How to Get a DBA Name For an LLC in Maine – An Easy Guide


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
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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.

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Get a DBA Name in Maine

Are you looking to establish a business in Maine and need to get a DBA (Doing Business As) name for your venture? You’re in the right place! A DBA, also known as a Trade Name, Fictitious Name, or Assumed Name, allows you to conduct business under a name that’s different from your legal business name. This can be advantageous for branding, marketing, and overall business operations.

In Maine, if you’re willing to use a different name other than the legal name for your business, you must file the DBA (Doing Business As). The public (specifically your potential customers) knows your business by its registered legal name. Instead of using your formal business name, you may use the trade name or DBA in marketing and sales to reach a wider audience.

Maine, popularly known as The Pine Tree State, has some regulations when it comes to filing your DBA name. However, the regulations can vary depending on the type of business structure you have. In this article, I will share the basic steps to get a DBA Name in Maine.

What is DBA Name in Maine?

Whenever you form an LLC or any business structure, you must get a name for it. Every company has a legitimate name. For instance, a partnership or sole proprietorship might function under the legal name of the company’s owner or owners. The name specified in the Articles of Incorporation or Certificate of Formation may be used by any business entity, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and others.

However, there are situations when you may decide against using your company’s registered legal name in Maine. This is due to a variety of factors. For instance, the legal name of your company can be unrelated to it or no longer accurately describe it. Or perhaps you want a new name without altering your documentation for incorporation or registration.

If you intend to run your business in Maine under a name other than your personal name or an existing corporate name, you must submit a DBA name with Maine state regardless of the type of business entity you have incorporated as (single proprietor, partnership, corporation, or LLC).

No restrictions exist on how many DBA names you can use to do business. However, each DBA name must be filed with the state where you conduct business. This is necessary because the general public has a legal right to know whether a specific individual or company is operating under a name other than their legal name.

In Maine, changing your business name is a risky factor. It can bring positive and negative effects on your business. Hence, before you file and change your legal business name, analyze all the risks and advantages.

LLCBuddy Editorial Team

How to Get a DBA in Maine

To get a DBA in Maine, you must first check if any other business is already using the name before filing a DBA in Maine. You can then submit the Maine business name reservation form after it has been confirmed that no other company is already using the chosen name. You can search the Maine Government Records Inquiry System and confirm that the name you chose is not already in use. However, getting a DBA is not mandatory in many states. If you open an LLC in Maine, you must check with Maine Secretary of State whether you need to file DBA or not.

Guideline for choosing a DBA name

You must choose a name to register, which is the crucial step. There are a few straightforward LLC name guidelines to follow (if you’re forming an LLC) while choosing a name in Maine.

  • In Maine, fictional names cannot be the same or similar to one another. A DBA cannot deceive the public by appearing to be confusingly similar to any other business name.
  • Unless the company has been incorporated as an LLC or corporation, a DBA name cannot contain a corporate indication, such as Corp or LLC, or any other words that imply an entity type. This will stop a lone proprietor from passing for a legitimate corporation.
  • Any banking-related words without a letter from the Maine Banking Commissioner’s Office, or any insurance-related words without a letter from the Maine Maine Bureau of Insurance.
  • Any words that could confuse your corporation with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
  • A professional designation in the name (i.e., engineering, attorney) without a copy of the license of one officer/member or a letter from the governing agency allowing the use of the name without licensing.
  • Any words that indicate or imply that the corporation is engaged in a business that is not authorized by law to pursue.

How Can You Tell if a DBA Name in Maine is available?

Once you have selected a name that complies with the requirements mentioned above, there are a number of methods you can use to find out if the name is open for registration. One simple strategy is to look up other companies in Maine with the same name on Google.

It is a simple technique to clear out any already taken names, even though it may not guarantee that the name you want to register is accessible. As it is likely that you will require a website domain that matches your business name, you may also check to see whether the web domain for that name is accessible. For example, you can check Maine LLC name search guide to see how you can find the availability of your desired LLC name in Maine.

Before you may register your Trade Name in Maine, you must have used it for business purposes. Therefore, you must use a Trade Name as soon as possible if you want to register and protect it in Maine.

Register the Maine DBA Name

Once you have established that the name is available for registration, you must finish the file using the forms your county has provided. You must register your DBA name in the county where you intend to conduct business. In most Maine counties, the following fundamental information is needed-

  • Name of the company, its phone number, city, state, and street address
  • The organization type under which the business is incorporated
  • List the partners’ names and addresses (if applicable)
  • Describe the items, services, or business that will be delivered under the Fictitious Name in the registration form
  • Use of the Fictitious Name in the marketplace
  • Both the classification type and number
  • Make a mark (pick Trade Name)
  • Date and state of the first use of the trade name
  • When the Trade Name first appeared in Maine
  • Application’s name, title, signature, and date Email address

Submitting the Maine DBA Name Application

To file the Maine DBA Name, you must apply to the Maine Secretary of State. In Maine, you can file the DBA name in two methods, by mail and in person.. The cost of filing the Fictitious Name (DBA name) in Maine is $125 for Assumed Name filing and $40 for Fictitious Name filing.

  • Online filing: There is no online filing available
  • Offline filing: For filing offline, you must send the downloaded PDF form or drop it off in person at the Secretary of State, Division of Corporations, UCC, and Commissions, 101 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0101

Using the Maine Trade Name

Three “specimens” demonstrating the Trade Name used must be submitted to Maine Secretary of State. The following are some instances of acceptable specimens:

  • Business cards
  • Booklets,
  • Flyers,
  • Labels, and
  • Stickers

How to Renew a Trade Name in Maine

You can renew your DBA name after a stipulated time. In most states, the renewal of the DBA name follows the same process as filing a fresh DBA name. You need to get the DBA renewal form, fill it up with the correct information, and submit it to the state online or offline. The renew time for DBA name filing is Indefinite in Maine.

How to Change a Trade Name

You can change your Trade Name (DBA or Fictitious Name) by applying to the Maine SOS. The process is similar. You can search for the name you want to have after changing the old Trade Name. If the name is available, make sure it follows other guidelines. You can reserve your DBA name for Indefinite; after then, you can change or renew your DBA if needed through the Maine SOS.

FAQs

What is a DBA name in Maine?
A DBA (Doing Business As) name is a business name that is created when a business owner decides to operate under a name other than their personal name, the name of their corporation, or the name of their LLC.
What is required to file a DBA name in Maine?
In Maine, you must file a “Statement of Trade Name” with the Maine Secretary of State in order to register a DBA name.
Where do I file a DBA name in Maine?
A DBA name in Maine must be filed with the Maine Secretary of State.
How much does it cost to file a DBA name in Maine?
The filing fee for a DBA name in Maine is $70.
How long does it take to file a DBA name in Maine?
It typically takes up to 10 business days to file a DBA name in Maine.
Are there any other requirements to file a DBA name in Maine?
Yes, you must also provide a signature and a notarized affidavit.
What forms are needed to file a DBA name in Maine?
The form required to file a DBA name in Maine is the Statement of Trade Name.
Does Maine require any additional filing requirements for a DBA name?
Yes, in Maine, you must also file a “Certificate of Good Standing” from the Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation.
Does Maine require any additional documents to file a DBA name?
Yes, you must also provide a signature and a notarized affidavit.
How do I change a DBA name in Maine?
To change a DBA name in Maine, you must file an amendment to the Statement of Trade Name.
When do I need to renew my DBA name in Maine?
A DBA name in Maine must be renewed every five years.
How do I renew my DBA name in Maine?
To renew a DBA name in Maine, you must file a new Statement of Trade Name.
Is there a website I can visit to file a DBA name in Maine?
Yes, you can visit the website of the Maine Secretary of State to file a DBA name.
Do I need to publish my DBA name in Maine?
Yes, you must publish the DBA name in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the business is located.
What are the consequences of not filing a DBA name in Maine?
If you do not file a DBA name in Maine, you may be exposed to liability for any debts your business incurs and you may also be subject to penalties from the Maine Secretary of State.
Who is responsible for registering a DBA name in Maine?
The business owner is responsible for registering a DBA name in Maine.
Is there a process to reserve a DBA name in Maine?
No, there is not a process to reserve a DBA name in Maine.
Does Maine require a DBA name to be registered with a city or county?
No, a DBA name in Maine does not need to be registered with a city or county.
Is a DBA name required to be registered in Maine if I am doing business in a different state?
No, a DBA name in Maine is not required to be registered if you are doing business in a different state.
What are the benefits of registering a DBA name in Maine?
Registering a DBA name in Maine allows you to operate your business under a different name and it also provides legal protection for your business and personal assets.
Is there a way to search for existing DBA names in Maine?
Yes, you can search for existing DBA names in Maine using the Secretary of State’s online database.
What is the phone number of the Maine Secretary of State?
The Maine Secretary of State can be reached by phone at (207) 624-7741.
Is there an online database available to search for DBA names in Maine?
Yes, the Maine Secretary of State has an online database for searching for DBA names.
Is there a limit to the number of DBA names I can register in Maine?
No, there is no limit to the number of DBA names you can register in Maine.
Is a DBA name required to be registered in Maine if I am only doing business online?
Yes, a DBA name in Maine is required to be registered even if you are only conducting business online.
What is the process for canceling a DBA name in Maine?
To cancel a DBA name in Maine, you must send a written request along with the original Statement of Trade Name to the Maine Secretary of State.
Is there a website to check the status of a DBA name in Maine?
Yes, the Maine Secretary of State website allows you to check the status of a DBA name.
Is a DBA name required to be registered if I am not doing business in Maine?
No, a DBA name is only required to be registered if you are doing business in Maine.
Is there an annual fee to maintain a DBA name in Maine?
No, there is no annual fee to maintain a DBA name in Maine.
Does Maine offer any assistance with filing a DBA name?
Yes, the Maine Secretary of State offers assistance with filing a DBA name.
Is there a way to expedite the filing of a DBA name in Maine?
Yes, you can request an expedited filing of a DBA name in Maine for an additional fee.

Also Read

Why Maine DBA Filing is So Important

First and foremost, Maine DBA filing ensures that your business is operating legally and in compliance with state regulations. By registering your business name, you are establishing your company’s identity and protecting it from potential trademark infringement issues. This step is essential in order to protect your business from legal disputes and protect your brand’s reputation.

Furthermore, Maine DBA filing is important for creating credibility and building trust with your customers and business partners. When customers see that your business is properly registered, it gives them confidence that you are a legitimate and trustworthy entity. This can go a long way in attracting new customers and retaining existing ones.

In addition, proper DBA filing in Maine can also have financial benefits for your business. By registering your business name, you may gain access to certain tax benefits and protections that are only available to registered entities. This can help you save money and avoid potential legal or financial liabilities in the future.

Another important reason why Maine DBA filing is so crucial is that it can help you secure funding for your business. Many lenders and investors will require proof of proper registration before offering financial support to a business. By having all your paperwork in order, you can increase your chances of securing the funding you need to grow and expand your business.

Moreover, registering your business name through Maine DBA filing can also help you establish a strong online presence. In today’s digital age, having a registered business name can make it easier for customers to find and engage with your business online. This can lead to increased visibility, brand recognition, and ultimately, more business opportunities.

Overall, Maine DBA filing is an essential step in starting and maintaining a successful business. By taking the time to properly register your business name, you can ensure that your business is operating legally, building trust with customers, securing funding, and establishing a strong online presence. These benefits far outweigh the time and effort required to complete the registration process. So, if you haven’t already done so, make sure to prioritize Maine DBA filing for your business – it’s a decision that could have a significant impact on the future success of your enterprise.

In Conclusion

A DBA name in Maine is the best way to update your business name. Unlike the registered legal business name, you can have as many as DBA names. You can use your new assumed name as soon as the state has processed your filing, and getting one is a rather simple process. Whether you have an LLC or any other business structure, filing a DBA name is helpful for your business upgradation anytime.

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