Deal alert! Northwest will form your LLC for $39 (60% discount). See details.
You can get an LLC in Maine in 10-15 business days (plus mail time). If you need your Maine LLC faster, you can pay for expedited processing.
Maine LLC Processing Times
| Normal LLC processing time: | Expedited LLC: | |
|---|---|---|
| Maine LLC by mail: | 10-15 business days (plus mail time) | 24 hours ($50 extra) Immediate ($100 extra) |
| Maine LLC online: | No online filing | Not applicable |
Source: Maine Secretary of State: Limited Liability Companies
What is LLC processing time? This is the time it takes for the state of Maine to review your LLC filing and enter it in their system. After your LLC is approved, the state sends back your approved documents by mail.
Maine LLC Approval Times
Mail filings: In total, mail filing approvals for Maine LLCs take 3-4 weeks. This accounts for the 10-15 business day processing time, plus the time your documents are in the mail.
The Maine Secretary of State doesn’t offer online filings to create a new LLC.
What is LLC approval time? This is the total turnaround time to get your LLC approved from start to finish. It includes the processing time plus any transit time to and from the state.
Maine expedited LLC
Maine has two expedited LLC options:
- 24-hour processing for $50 extra
- Immediate processing for $100 extra
Immediate processing means the state will review your LLC as soon as they receive your formation documents in the mail.
Note: Expedited fees are in addition to the LLC filing fee.
What’s the fastest way to get an LLC in Maine?
The fastest way to get an LLC in Maine is to file it yourself by mail and pay for expedited processing. This option has the fastest approval time. We recommend the 24-hour processing for an extra $50.
Should I hire an LLC filing service in Maine?
Hiring an LLC filing service isn’t going to get your LLC approved any faster. Filing companies still have to wait for the state to approve your LLC.
However, the benefit of hiring a filing company isn’t to reduce LLC approval time. It’s to have someone else take care of the paperwork for you (and make sure it’s filed correctly).
Need to save time? Hire a company to form your LLC:
Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee)
(Learn why Northwest is #1 in Northwest vs LegalZoom)
Why we recommend Northwest? Northwest Registered Agent has been in business for over 20 years and they have the best customer support. Our favorite thing about Northwest is that you can use their address throughout your LLC filing. This can provide you with additional privacy by keeping your address off public records. No other filing company offers this.
Even though Northwest is our favorite company, you may want to look at other companies and compare your options. Check out Best LLC Services in Maine for additional recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an LLC cost?
The one-time cost to start an LLC varies by state. There are also LLC Annual Fees to maintain your business that vary by state.
Here are the costs for a Maine LLC:
| Requirement | Cost |
|---|---|
| LLC Name | $0 |
| Registered Agent | $0 or $125 per year |
| Certificate of Formation | $175 |
| Operating Agreement | $0 (free on our site) |
| EIN Number | $0 (free through IRS) |
| Annual Report | $85 (every year) |
| Taxes | varies (filed and/or paid every year) |
How to start an LLC in Maine?
Here are the steps to starting an LLC in Maine:
- Search your Maine LLC name
- Choose your Maine Registered Agent
- File Maine Certificate of Formation with the state
- Sign your Maine LLC Operating Agreement
- Get an EIN for your Maine LLC
- Open an LLC bank account
How long does it take to get an LLC in every state?
Important: Just because one state is faster than another doesn’t mean you should form your LLC there. If you form your LLC out-of-state, you’ll need to register it as a foreign LLC in your home state. For more information, please see the best state to form an LLC.
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Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.
