If a business is real, registered, and in good standing in Maine, this is where you find out.
Whether you are researching a prospective partner, vetting a competitor, or simply filing your own entity, the Maine Business Entity Search is the entry point to official corporate information. However, properly navigating this tool — and interpreting results — is not always clear.
This guide will give you a practical and complete insight into the official Maine corporate lookup system. You will learn how to search, what can be searched, and how to read the results. We will also provide some expert tips, legal definitions, and answers to the most common questions.
What Is the Maine Business Entity Search?
The Maine Business Entity Search is an online tool managed by the Maine Secretary of State, Division of Corporations. It allows the public to:
- Look up registered businesses and marks (trademarks, service marks, etc.)
- Verify legal standing and filing history
- Access public records of Maine corporations, LLCs, LLPs, LPs, and nonprofits
Link to access: Maine Business Entity Search Portal
How to Use the Database
1. Search by Name
Use the full or partial name of the business or mark. You can also use wildcards (%) to broaden your search.
Tip: Try narrowing your query with unique keywords. For instance, instead of “Pine Tree LLC”, try “Pine Tree Roofing%”.
2. Search by Charter Number
If you have the 10- or 11-digit charter or mark number, enter it directly.
3. Reviewing Search Results
Each result displays:
- Entity Name
- Type (Corp, LLC, Nonprofit, etc.)
- A link to the Information Summary
Clicking the Information Summary reveals the following details:
- Legal Name
- Charter Number
- Filing Type & Date
- Jurisdiction
- Business Status (e.g., Good Standing, Revoked)
- Former names, DBAs (doing business as)
- Registered agent name and address
- Principal and mailing addresses
There’s no fee to access these summaries.
Understanding Entity Types
Every entry is assigned a code representing its legal structure. Here are a few common types:
- D: Business Corporation
- DC: Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- DP: Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
- N or ND: Nonprofit Corporation
- F: Foreign Corporation (formed in another state)
- FC: Foreign LLC
For a full key of abbreviations, visit the Info Page.
Downloading Official Documents
While viewing entity summaries is free, official filings come with a small fee:
- Filing documents: $3 per image
- Certified copies: Additional $5 per document
- Certificate of Good Standing: $30 for for-profits, $10 for nonprofits
These are downloadable at the bottom of the entity’s Information Summary.
When Would You Use This Database?
- Startups: Before choosing a business name, verify its availability.
- Legal & Due Diligence: Check if a company is in good standing.
- Hiring Vendors: Vet legitimacy before signing contracts.
- Trademark Checks: Verify if marks are already registered.
How to Look Up State Agencies in Maine
In addition to corporations, the Maine State Government Directory provides details on:
- Agency names
- Phone and TTY numbers
- Physical and mailing addresses
- Descriptions of the agency’s function
This directory is useful when cross-referencing government bodies involved in licensing or compliance.
Practical Example: Verifying a Business in Maine
Let’s say you want to verify “Acadia Trail Builders LLC.”
- Go to the search portal
- Search for “Acadia Trail%”
- From the list, find the LLC entry and click Information Summary
- You’ll see:
- Status: Good Standing
- Principal Office: Bar Harbor, ME
- Registered Agent: John Smith, Augusta, ME
- Charter No.: 20112345678
From here, you can also purchase official filing copies or a Certificate of Existence.
If you’re also interested in how to research publicly traded companies, check out our expert guide to the EDGAR Database. For more tools like the Maine Business Entity Search, explore our full list of company databases.
FAQ: Maine Business Entity Search
How to look up a business in Maine?
Use the Maine Business Entity Search portal and search by name or charter number. For best results, use partial names with the % wildcard.
What is a good standing business in Maine?
Any organization which has fulfilled all of its statutory filing obligations with the Maine Secretary of State is a business in good standing in the state of Maine. It is important to understand that good standing does not determine the financial health of any business, does not measure the ethical nature of the business (or it’s owner), and does not confirm that the business is engaged in any real, legitimate business activity. A full description of the real meaning behind good standing can be located on the Maine entity status information page.
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Maine?
The filing fee to start an LLC in Maine is typically $175, but you should also factor in optional costs like name reservations, registered agent services, or obtaining certificates. For a detailed breakdown of current fees and required forms, consult the official Maine LLC formation guide provided by the Secretary of State.
What is the phone number for the Maine Bureau of Corporations?
Call the Division of Corporations at (207) 624-7752.
How to find the owner of an LLC in Maine?
Search the entity and click the Information Summary. The registered agent’s name and address are listed, but actual ownership may not be disclosed.
How do I search corporation names?
Use the Name Search field on the portal. Combine keywords and wildcards to improve accuracy.
How long does it take to process an LLC in Maine?
Paper filings usually take 5–10 business days. Online submissions may be faster.
How much money should you make to have an LLC?
There’s no income requirement to form an LLC. However, maintaining compliance (e.g., annual reports, taxes) costs money—so evaluate your business model accordingly.
Can I be my own registered agent for my LLC in Maine?
Yes, Maine allows business owners to serve as their own registered agent, provided they have a physical address in the state.
How do I register a corporation in Maine?
To register a corporation in Maine, you’ll need to submit the appropriate formation documents to the Maine Secretary of State along with the required filing fee. Step-by-step instructions, downloadable forms, and additional guidance are available on the official Maine corporation registration page.
How do I check up on a business?
Use the Maine Business Entity Search tool, review the Information Summary, and consult the List of Filings or purchase a Certificate of Existence if needed.
How do I find details of a business?
Beyond legal names and status, the portal provides registered agent data, addresses, entity type, and filing history.
