Maine LLC Foreign Qualification

Maine LLC Foreign Qualification Information

Steps to Maine LLC Foreign Qualification:

  • Choose a Name:Your first step is choosing a name that can be used in the State. This can be your LLC’s true name, but you are only allowed to register a name that is not already in use in Maine. You can do a Business Name Search to check availability. If your name is already in use, you will need to select another.
  • File Application:To register a foreign LLC, you must file a Statement of Foreign Qualification to Conduct Activities with the Maine Corporations Division. There is a $250 filing fee. You are required to include a Filer Contact Cover Letter and a Certificate of Existence from your home state. A Maine commercial or noncommercial clerk must be appointed on the Application.
  • Await Processing:Processing time is typically up to two weeks. Filings can be expedited for an additional fee.

Maine Foreign LLC Registration Quick Facts

  1. Filing Form: Statement of Foreign Qualification to Conduct Activities
  2. Filing Fee: $250
  3. Filing Agency: Maine Corporations Division
  4. Online Filing: No
  5. Expedite 5 Days: $50
  6. Expedite Immediate: $100
  7. Annual Report Due: June 1
  8. Annual Report Fee: $150

My LLC’s Name is Taken. What Do I Do Now?

You will need to register a fictitious name. To do so, you will need to list the fictitious name on the Statement of Foreign Qualification, and you will need to attach a Form MLLC5: Statement of Intention to Transact Business Under an Assumed or Fictitious Name. There is a $40 fee for filing the Form MLLC5.

Maine Commercial Clerk

A Maine commercial clerk is required by law to maintain a physical street location within the state, known as a registered office. This location cannot be a PO box. The registered office must be kept open during regular business hours, throughout the year, in order to accept certified mail. A commercial clerk is charged with accepting service of process and other important business mail on behalf of clients. When documents are accepted, the clients must be contacted, and the documents must be forwarded to the clients in a timely manner.

Annual Report

After a foreign LLC qualification, you are required each year to file an Annual Report and pay a $150 filing fee. The Annual Report is due by June 1 and can be filed online with the Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions.