If you’re planning to start a business in Maine using a specific name, you may need to register for a business name. Business name registration is commonly called a Maine DBA, “Doing Business As,” Trade Name, or Fictitious Business Name but is officially called an Assumed Business Name.
To see if you need to register for a Maine Assumed Name and steps on how to register, check out our guide.
Related: Starting A Business In Maine Checklist
Who needs to register for a Maine Assumed Business Name?
The requirements and need to register for a DBA are found in Maine State Statute 31 MRSA§21 and vary depending on the type of business entity.
Sole proprietorships and general partnerships are the most common business structures for registering for a Maine DBA. By default, the name of a sole proprietorship and general partnership is the owner(s) legal name, but if the small business owner wants to operate under a specific name, they will need to complete the Assumed Name registration.
For example, if Amy Smith starts a house cleaning business but doesn’t operate under a specific business name, she doesn’t have to register. However, if she decides to name her business Amy’s House Cleaning Service, she will need to register.
Related: How To Start A Maine Sole Proprietorship
A corporation and Limited Liability Company won’t typically register for a Maine DBA since a unique entity name is created during the entity formation process. However, some will want to register for a DBA if they have another business or brand name they want to operate in addition to the legal name of the business. This can allow multiple businesses to operate with the liability protection of a Maine corporation or Limited Liability Company without forming another entity.
What are the steps to file a DBA in Maine?
Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships
Step 1: Obtain the Assumed Business Name Form
You can pick up the Assumed Business Name registration form from the Town or City Clerk’s office where the business will be located. Most have the form on their website, while others are available at the Clerk’s office.
Step 2: Fill out the Form
The required information on the form will vary by location, but typically requests the owner’s contact information and the business name.
Step 3: Notarize the Form
The form must be notarized before signing and filing. Most Clerk’s offices have a notary available.
Step 4: Submit the Form
Submit the form and payment. An Assumed Name Certificate will be provided once filed.
Corporations, Limited Partnership and Limited Liability Company
Step 1: Verify Name Availability
Assumed names for registered entities in Maine must be unique. To see if the name you want is available, do a Maine business name search through the Maine Business Name Database on the Maine Department of the Secretary of State’s website.
Step 2: Fill out the Form
There are different forms depending on the type of business entity.
For corporations and LLCs to operate under an assumed name, file the ASUM-5 form with the Maine Secretary of State – Division of Corporations.
Step 3: File the Form
Fill out the form and file it with the Secretary of State.
The mailing address is:
Secretary of State
Corporate Examining Section
101 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0101
If you have questions about the process, contact the Maine Secretary of State at 207-624-7752.
Maine DBA FAQs
How much does a DBA cost in Maine?
The fee to register an Assumed Name for a sole proprietor and general partnership varies by town and county, but expect the filing fee to be between $10 and $20. This is a one-time fee.
The filing fee to register an Assumed Name for domestic corporations and LLCs is $125. On the same form, there is the option to register a Fictitious Name.
Fictitious Names are only for foreign entities, which refer to entities formed in another state.
Names must be renewed every 10 years.
Are there any naming restrictions when filing a Maine DBA?
In addition to names being unique, DBAs can’t be registered using words related to banking, trust companies, or credit unions unless the business is licensed to provide those services. Names also can’t refer to unlawful activity or contain obscene language.
A DBA can’t use a business entity suffix that is different from the type of entity. For example, a sole proprietorship can’t use the words LLC or corporation in its name.
Last, words that potentially refer to your business as a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department) can’t be used.
Does a DBA need an EIN?
An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is a unique nine-digit number that some businesses register for through the Internal Revenue Department (IRS). An EIN is required for partnerships, corporations, multi-member LLCs, or any business with employees.
Sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs without employees can use the owner’s social security number to identify the business.
There is no cost to get an EIN when registering directly from the IRS.
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