How to Get Maine Certificate of Existence


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

All Posts by Steve Goldstein →
Business Formation Expert  |   Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
Last updated: 
LLCBuddy™ offers informative content for educational purposes only, not as a substitute for professional legal or tax advice. We may earn commissions if you use the services we recommend on this site.
At LLCBuddy, we don't just offer information; we provide a curated experience backed by extensive research and expertise. Led by Steve Goldstein, a seasoned expert in the LLC formation sector, our platform is built on years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the nuances involved in establishing and running an LLC. We've navigated the intricacies of the industry, sifted through the complexities, and packaged our knowledge into a comprehensive, user-friendly guide. Our commitment is to empower you with reliable, up-to-date, and actionable insights, ensuring you make informed decisions. With LLCBuddy, you're not just getting a tutorial; you're gaining a trustworthy partner for your entrepreneurial journey.
Get Maine Certificate of Existence

Are you looking to expand your business operations or secure financing for your company in Maine? One essential document you’ll need in such situations is the Certificate of Existence. This certificate is an official document issued by the state authorities to confirm that your business is compliant with state regulations and requirements. The Certificate of Existence is one of the most important documents your business needs. Whether it is the Maine LLC filing or a corporation or any other form of business, the Certificate of Existence must be obtained.

We will share the in and out of Maine Certificate of Existence in this article. We’ll also discuss the various scenarios when you might need this certificate and provide helpful tips to ensure your business remains in good standing with the Maine authorities. We recommend you read the article on how to get Maine Certificate of Existence till the end. Let’s dive in and get your business one step closer to achieving its goals!

What is Certificate of Existence in Maine

The Certificate of Existence is a document that every business in Maine requires to obtain. This document states that the company (LLC, Corporation, Partnership, etc.) complies with the State government. In other words, the business has fulfilled all the legal requirements in Maine. Whether you form an LLC or any other form of business, you must get this document.

If you take your business to a different state, your Certificate of Existence will be a necessary document to be produced. It shows that your business does not have any illegitimate or outlawed activities.

What Information You Have in Maine Certificate of Existence

The Certificate of Existence consists of very pivotal information related to your business. Following is the information your Certificate of Existence will have-

  • The entity type (LLC, Corporation, LLP, LP, or any other registered entity type) when it was formed
  • The date of filing the business entity (filing the formation document).
  • The current name and address of the business entity
  • Whether the business entity exists today
  • Name and address of the Resident Agent
  • The State where the document is issued
  • A declaration that the business entity has paid all the required taxes and complies with all applicable legal requirements.
  • A declaration that the business entity met all the requirements to get the document.

Who Should Obtain the Certificate of Existence

Any business entity, a Limited Liability Company (LLC), a Corporation, a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), a Limited Partnership (LP), or any other registered business structure in Maine is eligible to obtain the Certificate of Existence. Anyone with a sole proprietorship does not need to obtain the Certificate of Existence because sole proprietorship companies do not have to register their business.

How to Obtain Maine Certificate of Existence

The Secretary of State issues this document. To obtain the Certificate of Existence, you must fill out the form and send it to the Maine SOS along with the required filing fees. There is some information you will need to enter while submitting the form. Here are the points to add-

Step 1: Get the Form

The first thing you need to do is get the form. The form is available on the state SOS website. You can download the form and mail it or submit it online. The following points are required to mention in the form-

Details of The Requester: The first information you need to provide is the detail of the requester. Provide your full name, address (which can be your business address), and phone number.

Name of Your Business: Provide the exact name of your business. Make sure no spelling mistakes are made. The spelling must be the same as mentioned in the Certificate of Formation. Besides the name, provide the company registration number or file number. The SOS issues this number after you file the Certificate of Formation. This is not mandatory, but it is recommended to share the file number to get the process done quickly.

Details of Return Method: The certificate can be collected in person or by mail from Maine SOS. If you request the document in person, you can take the return in person or by mail. Choose which way you want it.

Copies of the Certificate: You can request the number of copies of the certificate from SOS. There is a box in the form you need to check for multiple copies of this document. You can obtain more than one copy of the Certificate of Compliance for various purposes. It is recommended to get more copies of the certificate for future use.

Fax Copy of the Certificate: You might get a Fax copy before receiving the certificate’s hard copy. This is one of the options available in some of the states. If you want to receive the fax copy of the certificate, you must provide the fax number while filing the form.

Copies of Other Documents: If you want, you can request copies of other documents filed with the SOS. Other documents include the Maine Certificate of Formation for LLCs, Articles of Incorporation, amendments, and other registered documents with the SOS. This is optional and you can avoid this. With every copy you request, you must pay a stipulated fee.

Step 2: Submit the Form

You can submit the form online, by mail, or in person, whichever is available and more convenient. Send the form to the Secretary of State, Division of Corporations, UCC and Commissions, 101 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0101 for offline filing. You can also submit the form online. For that, you must go to the Maine SOS official website and search for the appropriate form.

Step 3: Filing Fee and Processing Time

A filing fee must be paid to the SOS to obtain the Certificate of Existence. The amount depends on the number of copies you request. If you request other document copies, you might pay an additional fee for that.

Processing Time: The Certificate of Existence’s processing time varies from state to state. Also, it depends on the expedited filing as well. It can take a few days to a few months to obtain the Certificate of Existence in Maine.

Step 4: Receive the Certificate of Existence

Once you submit the form and the necessary filing fee, your forms start processing. The process might take a lot of time. If you do not want to wait, you can check with the Maine SOS if they have expedited filing or not. In Maine, it can take up to a few months to receive the Certificate of Existence.

Why Do You Need a Certificate of Existence

The Certificate of Existence in Maine is a character certificate of any business. Obtaining this document makes your business legitimate officially. You need this document every now and then while making business decisions. You must obtain the document for the following reasons,

  • To get business loans and advances or investors
  • To get business bank accounts
  • To purchase insurance for business coverage
  • To renew licenses & permits
  • To set up your business in other states, for example, a Foreign LLC.
  • To sell or transfer your business completely or partially to another.
  • To get into a legal business contract with other businesses or clients.

The document is required as much as the formation document. Hence, obtaining the Maine Certificate of Existence is needed.

FAQs

What is a Maine Certificate of Existence?
A Maine Certificate of Existence is an official document issued by the Secretary of State of Maine that serves as evidence that a business entity is in existence in the state.
When is a Maine Certificate of Existence needed?
A Maine Certificate of Existence is typically needed when a Maine business entity is opening a bank account, engaging in a merger or acquisition transaction, or when required by another state or jurisdiction.
How do I obtain a Maine Certificate of Existence?
You can obtain a Maine Certificate of Existence online through the Secretary of State’s website or by submitting a paper application to the Secretary of State’s office.
How much does a Maine Certificate of Existence cost?
The fee to obtain a Maine Certificate of Existence is $35.
How long does it take to obtain a Maine Certificate of Existence?
The processing time for a Maine Certificate of Existence is typically 1-3 business days.
Does a Maine Certificate of Existence need to be notarized?
No, a Maine Certificate of Existence does not need to be notarized.
Are there any additional requirements for a Maine Certificate of Existence?
Yes, you may be required to provide additional documents, such as a copy of the Articles of Organization, depending on the type of business entity.
How long is a Maine Certificate of Existence valid for?
A Maine Certificate of Existence is valid for a period of one year from the date it is issued.
What information is included in a Maine Certificate of Existence?
A Maine Certificate of Existence includes the entity name, date of formation, and a statement that the entity is in good standing with the State of Maine.
How do I renew a Maine Certificate of Existence?
You can renew a Maine Certificate of Existence online or by submitting a paper application to the Secretary of State’s office.
What forms of payment does the State of Maine accept for a Maine Certificate of Existence?
The Secretary of State of Maine accepts credit cards, checks, and money orders for payment of a Maine Certificate of Existence.
Is there a way to expedite the processing of a Maine Certificate of Existence?
Yes, you can expedite the processing of a Maine Certificate of Existence by submitting an expedited processing fee of $50.
Can I obtain a Maine Certificate of Existence for a business entity that is not located in the state of Maine?
No, you can only obtain a Maine Certificate of Existence for business entities that are formed in the state of Maine.
Can I obtain a Maine Certificate of Existence for a business entity that has been dissolved?
No, you cannot obtain a Maine Certificate of Existence for a business entity that has been dissolved.
What is the purpose of a Maine Certificate of Good Standing?
A Maine Certificate of Good Standing is an official document issued by the Secretary of State of Maine that serves as evidence that a business entity is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in the state of Maine.
How do I obtain a Maine Certificate of Good Standing?
You can obtain a Maine Certificate of Good Standing online through the Secretary of State’s website or by submitting a paper application to the Secretary of State’s office.
How much does a Maine Certificate of Good Standing cost?
The fee to obtain a Maine Certificate of Good Standing is $35.
How long does it take to obtain a Maine Certificate of Good Standing?
The processing time for a Maine Certificate of Good Standing is typically 1-3 business days.
Does a Maine Certificate of Good Standing need to be notarized?
No, a Maine Certificate of Good Standing does not need to be notarized.
Are there any additional requirements for a Maine Certificate of Good Standing?
Yes, you may be required to provide additional documents, such as a copy of the Articles of Organization, depending on the type of business entity.
How long is a Maine Certificate of Good Standing valid for?
A Maine Certificate of Good Standing is valid for a period of one year from the date it is issued.
What information is included in a Maine Certificate of Good Standing?
A Maine Certificate of Good Standing includes the entity name, date of formation, and a statement that the entity is in good standing with the State of Maine.
How do I renew a Maine Certificate of Good Standing?
You can renew a Maine Certificate of Good Standing online or by submitting a paper application to the Secretary of State’s office.
What forms of payment does the State of Maine accept for a Maine Certificate of Good Standing?
The Secretary of State of Maine accepts credit cards, checks, and money orders for payment of a Maine Certificate of Good Standing.
Is there a way to expedite the processing of a Maine Certificate of Good Standing?
Yes, you can expedite the processing of a Maine Certificate of Good Standing by submitting an expedited processing fee of $50.
Is a Maine Certificate of Good Standing the same as a Certificate of Existence?
No, a Maine Certificate of Good Standing is not the same as a Certificate of Existence. A Certificate of Good Standing is evidence that a business entity is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in the state of Maine, while a Certificate of Existence is evidence that the entity is in existence.
What information is needed to obtain a Maine Certificate of Existence?
To obtain a Maine Certificate of Existence, you need the business name and registered agent information, such as the name and address of the registered agent.
What is the cost to get a Maine Certificate of Existence?
The cost to get a Maine Certificate of Existence is $35.
What is the process to obtain a Maine Certificate of Existence?
The process to obtain a Maine Certificate of Existence is to submit an application, pay the required fee, and wait for the state to process the request.
Where can I find the application for a Maine Certificate of Existence?
The application for a Maine Certificate of Existence can be found on the Maine Secretary of State website.
What is the purpose of a Maine Certificate of Existence?
The purpose of a Maine Certificate of Existence is to prove that the business entity is in good standing with the state and is legally allowed to conduct business in the state.
How often should I get a Maine Certificate of Existence?
It is recommended to obtain a Maine Certificate of Existence at least once a year in order to ensure that your business is in compliance with the state’s laws.

Also Read

Why Maine Certificate of Existence is So Important

One of the main reasons why the Maine Certificate of Existence is so important is that it provides assurance to customers, suppliers, and other business partners that a company is legitimate and in good standing. Without this certificate, businesses may struggle to establish trust with potential clients and partners, which can hinder their ability to grow and succeed in a competitive marketplace.

Moreover, the Certificate of Existence can also be used as evidence of a company’s existence and legal status when applying for loans, contracts, licenses, permits, or other important transactions. Many financial institutions, government agencies, and other organizations require this document to verify an entity’s legitimacy before entering into any formal agreements or partnerships. Having this certificate readily available can help businesses streamline these processes and avoid unnecessary delays or complications.

Furthermore, the Maine Certificate of Existence serves as a valuable tool for ensuring compliance with state regulations and reporting requirements. By periodically renewing this certificate, businesses are prompted to review and update their existing information, ensuring that they remain in good standing with the state. This not only helps businesses avoid potential penalties or fines for noncompliance but also promotes transparency and accountability in their operations.

In addition, the presence of a valid Certificate of Existence can also help businesses attract potential investors or buyers. Investors and stakeholders often look for companies that are in good standing with state authorities, as it reflects well on the company’s financial health, stability, and overall credibility. By possessing this document, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to compliance and professionalism, thereby enhancing their appeal to outside parties.

Overall, the Maine Certificate of Existence is a simple yet essential document for businesses operating in the state. It provides proof of a company’s legal status, compliance with state laws, and credibility in the eyes of customers, partners, investors, and other stakeholders. By maintaining this certificate and ensuring that it remains up-to-date, businesses can protect themselves from legal risks, build trust with key stakeholders, and position themselves for long-term success in a competitive business environment.

Conclusion

The Certificate of Existence is a vital document for any business entity in Maine, as it enables you to expand your operations throughout the United States. It’s essential to provide accurate and truthful information in this document. If you plan to establish the same business in another state, obtaining a Certificate of Existence is necessary.

Leave a Comment