Maine Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your Maine LLC Name Is Available
A unique business name is key for branding, but it can be difficult to navigate the various rules for business names in Maine.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
Maine LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in Maine, your filing could be rejected if the name you choose is already in use or does not adhere to state naming regulations.
How to Search the Maine Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in Maine.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the Maine Business Name Search or the Maine Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the Maine Business Entity Search page
Maine Secretary of State: Corporate Name Search
It's simple: enter your desired LLC name in the search bar.
Search Tips:
- Exclude terms like "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company", and punctuation marks (commas, periods, apostrophes) from your search.
- You can use either uppercase or lowercase letters in your search.
★ Tip:
To ensure thoroughness, start with a search for the main part of your desired name. For instance, if you want "Sunset Ventures LLC", first search for "Sunset Ventures" and then "Sunset" to cover all possible variations.
How to Understand Maine LLC Search Results
If your search results show names that do not match yours exactly, your LLC name is likely available.
For example, if "Sunset Ventures LLC" yields results like "Sunset Management" and "Sunset LLC", your name should be available.
What If My Desired Name Is Not Available?
If the name you want is already in use, you will need to choose an alternative name or modify your desired name.
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Maine Secretary of State Contact Information
You can contact the Maine Secretary of State to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, Maine representatives can guide you through the process of using the Maine Business Name Search to see if your name is free. They can not guarantee that your name will be approved, but they can provide useful information.
Call the LLC Department at 207-624-7736, Monday through Friday, between 10 am to 5 pm Eastern Time.
Maine LLC Name Requirements
As per Section 1508 of the Maine LLC Act, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming a Maine business entity.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Pinecrest Enterprises LLC
- Pinecrest Enterprises, LLC
Permissible Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Limited Liability Co.
- Limited Liability Company
- LC
- L.C.
- Limited Company
- Limited Co.
- Ltd. Liability Co.
- Ltd. Liability Company
✎ Note:
The term "LLC" is the most commonly used.
Restricted Designators
Your LLC name cannot include terms that imply it is another type of business entity, such as:
- Inc.
- Corp.
- Incorporated
- Corporation
Restricted Words in Maine LLC Names
Your Maine LLC name cannot include words or abbreviations that are legally restricted.
For instance, you cannot name your LLC in a way that suggests it is a bank, a government agency, or any other entity that might mislead the public.
Additionally, you cannot use terms reserved for licensed professionals. These terms can differ by state but often include accountants, architects, attorneys, dentists, and engineers.
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Ensuring Your Maine Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the Maine Secretary of State Corporate Name Search.
If your name is not unique, you will need to come up with a different or modified name.
Rules for Distinguishability
Designators
Merely changing the designator (the suffix of the name) does not make a name unique. For example, if "Coastal Ventures LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the Maine Business Name Search:
- Coastal Ventures, Inc.
- Coastal Ventures, Corp.
- Coastal Ventures, L.L.C.
Filler Words
Adding filler words such as "the", "a", "an", "and"m or "&" does not make a name distinguishable. For instance, "Hartford Ventures LLC" will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- The Pine Tree Studios LLC
- A Pine Tree Studio Inc.
- Pine Tree and Studios L.L.C.
- Pine Tree & Studios Corp
Punctuation and special characters
Punctuation and special characters do not create a unique name.
For instance, if you want to use the name Lighthouse Cafe LLC, it won't be distinguishable from the following:
- Lighthouse Cafe Inc.
- Lighthouse-Cafe LLC
- Lighthouse Cafe $ L.L.C.
- "Lighthouse" Cafe Inc.
- Lighthouse Café LLC
Capitalization
Changes in capitalization do not make a business name unique.
For example, if you want to name your LLC Lighthouse Books LLC, it will not be distinguishable from:
- Lighthouse BOOKS Inc.
- lighthouse books LLC
- LIGHTHOUSE BOOKS LP
In other words, you can use any combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, but it won't make your name different from an existing business with a similar name.
What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your Maine Certificate of Formation and your chosen business name is not available, do not worry.
The state will inform you of the rejection and provide reasons. You will then need to resubmit with a new or adjusted name.
Do I need a name reservation in Maine?
No, a name reservation isn't required to form an LLC in Maine. It’s an unnecessary step and a waste of money. You can simply file your LLC’s Certificate of Formation with your desired LLC name.
Does Maine require an LLC in the name?
Yes, your Maine LLC name must include one of the allowable designators at the end. The most commonly used designators are:
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
- Ltd. Liability Co.
Does my Maine LLC need a DBA?
No, you’re not required to file a DBA ("Doing Business As") for your business entity in Maine. However, if you want your LLC to operate under a name different from its legal name, you need to file a Registration of Assumed Name and pay an additional fee of $125 to the Secretary of State. For more information, refer to the Secretary of State Trade Name Protection Guide.
If you file an Assumed Name for your Maine LLC, it must be distinguishable from existing business names in the state. There is no limit to the number of Assumed Names an LLC can have.
When would my LLC use a DBA?
For example, if you form an LLC named Acadia Trail Tours LLC but want to operate under a friendlier name like Acadia Tours, you would need to file a Registration of Assumed Name. Without this registration, you can only use the legal name Acadia Trail Tours LLC. Similarly, to use the name Acadia Trail Tours without "LLC," you would need to file an Assumed Name.
How do I get a business domain name?
Once you've decided on a business name, check if your domain name is available before forming your LLC. You can search for available domain names using services like GoDaddy.
What does “distinguishability” mean?
Distinguishability means that each business name must be unique and not identical to any existing names on the Secretary of State's records. For instance, if you want to form an LLC called Chickadee Landscapers LLC, but there's already a business named Chickadee Landscapers, Inc., you cannot use that name because it is not distinguishable.
How do I come up with a business name?
Choosing a business name is essential for branding and recognition. Here are some tips for coming up with a business name:
- Write down the features and values you want your company to represent.
- List as many business names as you can think of without editing them initially.
- Review the list and note any variations.
- Set the list aside, then revisit it later with a fresh perspective. Write down additional ideas and variations.
- Read the list out loud and seek input from friends, business partners, and family.
- Repeat the process of reviewing and refining the names. Trust your instincts and choose a name that feels right.
If you’re still unsure, try a decision-making technique like closing your eyes and counting to 10. Choose a name when you open your eyes. Sometimes, our best ideas are deeply rooted in our subconscious.
Can I use the name of another Maine entity?
No, you cannot use the same name as another Maine business, regardless of entity type. This includes corporations, LLCs, and other entities. You cannot use a name even if the business is in “delinquent” status. However, if a business is dissolved, the name may become available for new use.
How do I change my LLC name?
You can change your LLC's name later by filing an Amendment form with the Secretary of State. Detailed instructions on how to change an LLC name in Maine are available.
How to start an LLC in Maine?
To start an LLC in Maine, follow these steps:
- Choose an LLC name and verify its availability.
- Select a Maine Registered Agent.
- File the Maine LLC Certificate of Formation.
- Complete and sign an LLC Operating Agreement.
- Obtain a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS.
- Open an LLC bank account.
- Check if you need a business or sales tax license in Maine.