Maine experienced substantial business growth, according to the 2024 Small Business Administration (SBA) report. From March 2022 to March 2023, the state recorded 7,027 new business establishments and 5,471 closures, which resulted in a net gain of 1,556 entities, including partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and corporations.
Small businesses comprise 99.3% of all Maine companies, with 157,133 active enterprises across various sectors. The top three industries include Construction (23,900), Professional Services (18,992), and Real Estate (15,693). These organizations provide 54.6% of Maine’s jobs. To learn more about any Maine business entity, users can follow these search steps:
Visit the Maine Secretary of State Business Entity Search Page
To locate a business entity registered in Maine, use the business entity search tool on the Maine Secretary of State’s official website at https://www.maine.gov/sos/. From the homepage, click on “Online Services” in the top menu.
On the Online Services page, select “Corporate Name Search and Related Services,” then click “Corporate Search” to access the tool.
Search Using the Business Name or Charter Number
In the Maine business entity search tool, users can locate a business through two primary search methods: business name or charter number. The system requires users to input either a keyword from the business name or the specific charter number assigned to the entity.
The search interface, managed by the Maine Secretary of State’s Division or Bureau of Corporations, strictly prohibits data mining and automated searches. The division or bureau may suspend access for users who conduct excessive or repeated searches, which could negatively impact the system’s performance.
Locate the Maine Business Entity in the Search Results
Once a search query is submitted, the Maine business entity search system displays a results page that lists all matching entities. Each result, organized in a clear tabular format, shows the business name and its name type, which appears as either “LEGAL” or “ASSUMED.”
The system provides an “Information Summary” link next to each entity for access to detailed business information.
Access the Maine Business Entity Details
To access detailed business information, users must click the “Information Summary” link next to each entity. The system displays comprehensive entity details from the Division of Corporations database. Some of the key details found in the Information Summary include:
- Legal Name: Company’s official registered name
- Charter Number: Unique state-assigned identifier
- Filing Type: Business structure (e.g., Limited Liability Company)
- Status: Current standing with the state (e.g., Good Standing)
- Filing Date: Initial registration date
- Expiration Date: When applicable
- Jurisdiction: State of registration
- Other Names: Assumed or former names, if any
- Principal Home Office Address:
- Physical location
- Mailing address
- Clerk/Registered Agent Information:
- Physical address
- Mailing address
Below the Information Summary, users can click the links there to obtain additional information. Available documentation includes:
- Certificate of Existence (Good Standing)
- Certificate of Legal Existence
- Short Form without amendments
- Long Form with amendments
- List of Filings
Further Assistance About the Search
For technical assistance regarding the Maine business entity search tool, users can contact the Webmaster, while specific business inquiries can be directed to the Division of Corporations, UCC & Commissions Information Section at 207-624-7752 or via email at [email protected].
Why Do a Maine Entity Search?
A Maine entity search serves multiple purposes for businesses, investors, and individuals who need accurate information about companies registered in the state. Here are some reasons why performing a Maine entity search is beneficial:
- Verification of Business Status and Legal Standing: The search allows users to verify if a business maintains good standing with the Maine Secretary of State. This status check must occur before any significant business transactions or partnerships. A company’s standing affects its ability to conduct business, obtain loans, or enter into contracts.
- Due Diligence for Business Transactions: Before entering partnerships or signing contracts, stakeholders must research potential business associates. The entity search provides official registration details, business structure, and filing history. Companies can assess the legitimacy and stability of potential partners through historical records and current status information.
- Name Availability Check for New Businesses։ New entrepreneurs must check name availability before registration. The search system reveals existing business names and their variations, which prevents potential trademark issues or naming conflicts.
- Access to Registered Agent Information։ The system displays current registered agent details, which law firms and business services need for legal document delivery. This information includes both physical and mailing addresses, which enables proper process and official communication service.
- Historical Filing Research։ Researchers and legal professionals can access past business filings and amendments. The database maintains records of structural changes, name modifications, and other official documents. These records provide context for business evolution and compliance history across different time periods.
- Competitive Market Analysis։ The entity search is crucial for competitive market analysis as it provides important information about existing businesses, their legal structure, and market presence. Identifying competitors, industry trends, and potential gaps helps businesses strategically position themselves, assess potential risks, and discover opportunities for growth in a competitive landscape.
- Public Record Verification։ Government agencies, financial institutions, and law enforcement need official business records for regulatory oversight and investigations. The search system provides authenticated information about business ownership, addresses, and registration dates, which supports regulatory compliance and law enforcement activities.
Who Holds Data for Maine Business Entity Search
In addition to the Maine Secretary of State, various other resources and organizations can assist with conducting Maine business entity searches. Some examples are as follows:
Maine Revenue Services
Maine Revenue Services (MRS) manages various business-related records, including tax filings and compliance data. It oversees income, estate, property, fuel, and sales taxes. MRS also handles business registrations, employer withholding, and corporate income tax details.
Businesses can access records and files through the Maine Tax Portal, which provides services like electronic filing, payments, and tax return submissions. For public information, MRS also offers resources such as laws, rules, and tax alerts through its website.
Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation
The Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (PFR) holds records on licenses, registrations, permits, and disciplinary actions for regulated entities. These records include the entity’s current status, granted authorities, contact information, and any actions taken against them. Individuals can access these records online through the PFR Search License Information page.
The search tools provided on the webpage allow users to search for specific licenses, companies, securities, worksite permits, events, and disciplinary actions, with downloadable options in most cases.
Maine Department of Labor
The Maine Department of Labor (MDOL) supports workers and businesses in the state. It does not directly handle business entity searches. However, the department manages records related to unemployment benefits, workplace safety, labor laws, and workforce development.
These records are accessible through the department’s website, where users can find information on services for workers, employers, and job seekers, along with various online tools and resources for accessing relevant data.
Maine Department of Economic and Community Development
The Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) supports business growth through resources like tax credits, grants, and investment programs.
It holds records on business development, available industrial sites, and financial assistance opportunities. These records are accessible via the DECD website, which provides tools for business site selection and available funding resources.
Maine Bureau of Insurance
The Maine Bureau of Insurance regulates the state’s insurance industry. It holds records on licensed insurance companies, agents, and business entities, including insurance complaints, regulatory actions, and company filings. The public can access these records through the bureau’s website, using tools like the licensee search feature.
Maine Workers’ Compensation Board
The Maine Workers’ Compensation Board maintains records related to workers’ compensation claims, employer insurance coverage, and independent contractor statements and oversees compliance with Maine’s workers’ compensation laws.
Its website offers access to public records through various resources, such as employer insurance coverage searches.
Municipal Clerks & Registrars
Municipal Clerks and Registrars in Maine maintain records related to sole proprietorships and general partnerships registered within their jurisdictions. These records include business names, registration dates, and associated ownership details. Clerks also handle local filings for licenses and permits required by businesses.
Individuals can access these records by visiting the municipal office where the registration occurred or submitting a formal request, as permitted by local laws. Some municipalities may provide online access to limited information through their official websites or public portals.
County Registers of Deeds
The County Registers of Deeds in Maine store records of real estate transactions, such as deeds, liens, and leases involving businesses. Individuals can access these records by visiting the office in person or submitting a formal request to the appropriate county office.
Some counties provide online databases where property records can be searched by name, property address, or document type.
Federal Organizations
In addition to state agencies, several federal organizations can assist with business entity searches in Maine. These include:
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): Provides access to business filings for public companies through the EDGAR (Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval) system.
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Offers information related to businesses’ tax filings, including Employer Identification Numbers (EIN) and tax statuses, through its Routine Access to IRS Records page or by using the Get Transcript tool.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO): Allows searches for registered trademarks and patents using its Trademark Search System and Patent Public Search tool.
Commercial Database Providers
Commercial database providers also assist in business entity searches in Maine. They collect business entity data through a combination of public records, third-party reports, and direct data collection from businesses. Here are a few notable ones:
- LexisNexis
- Dun & Bradstreet
- Experian
These services typically require users to create an account and may offer subscription plans for regular access to business data.
What Are Different Entities You Can Register in Maine?
In Maine, various types of business entities are available for individuals and organizations looking to start a business. The choice of entity will affect the structure, liability, taxation, and operation of the business. Maine allows for both domestic and foreign business entities, each with its own requirements and registration processes. Below is an overview of the available business structures in Maine:
- Sole Proprietorship։ A sole proprietorship is a business owned and operated by one individual without a formal registration requirement in Maine. The owner is personally responsible for all business debts and obligations. While not required to register with the state, a sole proprietor may need local permits or licenses depending on the business. They report business income and expenses on their personal tax return. If operating under a name different from their personal one, the owner must register a “doing business as” (DBA) name.
- General Partnership։ A general partnership in Maine under the Uniform Partnership Act (Title 31, Chapter 17) involves two or more individuals sharing ownership and management responsibilities. Partners are personally liable for the partnership’s debts. To form a general partnership, business owners must file with the Division of Corporations, UCC, and Commissions in Augusta. Filings take 15-20 business days. Required forms include a Statement of Dissociation (MPA-1), a Statement of Dissolution (MPA-2), and Articles of Conversion of Partnership.
- Limited Partnership։ A limited partnership (LP) in Maine consists of general partners who manage the business and limited partners who contribute capital but do not participate in management. General partners are fully liable for the partnership’s debts, while limited partners’ liability is restricted to their investment. To register, businesses must file with the Division of Corporations. Processing time takes 15-20 business days. Fees for forms like Certificate of Limited Partnership are $175. LPs are governed by the Uniform Limited Partnership Act of 2007 (Title 31, Chapter 19).
- Limited Liability Partnership։ A limited liability partnership (LLP) in Maine combines elements of partnerships and corporations, which offers flexibility in management while protecting partners from personal liability for business debts. Maine LLPs are governed by Title 31, Chapter 15, and the Maine Professional Service Corporation Act. LLPs can file various documents, such as the Application for Registration of Name (MLLP-2) and Certificate of Limited Liability Partnership (MLLP-6), through the Division of Corporations, UCC, and Commissions.
- Business Corporation։ A business corporation in Maine is a legal entity formed under the Maine Business Corporation Act (Title 13-C). This type of corporation allows individuals to conduct business, enter into contracts, and own property while offering limited liability protection to its shareholders. To form a business corporation in Maine, the founders must file Articles of Incorporation with the Division of Corporations, UCC, and Commissions. The corporation is required to maintain proper records, hold annual meetings, and file regular reports. The state also mandates compliance with federal regulations, including the Corporate Transparency Act, which requires reporting of beneficial ownership information.
- Non-Profit Corporation։ A non-profit corporation in Maine is formed under the Maine Non-profit Corporation Act (Title 13-B) and is primarily established for purposes other than generating profit, such as charitable, educational, or religious missions. Unlike for-profit corporations, non-profits reinvest any surplus funds into their activities rather than distributing profits to members or directors. To incorporate, non-profits must file Articles of Incorporation with the Division of Corporations. Non-profit corporations in Maine must comply with federal and state regulations, including providing compensation information for high-level officials when required and following transparency laws such as the Corporate Transparency Act for beneficial ownership reporting.
- Cooperative Corporation։ A cooperative corporation in Maine is a member-owned business entity formed to meet the common needs of its members, such as providing goods, services, or benefits. Under Maine law, cooperatives operate for mutual benefit rather than profit and are governed by the Maine Cooperative Corporation Act. Members have equal voting rights regardless of their contribution to the cooperative, and profits are typically distributed based on usage or participation.
- Limited Liability Company։ A limited liability company (LLC) in Maine is a flexible business structure that combines the liability protection of a corporation with the tax benefits of a partnership. Under the Maine Limited Liability Company Act, an LLC shields its members from personal liability for business debts and obligations. Members can manage the LLC themselves or appoint managers. This structure is popular due to its simplicity, flexibility in management, and ability to pass income through to members for tax purposes.
- Foreign Business Entities։ Foreign business entities are those formed in another state or country but intend to do business in Maine. They can file as corporations, non-profit corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships in the state. To operate in Maine, foreign entities must file a certificate of authority with the Division of Corporations and may need to appoint a registered agent in the state. Foreign entities are also required to submit annual reports and comply with the same tax obligations as domestic entities.
When starting a business in Maine, it is advisable to consult with legal and accounting professionals to ensure compliance with state regulations and optimize business structure decisions.
Useful Additional Information on the Maine Secretary of State’s Website
In addition to entity searches, the Maine Secretary of State’s official website has other useful services and information for businesses. Key services or resources include but are not limited to the following:
Annual Report Filing Online
The Maine Secretary of State offers an online service for filing annual reports, which must be submitted by June 1st. Users can file their reports and receive an acknowledgment.
Non-subscribers can pay using Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express. Subscribers with a username and password can access additional features, including filing multiple reports and viewing filed reports.
For technical assistance or help with filing, users can contact the Reporting and Information Section at (207) 624-7752.
Corporate Retrieval Authentication Service
The Corporate Retrieval Authentication Service from Maine’s Department of the Secretary of State allows users to verify official business documents. The system requires a document authentication number for validation.
This security measure confirms the authenticity of business filings, certificates, and other corporate documents issued by the Division of Corporations. The service helps prevent document fraud and unauthorized modifications.
Active Notary Public and Dedimus Justice Search
The Maine Secretary of State provides a free search service for active Notaries Public and Dedimus Justices. Users can locate professionals through multiple search criteria, including first or last name, location, and language preferences.
The search results display contact details, including name, town, county, phone numbers, email addresses, and commission expiration dates. The system also identifies notaries who perform electronic or remote notarizations. While the directory offers extensive listings, it does not contain a complete list of all Maine notaries.
Document Copy Retrieval Service (Credit Card Orders)
The Document Copy Retrieval Service from Maine’s Department of the Secretary of State allows users to access previously downloaded documents within a 15-day window. The system requires a document confirmation number for retrieval.
This service accommodates credit card orders and provides a convenient way to obtain duplicate copies of recently accessed business documents through the Division of Corporations.
Document Copy Retrieval Service (Subscriber Orders)
In addition to credit card orders, the Maine Secretary of State’s Document Copy Retrieval Service offers subscribers access to previously downloaded documents through a secure login system. Subscribers must enter their username and password to retrieve copies of documents accessed within the past 15 days.
Change of Address Online Service
The Change of Address Online Service on the Maine Secretary of State’s official website allows specific authorized users to update business addresses. For domestic entities, only non-commercial clerks or registered agents can modify registered office addresses. For foreign entities, authorized personnel are permitted to update the principal or home office address.
The service requires a charter number and accepts payment via credit card or subscriber accounts. Municipal or U.S. Postal Service changes do not require this service; users should contact the Division of Corporations directly for such updates.
Lists & Bulk Data
The Maine Secretary of State offers various services related to lists and bulk data. These include standard lists of entities, such as active business corporations, limited liability companies, and nonprofit corporations, available for a fee. Monthly lists of new entities and additional services like expedited filings are also offered. Bulk data, including corporate and UCC records, is available for purchase.
For more information or specific requests, contact the Bureau or Division of Corporations at [email protected] or call (207) 624-7752 or the Information Resource of Maine (InforME) at [email protected] or call (207) 621-2600.
Maine Business Search FAQ
Get a complete overview of business entity searches in Maine by reviewing the frequently asked questions listed below:
How Often Is the Maine Business Entity Database Updated?
The Maine business entity database is updated regularly, typically daily or weekly, to reflect new filings and changes. Updates occur after the Maine Secretary of State processes new documents, including business entity formations, amendments, and other filings.
Is There a Fee for Conducting a Search?
Conducting a Maine entity search through the Secretary of State’s website is free, but to view, download, or print filing images, a $3 fee per image applies. Certified copies of filings can also be obtained for an additional $5 per request.
What Is the Best Way To Narrow My Search?
For the most accurate results, it is recommended to search using less common words or a combination of words, as the search simultaneously queries multiple fields such as legal names, former names, and mark text data.
Can You Search Partial Business Names in the Tool?
Yes, partial business names can be searched using the Maine entity search tool. By entering a partial name and using the wildcard symbol (%), the tool will query various fields, including legal names, former names, assumed names, and mark text fields, to return relevant results.
How Can You Obtain a Certificate of Legal Existence or Good Standing in the Maine
To obtain a certificate, scroll down the Information Summary page and select either “Short Form Without Amendments” or “Long Form with Amendments” under “Certificate of Existence (Good Standing).” The fee is $30 for for-profit entities and $10 for non-profits.
Can You Search for a Sole Proprietorship and General Partnership?
No, the Maine business entity search tool does not support searching for sole proprietorships or general partnerships. The tool is designed to search for business entities like corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and non-profit organizations that have filed with the Secretary of State.
What Happens if No Search Results Appear?
If no search results appear in the Maine business entity search, it may indicate that the business name or entity does not exist in the database or that the search terms used were too broad. Users should try refining their search by using more specific keywords or correct entity information.
Can You Reserve a Business Name Through the Maine Entity Search?
No, the Maine entity search tool does not offer the ability to reserve a business name. To reserve a business name, users must submit a name reservation request by completing the appropriate form and submitting it to the Secretary of State’s office. Copyscape flagged one result (1%) for some key terms related to non-profit corporations.