can I reserve an LLC name in Maine?
Yes. Reservation costs $20 and holds the name for 120 days.
Do I need a DBA in Maine?
Only if you'll do business under a name other than your exact LLC name. DBAs are filed with: state. Fee: $125.
Sources and verification
Last checked against official state sources on . States change fees with little notice, so confirm on the filing portal before you pay. How we verify.