To move forward with a business name change in Maine, you need to submit specific formation documents to the state. For instance, you will need to file Articles of Amendment (for corporations) or a Certificate of Amendment (for LLCs). Or let us file them for you with our convenient Amendment Filing Service.
Starts at $0 + Maine state fees and only takes 5-10 minutes
Sometimes a business starts small and outgrows its company name as it expands. Or a company name fails to connect with its target audience. Some businesses don’t have a reason for changing their minds. Whatever an organization’s motive, a slight shift often leads to positive changes.
If you have a limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation and want to know how to change a business name in Maine, your first step is to file paperwork with the Secretary of State. Filing name change paperwork will help ensure that your business is legally compliant.
Here are a few other suggestions to help you stay organized and on track while considering how to change a business name in Maine.
If you want to change a business name in Maine, you need to do some prep work. We break down the general steps for you below.
Your business structure set-up has some bearing on choosing a new business name. In Maine, each business structure has its own unique naming requirements.
LLC naming rules include:
Corporation naming rules are much the same as LLC rules but also provide that your business name can’t imply your corporation is organized for an unlawful purpose or one that isn’t outlined in its articles of incorporation.
You need to report all significant changes to your LLC or corporation to the state.If you plan to change an LLC or corporation name, you will need to amend your business’s formation documents. Doing so will ensure the name change is legal.
When you change the name of your Maine LLC, you must file a Certificate of Amendment. Submit the proper form to the Secretary of State to let them know you want to change the company name. For LLC Amendments, you must provide the following:
If you want your Maine Corporation to conduct business under a new name, you must file Articles of Amendment. Corporations must provide the following:
Once you send your Amendment and pay a filing fee, The Secretary of State will take 5-10 business days to process your documents. You can also request expedited service by paying an additional fee.
You can file your documents by mail or in person at the Maine Secretary of State, Division of Corporations, UCC, and Commissions, 101 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0101. Depending on your business setup, different fees will apply.
We can also file your Maine LLC and Corporate Amendments for you with our Amendment Service.
Once you know how to change a business name in Maine, be sure to follow up by changing your old business name to its new one on all your business documents, marketing materials, and online platforms. Doing these things as soon as possible assures your customers know you’re still open for business.
Don’t forget to change your business name on all Maine business licenses and permits. Contact the offices associated with those permits to learn how to change your business name on their forms.
The IRS will need to know about your business name change. The IRS has different criteria for different types of businesses, so be sure to visit the IRS website for specific requirements.
If you have a website, you may need a new domain name. Contact your website administrators and ask them to redirect your site to your new domain if you use one.
If you want to change your business name in Maine, we can help. We can even turn your business into an LLC or corporation with our Maine LLC Formation Service or our Maine Corporation Formation Service.
If your name change necessitates a new web presence, we can register your new domain name and help keep your new business is legally compliant using our Worry-Free Compliance Service.
Changing your business name doesn’t have to be a hassle. Whatever your business needs, we’re here to make it easier every step of the way!
Maine Business Name Change FAQs
What’s the difference between a doing-business-as (DBA) name and business name?
A business name is the legal name of your business that appears on its formation documents. A DBA, on the other hand—known as an “assumed name” in Maine—is a name your business uses that isn’t its legal name.
Do I have to change my business name if I have a DBA name?
No. Under Maine law, you don’t have to change your business name to have a DBA. Many LLCs and corporations prefer to use a DBA because it allows them to change the name they use as the face of the company without filing amendments to change the company’s legal name. It also allows you to operate different arms of your business under different names.
How do I register my business name in Maine?
First, pick a business structure and then register your company name. Different businesses have different registration requirements, so your next step is to visit the Secretary of State Corporations Page and follow the link for the business model you want to set up. Be sure to follow their guidelines for contacting the IRS, setting up employer ID numbers, and complying with other business setup procedures.
How many amendments can I make to my business?
There is no limit. Just remember that each new Amendment comes with additional fees, incremental fees, and paperwork. Those fees and lost time can add up if you file too many amendments.
Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.
Written by Team ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness has helped people start, run, and grow over 700,000 dream companies. The editorial team at ZenBusiness has over 20 years of collective small business publishing experience and is composed of business formation experts who are dedicated to empowering and educating entrepreneurs about owning a company.
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