Name availability · ME
Maine business name search
Maine's Corporate Name Search lets you look up businesses by a keyword from the name or by charter number. The Division of Corporations uses the "distinguishable upon the record" standard against all active entity names and marks. It doesn't check trade names filed with towns, so search those separately.
How to check if a name is available in Maine
- 01
Open Corporate Name Search
Go to the Division of Corporations' Corporate Name Search and enter a keyword from your proposed name.
- 02
Search each keyword separately
The tool searches by keyword, so run each distinctive word on its own. "Casco Bay Kayak" might turn up separate hits for "Casco" and "Kayak."
- 03
Decode the entity type codes
Use the "key to abbreviations" link. Codes such as RC (reserved LLC name) or RD (reserved business corporation name) mean the name is being held.
- 04
Check your town clerk
Sole proprietor and partnership trade names are filed with municipal clerks, and the Division doesn't check them. Ask the clerk where you'll operate.
- 05
Search trademarks and secure handles
Search federal marks at https://tmsearch.uspto.gov/, then check the domain and social handles.
- 06
Generate backups
If a keyword returns a close match, our free /business-name-generator/ can suggest alternatives.
Maine business naming rules
- The Division checks corporation, LLC, LP and LLP names, plus the text of marks, against all active names on file using the "distinguishable upon the record" standard.
- Entity names that don't meet that standard are refused.
- The Division does not check trade names filed with a municipality.
- Maine has no state-level filing for sole proprietor or general partnership trade names. To protect one at the state level, register a trade or service mark that is already in use.
Reserving a name
Maine name reservations are temporary and expire after 120 days. The applicant can be an individual or an entity, in or out of state, and Maine advises against using the name until the purpose of the reservation is complete. Check the current fee on the agency's site.
DBAs and trade names
Maine sole proprietorships and general partnerships file their trade or assumed name with the municipal clerk in the town where the business is located. Corporations, LLCs, LPs and LLPs file an assumed name with the state Division of Corporations.
Still looking for the right name?
Brainstorm dozens of options with the free generator, then run your shortlist through the Maine search above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I search business names in Maine?
Use the Division of Corporations' Corporate Name Search by keyword or charter number. For trade names used by sole proprietors, also check with the town clerk.
Where does a sole proprietor file a DBA in Maine?
With the municipal clerk where the business is located. Maine has no state-level trade name filing for sole proprietors.
How can I protect my sole proprietorship's name in Maine?
The Division suggests filing a trade or service mark with the state, as long as you're already using it in your business.
How long does a Maine name reservation last?
120 days, after which it expires.
General information, not legal advice. Name approval is decided by the Maine Department of the Secretary of State, Division of Corporations, UCC and Commissions; a name showing as available in a search is not a guarantee it will be accepted.