Search tips

With this online search you can search the list of all business entities that have filed their legal name or for mark protection with the Secretary of State’s Division of Corporations.

Name Search

Recommended search techniques include exact text of the business name or mark. You may also use a keyword with the wildcard (%) or a partial keyword with the wildcard (%). The search program simultaneously queries the legal name, former name(s), assumed and fictious name(s) data fields of the entity database and queries mark text, descriptor and feature data fields while searching for registered marks. For best results, narrow your search as much as possible by searching on less common words or by using a combination of words.

Charter Number Search

Please enter the charter number or the mark number (10 or 11 digits) of the entity to be searched.

Search Results

When you activate the search function, a list of entity names or mark filing text that match your search criteria will be displayed.

To view the “Information Summary”, simply click on the appropriate link associated with the name you searched for.

  • The information summary for business entities will provide the legal name, former names, assumed and fictious names, charter number, filing date, filing type, jurisdiction, status, the clerk or registered agent name and address, and the principal home office address.
  • The information summary for mark filings will provide the owner’s name and address, mark number, filing date, expiration date, and mark owner type and mark status.

There is no fee to view or print the information summary page. If you would like to see the list of filings for the entity or mark filing, select “View List of Filings”.

To Obtain Copies of Filings:

To download to view or print a filing image, there is a $3.00 fee per filing image. Select the filings that you would like to download. Once downloaded, you will be able to save or print the filing images. If you need to obtain certified copies of any filings that are available, an additional $5.00 fee will apply for each certified order request.

Please contact our office at (207) 624-7752 for assistance with any filings that don’t have images available or if you have issues downloading filings you have purchased.

To Obtain a Certificate of Legal Existence or Good Standing:

To download a certificate of legal existence or good standing, you will scroll down on the Information Summary page towards the bottom where you will see “Certificate of Existence (Good Standing)” and select either “Short Form Without Amendments” or “Long Form with Amendments” to download the certificate. The fee to obtain a certificate of legal existence or good standing is $30 (for-profit entities) or $10 (nonprofit corporations).

Please keep in mind that “Good Standing” status means that statutory filing requirements have been met with the Secretary of State’s office. However, this office does not review or verify information submitted and our office does not regulate or investigate business practices or operations.

Definition of entity types

An entity may be a domestic or foreign Corporation (business or nonprofit), Limited Liability Company, Limited Partnership, Limited Liability Partnership, or a Mark. Below is a list of definitions of the different types of entities on file with the Bureau.


Key to abbreviations
Domestic business entities
B Financial Institution
CP Cooperative Corporation
Enterprise owned jointly by those who use its facilities or services.
D Business Corporation
Legal entity formed for the purpose of creating a profit, having shares or units of stock representing ownership.
DC Limited Liability Company
Legal entity which is a cross between a corporation (limited liability for its members) and a partnership (treated like one for tax purposes).
DP Limited Liability Partnership
An election made by a general partnership which allows the general partnership to preserve its traditional structure and offers the partners some protection from vicarious liability for claims arising from the conduct of the partnership business.
I Insurance Corporation
Corporation or association whose business is to make contracts of insurance.
L Non-Profit Local Independent Church
LP Limited Partnership
Partnership in which one or more general partners manage the business and are liable for debts and one or more limited partners who contribute capital, share in profits, do not run business and incur no liability except capital contribution.
LN Reserved Name of a Limited Partnership *
M Mark – a trademark, service mark, certification mark or collective mark filed under Title 10, Chapter 301-A.
N Non-Profit Corporation (under Title 13)
Corporation formed under Title 13, Chapter 81 or Chapter 83 for some charitable or benevolent purpose and not for profit-making. Limited in scope.
ND Non-Profit Corporation (under Title 13-B)
Corporation formed under Title 13-B for some charitable or benevolent purpose and not for profit. Encompasses the majority of nonprofit corporations.
RC Reserved Name for a Limited Liability Company *
RD Reserved Name for a Business Corporation *
RN Reserved Name for a Non-Profit Corporation *
RP Reserved Name for a Limited Liability Partnership *
RR Railroad Corporation
Foreign business entities
A "foreign" business entity is one that was first formed under the laws of another state or country and intends to do business in Maine.
CR Registered name of a Limited Liability Company **
F Business Corporation doing business in Maine
FC Limited Liability Company doing business in Maine
FP Limited Liability Partnership doing business in Maine
LF Limited Partnership doing business in Maine
LR Registered Name of a Limited Partnership
NF Non-Profit Corporation doing business in Maine
NR Registered Name of a Non-Profit Corporation **
PR Registered Name of a Limited Liability Partnership
R Registered Name of a Business Corporation **

* Reservation of Name The applicant can be an individual or a business entity who gives an address either in Maine or out of state. Reserved names are temporary and will expire at the end of the 120-day filing period. Actual use of the name is not recommended until the purpose for which the name is reserved is completed.
** Registration of Name For foreign entities only, cannot be filed by an individual. A registration merely protects the name, does not give authority to do business or carry on activities. Unlike all other filings, a registration of name is filed on a calendar year basis and must be renewed yearly prior to December 31st.

If you encounter technical difficulties while using these services, please contact InforME the Webmaster. If you are unable to find the information you need through the resources provided on this web site, please contact the Division of Corporations, UCC & Commissions Reporting and Information Section at 207-624-7752 or e-mail.

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