Maine lesson 2 of 6
Appoint your Maine clerk or registered agent
Maine adopted the Model Registered Agents Act, so the Certificate of Formation must name either a commercial registered agent already listed with the Secretary of State, or a noncommercial clerk or registered agent specific to your LLC.
Commercial vs noncommercial
A commercial clerk or registered agent is a business that has separately filed a listing statement with the Secretary of State and appears on the Bureau's public list; you simply name that business on your Certificate of Formation. A noncommercial clerk or registered agent is any individual or entity you designate yourself, with a Maine business address, who has consented to accept service of process on the LLC's behalf.
What the agent does
The clerk or registered agent receives service of process and official notices from the Secretary of State's office. Naming an agent on a filing is treated as an affirmation that the agent consented to serve, so use someone who has actually agreed to the role.
The Bureau publishes a daily list of filings that name a clerk or registered agent, kept available for at least 14 calendar days, which is one way to confirm a filing went through.
Changing the agent
To change your clerk or registered agent, or update the address on file, mail the Bureau's change-of-clerk-or-registered-agent form with the applicable fee. Keep the appointment current, since a Maine LLC without a valid agent on record risks losing good standing.
Key takeaways
- You can name either a commercial agent already listed with the Bureau, or a noncommercial agent you appoint yourself.
- Naming someone as agent on a filing affirms that they consented to serve.
- File a change form promptly whenever your agent or their address changes.
Official sources
Or let us file your Maine LLC for you
Everything above is yours to use for free. If you would rather hand it over, we prepare and file the Certificate of Formation (Form MLLC-6), act as your registered agent, and track your ongoing deadlines.
Last reviewed: September 2026 - reviewed by Gullia Filing Legal & Formation Team