Maine lesson 1 of 6
Name your Maine LLC
Because Maine only accepts the Certificate of Formation by mail, a name conflict means weeks of lost time waiting for a rejection letter and refiling. Search the corporate database and consider a reservation before you mail anything.
Required wording
A Maine LLC name must contain the words limited liability company or limited company, or the abbreviation L.L.C., LLC, L.C. or LC. A low-profit LLC, Maine's L3C entity, uses L3C or L.L.L.C. instead.
- Acceptable: Downeast Boatworks LLC, Downeast Boatworks L.L.C.
- The name must be distinguishable on the record from every other entity name already registered with the Bureau
- Wording implying a purpose the LLC is not organized for, or implying affiliation with a government agency, is not allowed
Checking availability and reserving a name
Search the Bureau's corporate name database before you print Form MLLC-6, since a mailed filing with a conflicting name is returned unfiled and you lose the 40-to-55-business-day wait entirely.
If you are not ready to file yet, reserve the name for 120 days by mailing Form MLLC-1 with a $20 fee.
Because Maine's standard processing time runs 40 to 55 business days, a name reservation is worth the small fee if you need to line up a registered agent, an operating agreement or financing before you file.
🇺🇸 Check United States company name availability
Search the official United States state registry before you file. Opens the government portal in a new tab.
Tip: also confirm the .com domain and matching social handles are free before you commit.
Key takeaways
- End the name with LLC, L.L.C., LC or Limited Liability Company.
- Search the Bureau of Corporations database before mailing Form MLLC-6, since paper rejections cost weeks.
- A $20 reservation on Form MLLC-1 holds a name for 120 days.
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