Making sure the name you wish to use is available is one of the most crucial tasks if you intend to launch a business in Maine. In addition to providing information on how to obtain a copy of your articles of incorporation, identify Maine’s current secretary of state, change your registered agent, and form a corporation in the state, this article will show you how to determine whether a business name is available in Maine.
It’s crucial to remember that the Maine Secretary of State’s office keeps a database of all the state’s officially registered firms. The “Corporate Name Database” is a database that contains details on all companies that have registered with the state.
Visit the Maine Secretary of State’s website to see if a business name is already taken. Once there, select “Business Services” and then “Search for a Business.” You can then enter the name you want to use for your company and check the database to see whether it’s already been taken.
Let’s move on to the questions that are connected now. You can ask the Secretary of State’s office for a copy of your articles of incorporation if you require one in Maine. You have the option of mailing in or online requesting. There is a cost associated with this service, and you will normally receive your copy in around 10 business days.
Shenna Bellows is the current secretary of state for Maine. She took office on January 4, 2021, after being elected in November 2020. You can submit a paperwork to the Secretary of State’s office in Maine to alter your registered agent if you need to. The “Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office” form is available for online or postal submission. The processing time for this service is often 2-3 business days, and there is a price associated with it.
Finally, there are a few actions you must take if you want to form a corporation in Maine. The Secretary of State’s office must receive your articles of incorporation before anything else. Additionally, you’ll need to register with the Maine Revenue Services for taxes and acquire any required licenses and permissions. You must also draft your corporation’s bylaws and convene the board of directors for the first time.
In conclusion, determining whether a business name is accessible in Maine is an important step in launching a venture there. You can quickly check the Corporate Name Database to see if your desired name is available by using the above-described processes. The Secretary of State’s office is also a helpful resource if you need to create a corporation in Maine, alter your registered agent, or get a copy of your articles of incorporation.