How Long Does It Take To Form an LLC in Maine (The Guide)
Before your Maine LLC can be fully operational, note that there is a turnaround period for the Maine Secretary of State to receive, verify and process your LLC documents of registration.
Since I’m a seasoned Mergers and Acquisitions specialist who helped clients establish new joint organizations in various states, I’ll share with you the best Maine LLC filing options and the corresponding time necessary to complete them.
Quick Summary
- It takes 25 to 30 business days to form an LLC in Maine by mail and 1 to 2 days if filed online.
- The state of Maine offers expedited service by mail for an additional \$50 (24-hour approval time) and \$100 (same-day processing).
- According to data from Lending Tree, 10,387 business applications were filed in Maine during the first nine months of 2023.
- Having helped clients form an LLC in Maine, I can attest that online application is the most efficient and convenient way.
What is The Fastest Way to Start an LLC in Maine?
The fastest way to start an LLC in Maine is by filing through mail using the expedited service or online.
Depending on the accelerated service you opted for, your formation papers may be processed either within the day or after 1 business day.
As reported by the US Small Business Administration, from March 2021 to March 2022, there were 6,134 new establishments opened in the state.
The Certificate of Formation is available for download on the Secretary of State website. Once you filled in all details, you can mail the documents to the following addresses:
If using US Postal Service
Department of the Secretary of State
Corporations, UCC and Commissions
101 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0101
If using FedEx/UPS
Department of the Secretary of State
Corporations, UCC and Commissions
111 Sewall Street, 4th Floor Augusta, ME 043
LLC Processing Time in Maine
The SOS offers three filing methods with different processing times – mail, online, in-person and expedited processing for faster approvals.
Let’s look at each filing method and its processing time.
1. Expedited Maine LLC Processing Time By Mail (Same-day processing + \$100)
The Maine Bureau of Corporations offers the following expedited processing options for your certificate of formation:
- \$50 for 24 hours turnaround
- \$100 for same-day processing
I avail of the same-day processing service for clients who needs to establish an LLC as soon as possible.
2. Non-Expedited Maine LLC Processing Time By Mail (25-30 business days)
Standard mail service are processed within 25 to 30 business days.
You can download the Certificate of Formation online, fill in your business information, and mail the document to the Secretary of State.
I also paid for the processing fee of \$175 and attached the Certificate of Formation along with a Customer Contact Cover Letter with the following details:
- Your Name
- Phone number
- Mailing address
3. Maine LLC Processing Time Online (Same-day processing)
Online LLC filings in Maine are processed on the same day if you file before 5:00 p.m. ET. A colleague told me that any registration documents presented past this time will be approved the following business day. That's why I make it a practice to file early in the day.
Online LLC registration is made on the Maine SOS website portal.
If you register your new foreign or domestic LLC online, expect to shell out the \$178 state fees to cover your certificate of formation (\$175 + \$3 convenience fee) [1].
You can make payments for your online filings using Visa, Discover, MasterCard, or American Express.
Learn more about the cost to start an LLC in Maine.
4. Maine LLC Processing Time In Person (25-30 business days)
Hand-delivered LLC paperwork is reviewed and processed within 25 to 30 business days. This is the reason I advise my clients to register online to get approval sooner.
"Staying updated on any changes in Maine's business laws and regulations can help expedite the LLC formation process."
- Jon Morgan, CEO, Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Venture Smarter
Factors Influencing The Formation Timeline Of Maine LLCs
The processing time may be delayed due to the following reasons:
- Filings backlog: The Secretary of State may adjust the hours for processing new application to catch up on filings backlog.
- Documentation: Your application may also be delayed if there are missing documents or the requirements are incomplete.
- Weekends and holidays: If you filed before this period, the state will process your application on the succeeding business days. That’s why I advise my clients to file during a Monday or early in the working week.
FAQs
Where Can I Check the Status of My Maine LLC Formation During the Processing Period?
You can check the status of your Maine LLC formation during the processing period through the online Corporate Search portal.
Is There a Difference in Processing Time for Domestic and Foreign LLCs in Maine?
There's no difference in processing time for domestic and foreign LLCs in Maine. The state reviews and approves the application in the order they are received.
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Maine?
An LLC in Maine costs \$175 to file by mail and \$178 if you do it online. However, the state fees amount may be more if you apply for other services like name reservation and DBA name registration.
References:
- https://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/forms/mllc/mllc6.pdf
