Maine LLC Name Search & Naming Rules (2026)
Maine’s free name search is preliminary. A $20 reservation holds an accepted name for 120 days and is nonrenewable. It is optional; assess your filing schedule and the current SOS queue rather than assume a fixed processing delay. Use the current reservation and MLLC-6 instructions and confirm acceptance before relying on the hold. An assumed name costs $125.
Maine’s free name search is preliminary. A $20 reservation holds an accepted name for 120 days and is nonrenewable. It is optional; assess your filing schedule and the current SOS queue rather than assume a fixed processing delay. Use the current reservation and MLLC-6 instructions and confirm acceptance before relying on the hold. An assumed name costs $125.
- Name search
- Free — maine.gov
- Required designator
- LLC, L.L.C., or spelled out
- Name reservation
- $20 · 120 days
- Assumed name / DBA
- $125
- Why reserve here
- Optional; assess current filing schedule
- Governing law
- Title 31 (LLC Act)
Maine LLC Naming Rules (Title 31)
- Required designator: the name must signal limited liability company status — "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." are the standard forms; low-profit LLCs use the "L3C" designation.
- Distinguishable on the record: your name can't be the same as, or confusingly close to, any entity on file with the Secretary of State. Punctuation and designator swaps don't create distinguishability.
- No government implications: nothing suggesting a state or federal agency.
- Restricted terms: words implying regulated activity — bank, insurance, credit union, engineer — require the relevant Maine regulator's approval before the state will accept them.
Maine’s free name search is preliminary. A $20 reservation holds an accepted name for 120 days and is nonrenewable. It is optional; assess your filing schedule and the current SOS queue rather than assume a fixed processing delay. Use the current reservation and MLLC-6 instructions and confirm acceptance before relying on the hold. An assumed name costs $125.
Name Search and Reservation Planning
Maine’s free name search is preliminary. A $20 reservation holds an accepted name for 120 days and is nonrenewable. It is optional; assess your filing schedule and the current SOS queue rather than assume a fixed processing delay. Use the current reservation and MLLC-6 instructions and confirm acceptance before relying on the hold. An assumed name costs $125.
Maine name planning
Maine’s free name search is preliminary. A $20 reservation holds an accepted name for 120 days and is nonrenewable. It is optional; assess your filing schedule and the current SOS queue rather than assume a fixed processing delay. Use the current reservation and MLLC-6 instructions and confirm acceptance before relying on the hold. An assumed name costs $125.
Use the official state search and current naming rules. A search is preliminary; acceptance and trademark rights are separate.
How to Search Maine Name Availability (Free)
Open the Maine corporate name search
The Secretary of State's free database covers every LLC, corporation, and registered name on file in Maine.
Search core words without the designator
Search "Pine Coast" rather than "Pine Coast LLC" to surface the widest set of conflicts, including assumed names.
Assess distinguishability honestly
Compare the core name against existing records. Only the Secretary of State determines acceptance; allow time to correct a rejected filing.
Reserve or mail promptly
Availability isn't a hold, and your filing spends days in transit. Bridge the gap with a reservation, or get the MLLC-6 packet in the mail fast.
The Optional $20 Reservation
Maine’s free name search is preliminary. A $20 reservation holds an accepted name for 120 days and is nonrenewable. It is optional; assess your filing schedule and the current SOS queue rather than assume a fixed processing delay. Use the current reservation and MLLC-6 instructions and confirm acceptance before relying on the hold. An assumed name costs $125.
Assumed Names: $125 (Choose Your Legal Name Well)
Maine’s free name search is preliminary. A $20 reservation holds an accepted name for 120 days and is nonrenewable. It is optional; assess your filing schedule and the current SOS queue rather than assume a fixed processing delay. Use the current reservation and MLLC-6 instructions and confirm acceptance before relying on the hold. An assumed name costs $125.
Maine’s free name search is preliminary. A $20 reservation holds an accepted name for 120 days and is nonrenewable. It is optional; assess your filing schedule and the current SOS queue rather than assume a fixed processing delay. Use the current reservation and MLLC-6 instructions and confirm acceptance before relying on the hold. An assumed name costs $125.
- ✓Optional formation assistance; confirm filing scope, service pricing and submission responsibilities.
- ✓Optional formation assistance; confirm filing scope, service pricing and submission responsibilities.
- ✓Confirm registered-agent eligibility, coverage, included periods and renewal charges.
- ✓Review address-use rules and privacy policies; a service does not remove all information from public filings.
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Optional reservation and current queue
Maine’s free name search is preliminary. A $20 reservation holds an accepted name for 120 days and is nonrenewable. It is optional; assess your filing schedule and the current SOS queue rather than assume a fixed processing delay. Use the current reservation and MLLC-6 instructions and confirm acceptance before relying on the hold. An assumed name costs $125.
Maine LLC — FAQ
Ahmad Adil is the founder and CEO of LLC School. For filing and ongoing compliance, confirm the requirements with the responsible state agency. This is educational information, not legal or tax advice.
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