Maine LLC Cost

The minimum Maine LLC cost is $175, which covers the processing fee for filing your Certificate of Formation.

Having said that, the total cost of forming a Maine LLC will depend on several factors, including your personal preferences and business needs.

In our Maine LLC Cost article, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about the different costs associated with launching and maintaining an LLC.

More than 84% of our readers form their LLC through a professional service to save time and avoid mistakes.

Northwest ($29 + State Fees)

How Much Does a Maine LLC Cost 

In the table below, you can find a summary of the main requirements of forming a Maine limited liability company (LLC) and their associated fees.

	LLC Cost Summary
Requirement	Fee
Certificate of Formation	$175
Registered Agent	$0-$150+
LLC Name	$0-$145

Maine LLC Filing Fee ($175+)

To establish your LLC, you’ll need to submit the required formation documents with the Maine Secretary of State.

For domestic LLCs operating in Maine, this involves filing a Certificate of Formation ($175), while foreign LLCs must submit an Application for Authority instead ($250).

Using an LLC formation service will increase your overall cost slightly, as service fees will be added on top of the state filing fees outlined above.

Have a look at our in-depth review of the best and most affordable LLC Formation Services in 2024. 

Maine Registered Agent ($0-$150+)

As part of the process of completing your LLC's Certificate of Formation, you’ll be required to nominate a registered agent.

A registered agent is responsible for receiving legal and official documents on behalf of your Maine LLC. While acting as your own registered agent incurs no additional costs, many choose to hire a professional service to avoid non-compliance risks and to keep their personal information private.

The cost for registered agent services typically ranges from $125 to $300 per year depending on the provider you choose. 

Maine LLC Name ($0-$145)

All owners of Maine LLCs will be required to go through the process of selecting a suitable name that is available for use.

There are two potential costs related to naming your LLC.

Reserving Name

If you decide to reserve a name you like for your LLC using the Application For Reservation of Name form, you’ll need to pay the Maine Secretary of State a $20 filing fee. If the name is approved, it will be reserved for you for 120 days.

Keep in mind that name reservations cannot be renewed, but you can reapply for the name after the initial reservation expires.

Before filing a name reservation application, you should conduct a quick Business Entity Search on the SOS’s website to verify that your desired name is actually available — this can save you both time and money. 

You should also make sure that this name is available as a domain, as you will need this for your business’s website (if applicable).

Doing Business As (DBA) Name

If you plan to operate your business under a name different from your LLC’s legal name, you’ll need to obtain a Doing Business As (DBA) name. In Maine, this is also known as an Assumed Name.

To register an Assumed Name, you’ll need to file a Statement Of Intention To Do Business Under An Assumed Name with the Secretary of State’s Division of Corporations ($125 fee).

Optional Maine LLC Formation Costs

Depending on the unique needs of your Maine LLC, there are a number of additional costs it may be faced with.

We’ve discussed these costs in greater detail in the sections below.

Maine LLC Operating Agreement

Even though it’s not a legal requirement, it’s a good idea for all Maine LLCs to have an operating agreement.

Put simply, this is just a document outlining the roles and responsibilities of each of your members/managers, which can be a great help in preventing and resolving disputes later down the line.

You can draft this document yourself at no cost, though if you prefer, there are also online services and legal professionals willing to assist you in creating this document.

It’s important to note that this agreement does not need to be filed with the state — it is an internal document for your LLC.

Expedited Maine LLC Filing

If you need to expedite your LLC formation, Maine offers two expedited service options:

• 24-Hour Service: Ensures your documents are processed by the next business day ($50)
• Same-Day Service: Guarantees processing on the same business day ($100)

Keep in mind that if you’re filing multiple documents under the same legal entity, only one expedited fee will need to be paid.

Local Business Licenses

Depending on your LLC's location and activities, you may need a local business license. 

For example, a flea market vendor in Portland would need to secure a Flea Market Seller License, which requires a $45 application fee.

Certificate of Existence

A Maine Certificate of Existence — or Certificate of Good Standing as it’s sometimes known — is often required to open a business bank account or secure financing.

You can obtain this certificate through the Maine Corporate Services page for a $30 fee, along with certified copies of business documents for $2 per copy and a $5 certification fee per document.

Ongoing Costs to Maintain a Maine LLC

After forming your LLC in Maine, you’ll likely need to cover several ongoing costs to keep your business operating and in good standing with the state. 

Annual Report

Maine LLCs must file an annual report with the Secretary of State by June 1 each year. The filing fee is $85 for domestic LLCs and $150 for foreign LLCs.

You’ll need to submit the first report for your LLC between January 1 and June 1 of the year following your business’s formation. 

The report can be submitted online through Maine’s filing system or via mail by creating a Preprinted Annual Report Form. 

Registered Agent Maintenance

If you choose to hire a registered agent service, you will need to factor in the annual cost of maintaining this, which is generally between $125 and $300. 

Even though this is definitely not a legal requirement, it’s generally recommended for new business owners as it offers more privacy and flexibility (especially if you do not have a dedicated office address). 

This is because your LLC’s registered agent’s information will become publicly available as soon as your LLC is formed. 

Ready to Get Started?

Have a look at our LLC Maine Guide (DIY Approach)

Let Northwest Registered Agent handle it for you ($29 + State Fees) 

Maine vs Other States

Maine’s LLC formation and maintenance fees are generally in line with national averages. However, some services, like assumed name registrations and certificates, are relatively costly compared to other states.

Regardless, it’s important to note that the best state to form your LLC in will generally be the one that you plan to operate from. 

This will ensure that you do not need to pay registration and maintenance fees twice, as you’ll only need to adhere to one state’s regulations.