Maine LLC Name Search – How to Name Your LLC


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.

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Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is Maine’s Secretary of State page includes a name availability checker. Check out LLC Name Search to learn more.

Meanwhile, if you’re interested in learning more about starting a Maine LLC or forming an LLC in general, you can check out How to Start an LLC.

How to Name an LLC in Maine

Time needed: 5 minutes

There are guidelines to follow in doing a Maine LLC name search. To learn more, check out LLC Naming Guidelines or read Foreign LLC Application for Registration if you’re planning to register a foreign LLC.

  1. Check Name Availability

    Search the Corporate Name Search in Maine’s Official Secretary of State page to check if your chosen business name is available. You may also try typing your trademark, business, or domain name on any search engine to generate businesses with similar names and to ensure your trademark is unique and meets the state’s requirements.

    Check out How to File a DBA to learn more about registering a DBA or trademark. For social media pages, use Social Searcher to avoid using similar page names.

  2. Check Domain Availability

    If your business name is still available, you must register for a domain name using Namecheap, Google Workspace, or other domain name sites. So customers can easily find your business over the Internet. Use the Kinsta app to manage your domains efficiently.

  3. File Name Reservation

    A Name Reservation Certificate is required along with a Certificate of Formation. You can reserve a name by mail or in-person with a $20 filing fee (plus $50 for expedited services or $100 for immediate processing).

    You need to file for a name reservation by mail. Download the pdf file of the name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to the Secretary of State, Division of Corporations, UCC, and Commissions, 101 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333.

    Check Maine’s online business services on the Bureau of Corporations, Elections, and Commissions website.

Check Name Availability
Online Business Services
Download Reservation form

Guidelines to Follow in Naming LLC

  • Use a business name with the abbreviation “LLC” or the phrase “Limited Liability Company.”
  • Your decided business name must not coincide with any existing government entity. Otherwise, you might have to face legal lawsuits when filing your LLC.
  • Use the LLC name availability checker to ensure your business name is unique.
  • Get a license first if you plan on using restricted words to avoid any complications.

Note that you must put adequate effort into naming your LLC because this name will be with your business for a long time. Making your LLC name unique is vital as it would prevent people from confusing your business with others, not to mention it would be easier for them to recall your business, products, or services.

Filing a Maine LLC Name Online

As a part of the process of establishing your LLC in Maine, it is important to have a suitable name for your LLC in accordance with the requirements of the State. The name of your LLC should be unique and abide by the naming guidelines issued by the Secretary of the State of Maine.

Before you establish your LLC in Maine, you must know if the proposed name of your LLC is unique and available for registration. You can check and file the LLC name online. Here’s how to do that.

Steps to Search the Name of Your LLC in Maine

1. Access the Corporate Name Search Tool of the State of Maine

The State of Maine provides a Corporate Name Search Tool to help you decide the uniqueness of the proposed business entity name. This Search tool plays a significant role in helping you decide whether the chosen business name is available for registration in the State of Maine or not. You may also keep a list of other backup names ready with you, so you can finalize a name in a few attempts.

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2. Enter the name

After you reach the search page, you can enter your name keywords in the dialog box displayed on the screen. Avoid the usage of identifiers such as LLC while typing the name to receive more accurate results. Maine’s corporate search results are limited to 100 records; thus, you should try variations of your proposed name to ensure you receive more accurate results.

maine-name-search-step2

3. Perform the Search

Search the availability of the chosen name on the website. Try different variations of a similar name to check if your selected name is already in use. The search result page will display the relevant details of the business already using the same name. Conduct thorough research of the name by using the provided filters before filing it with the Authorities to avoid any rejections or delays. You can take help from the search tips offered by the State website.

If you also plan on operating your business on online platforms, you should also check if a similar domain name for your chosen business name is available or not for your business to adopt.

Last, if you intend to set up a proper Trademark for distinct identification of your business, you can run a search on the Trademark Database of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to check if the chosen name is already in use by some other business entity.

LLC Name Reservation

After finalizing a name for your LLC, you can file an Application for Reservation of name for up to 120 days for $20.

F.A.Qs

What is a Trade Name?

A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.

Is having a domain name necessary?

Having a domain isn’t necessary, but it is recommended. If you have a domain name, customers will find you more accessible through online means with your online website.

What if my name is unavailable?

For domestic LLC, you can simply brainstorm for another name if the one you pick is no longer available. For foreign LLC, you must think up a “fictitious name,” which you’ll use only in the state.

How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in Maine

To reserve an LLC name in Maine you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Maine Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $20. It can be expedited by paying an additional amount.

Reserving an LLC name in Maine is a straightforward process, but it is crucial to follow the necessary steps to avoid any delays or complications in the future. First and foremost, it is important to conduct a thorough search to ensure that the name you have in mind is not already in use by another business entity in Maine. This can be done by visiting the Maine Secretary of State’s website or contacting the office directly to perform a name availability search. By taking this step, you can avoid any potential legal issues and ensure that your chosen name is truly unique to your business.

Once you have confirmed that your desired name is available, the next step is to file a Name Reservation Request with the Maine Secretary of State’s office. This form can be completed online or by mail, and there is a fee associated with reserving a name. It is important to provide accurate and detailed information on the form, including your LLC’s name, the names and addresses of the LLC’s organizers, and the intended use of the name. By submitting this form, you are essentially securing the rights to use your chosen name for a period of 120 days, giving you ample time to complete the remaining steps in the LLC formation process.

Reserving an LLC name in Maine is not only a legal requirement, but it can also provide peace of mind and security for business owners. By taking the time to reserve a name, you can prevent others from using it for their own businesses and avoid any potential confusion or disputes in the future. Additionally, having a reserved name allows you to start building brand recognition and marketing materials around your chosen name, further solidifying your business’s identity in the market.

In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in Maine is a critical step in the process of starting a business. By conducting a thorough name search, filing a Name Reservation Request, and paying the associated fee, you can secure the rights to use your chosen name for your LLC. This process may seem simple, but it is of utmost importance to follow the guidelines and requirements set forth by the state to ensure that your business is operating legally and effectively. By taking these steps, you can set your business up for success and ensure that your chosen name represents your brand accurately and unmistakably.

In Conclusion

LLC names are important as it is the main identity of your business. While naming your LLC make sure to choose the one that suits the nature of your business. Follow the naming guidelines before you start filing your LLC name

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