Start a Business by State › Maine
How to start an LLC in Maine: checklist (2026)
To start an LLC in Maine, file the Certificate of Formation (MLLC-6) with the Maine Secretary of State for $175, name a registered agent, get a free EIN and check your local licenses. Mainstay Filing, our best overall pick, does the filing, the agent, the EIN application and the report for $199 a year.
- Official sources, checked October 20, 2026
Maine checklist
- File the formation document. Certificate of Formation (MLLC-6), Maine Secretary of State, $175.
- Name a registered agent. Required. A commercial registered agent listed with the Secretary of State, or a noncommercial agent: an individual or entity serving as agent in Maine, or the holder of a named position in the company.
- Get an EIN. Free from the IRS online.
- Check licenses. Maine.gov Business Licensing says: “General licenses to operate a business are managed at the town/city level in Maine.” (general licenses are issued locally).
- Keep it current. Annual Report, yearly: $85, due june 1.
Mainstay Filing
$199 / year, same at renewal
- LLC formation, prepared and filed
- Registered agent, all year
- EIN application (with an SSN or ITIN)
- Annual report filed every year it is due where the state requires one
- Compliance reminders and stored documents
Price from the Mainstay Filing pricing and FAQ pages, checked October 21, 2026. State fees are passed through at cost and shown before you pay.
Questions
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Maine?
The state filing fee is $175 for the Certificate of Formation (MLLC-6). The first Annual Report later costs $85.
Do I need a registered agent in Maine?
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.
Do I need a business license in Maine?
Maine.gov Business Licensing says: “General licenses to operate a business are managed at the town/city level in Maine.” (general licenses are issued locally).
Sources
- 31 M.R.S. sec. 1531 (certificate of formation); filing fee set by 31 M.R.S. sec. 1680 (multira state research spine): legislature.maine.gov/statutes/31/title31sec1531.html, checked August 12, 2026
- Maine formation fee: Filing fee, official source read 2026-10-01: legislature.maine.gov/statutes/31/title31sec1680.html, checked October 1, 2026
- Maine Secretary of State (multira state research spine): www.maine.gov/sos/corporations-commissions/filing-an-annual-report, checked August 12, 2026
- Maine Secretary of State (multira state research spine): www.maine.gov/sos/corporations-commissions/i-need-a-business-form/limited-liability-company-forms, checked August 12, 2026
- Maine report due date (multira state research spine, due dates verified 714/714): www.maine.gov/sos/cec/corp/annualreport.html, checked August 12, 2026
- Maine registered agent statute (5 M.R.S. § 105): legislature.maine.gov/statutes/5/title5sec102.html, checked October 20, 2026
- Maine Secretary of State: www.maine.gov/sos/cec/corp/, checked October 20, 2026
- IRS: Get an employer identification number: www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number, checked October 21, 2026
- Maine.gov Business Licensing (business license statement): www.maine.gov/portal/business/licensing.html, checked October 21, 2026