Top Maine Registered Agents – Comprehensive Guide (March 2024)


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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Maine Registered Agent: If you wish to start a Maine LLC, you have to appoint a registered agent. According to Maine State Law, it is mandatory to have a Maine Registered Agent if you are conducting business in the state. A registered agent receives all the official and legal documents from the State. They also receive the service of process if there’s any lawsuit in concern.

In the following guide, we have shared all the required information regarding hiring a registered agent, why you need a registered agent in Maine, and who can be a registered agent for your LLC. Read this guide carefully before you hire a Maine Registered Agent.

What is a Maine Registered Agent

A registered agent (or a statutory agent or a resident agent) in Maine is an individual or a business that represents your business in receiving official documents. These official papers include formation documents, business renewal documents, tax filing, and any legal document if the LLC gets sued by other companies. All these documents go straight to the registered agent’s official address in the state. While forming an LLC, it is mandatory to appoint a registered agent.

When you file the Maine LLC formation papers with the Secretary of State, LLCs have to mention their registered agent’s name and address. When you choose a registered agent in Maine, you can go for two options, hiring an in-house registered agent or outsourcing the service.

Hiring a Registered Agent in Maine

You may have several options for hiring a registered agent in Maine. To become a registered agent, one has to meet the basic eligibility criteria. If the minimum requirements are fulfilled, anyone residing in Maine can represent your LLC as your registered agent.

registered agent service

Who Can Be a Registered Agent

  • The person must be above 18 years old.
  • The person must have a legal and physical address in the state where the LLC will operate.
  • The person must be physically present during normal working hours.
  • Anyone who fulfills the above requirements can act as a registered agent.
  • Recommended – You should use a professional registered agent in Maine always.

Can I Be My Own Registered Agent

Yes, you can be your own registered agent. In fact, any member of the LLC, managers, and the owner can be a registered agent. Besides, someone from the owners’ family, such as a spouse, relatives, or other family members, can also act as a registered agent. As mentioned above, anyone who is representing the business as an agent should fulfill the basic criteria.

Why You Shouldn’t Be Your Own Registered Agent

Many small businesses do not hire a registered agent to save a chunk of money. However, it is not recommended to be your own registered agent. There are a bunch of problems one has to face while being a registered agent of his own LLC. Following are some of the issues you face,

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  • If you are operating your business from home or you are into web business, then your home address will be shared on the public portal. This address will be used for mailing and other official purposes. This will hamper your privacy.
  • A registered agent has to be physically available at the official address during working hours on working days for 52 weeks. Being your own registered agent might restrict your other work due to this.
  • The registered agent’s address must be up to date in the Secretary of State portal.

It is recommended to outsource the registered agent service to ease your work as it protects your privacy, especially if you conduct your business from home. It is always wise to outsource the RA service than be your own registered agent.

Recommended: You can get the best registered agent service at a reasonable price with online LLC service providers. We recommend using –

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How to Choose a Registered Agent in Maine

You can choose a Maine Registered Agent in two ways, either you can employ an in-house RA or outsource the service. Another option is to be your own registered agent. However, it is recommended to outsource the service as it is less worrisome and hassle-free.

In-house Registered Agent

As far as the in-house registered agent is concerned, it can be anyone from the LLC, including you, or you can employ an individual for this position. In that case, your office or home address will be the Registered Agent’s office address. Every LLC has to share its principal office address, mailing address, and registered agent’s office address to the state public portal. Hiring a registered agent service will make it easier as you can use the RA’s address as a mailing address.

Outsourcing Registered Agent Service

You may also avail yourself of professional registered agent services. Doing so ensures that you will have the best service provider to represent your business. Following are the best Registered Agent services on our list that will provide you with registered agents to ease your worries.

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Note that availing of the services of professional registered agents would be your best option since you are guaranteed that whoever is handling your legal affairs knows their stuff well. If you are forming your LLC from scratch, then with LegalZoom Registered Agent, you will get the full formation package.

What to Consider While Choosing a Maine Registered Agent

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a registered agent.

  • Service Fee: Since most states require formal businesses to have registered agents, selecting the best-registered agent is critical. Hiring a registered agent typically costs between $99 and $300 annually. When you consider how much time it will save you, this is a small price to pay.
  • Tenure in Business of Registered Agent: You want the registered agent to have established and time-tested procedures for handling documents. We recommend Registered Agent Services that have been in business for a long time. They are experienced and well capable of handling all your documentation.
  • State Jurisdiction Limitation: If your company expands to another state, you should use the same registered agent in all states to reduce the administrative burden of dealing with multiple registered agent service providers. Check out the best Registered Agent Services to consider for this job.
  • Offer Monitoring and Follow-up Services: You want to receive up-to-date information and alerts from your registered agent as soon as possible so that you are aware of the various statutes, rules, and regulations that apply to your company. Some of the service providers offer this service. Make sure to choose an RA service that includes this service.

How to Appoint a Registered Agent in Maine

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At the time of submitting the Maine Certificate of Formation, the registered agent can be appointed by the LLC. It can be done online or by mail. No additional fee is charged for appointing a Registered Agent. Only the state filing fee should be paid.

Appoint Registered Agent By Mail

To appoint a registered agent in Maine by mail, you need to download the Maine LLC filing form (PDF). Fill up the “Registered Agent” section with appropriate details of the agent and submit it to the SOS office. For more information, read the Maine Certificate of Formation.

Cost of a Maine Registered Agent

The cost of having a registered agent can be variable. It depends on whether you are employing an in-house registered agent, being your own agent, or outsourcing the service. The cost of having a registered agent can start from $99 and go up to $300 per year. It will be cost-effective if you outsource the registered agent service in Maine.

Registered Agent services that also provide LLC formation packages can provide the same service at a lower price. For example, LegalZoom offers standalone registered agent service at $299 per year, but if you buy their LLC formation package at $0 + state fees, you might get a registered agent at a low cost.

How to Change a Registered Agent in Maine

To change the Maine registered agent, you must file a Change of registered agent or office by entity form. This form can be submitted to the Maine Secretary of State via mail or in person.

File By Mail or In person

You can also choose to file the form through the mail. You need to download the Change of registered agent or office by entity form from the Maine Secretary of State’s portal. Fill in all the details on your computer. The completed form is to be signed by the newly appointed registered agent. The duly signed form must be sent to the following address,

Mail to: Secretary of State
Division of Corporations, UCC and Commissions
101 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0101

Fee: $35

How to Pay: The filing amount is payable to the Maine secretary of state through a credit card when filing online/by email. For paper filing, you can choose to pay through money order or check.

Why Do LLCs in Maine Need a Registered Agent Service

There are several reasons why a business should appoint a registered agent in Maine. Some of the most important reasons are listed below,

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  • Confidentiality: Having a registered agent service in Maine ensures the complete privacy of your business and related documentation. Appointing a registered agent company instead of an individual gets you privacy and confidentiality contracts beforehand.
  • Up-to-date Compliance: LLCs and corporates have plenty of paperwork and compliances that are to be updated on time. With a registered agent service, you don’t have to worry about those compliances as your registered agent will maintain a compliance calendar.
  • Privacy: It is mandatory for businesses in Maine to publicly upload their address to the Maine Secretary of State. If you are using the home address for your business, then it would not be safe to make your private address public. On the other side, appointing a registered agent service will cover you up here as they have to provide their address to the Maine SOS and not yours.
  • Availability: Every registered agent has to be available during office hours of work on business days. If you hire a registered agent service, then they can be available at the required time without harming other tasks at the company.
  • Online Safe Backup: Every registered agent in Maine or any other state usually takes an online backup of all the documents and paperwork. This ensures the LLC papers are securely saved in a central system.
  • Lawsuits or Summons: Getting summoned or involved in a lawsuit does not leave a good impression on the employees. With a registered agent, all the related papers will be delivered to the Registered Agent’s official address. Hence, owners do not have to receive any such papers in their office in front of their employees.

Maine Business Laws for Registered Agents to Note

Registered Agents handle all the business-related legal affairs of your business and other legal issues of a foreign LLC in Maine. Every state has its own set of established business laws. Maine also has a well-formed set of business laws to follow. Here are the significant business laws that require mandatory compliance by every business entity.

Maine Antitrust Laws

Antitrust laws regulate and prevent anti-competitive practices in any open market by levying heavy penalties and punishment against such activities. These laws counter the formation of cartels, monopolies, or any barrier created for new entrants in the market. The Maine Antitrust laws prohibit any agreement in restraint of trade, scheme of arrangements executed to reduce competition in the market, and any unfair methods of competition.

The Maine Antitrust laws allow the plaintiff to recover 3 times the amount of damages in certain cases. Other penalties include civil and criminal liability, including fines and imprisonment.

Maine Insurance Fraud Laws

Maine Insurance laws protect its consumers from different forms of insurance fraud. Any misrepresentation or act relating to insurance policy application done with the intention to defraud the consumers, embezzlement, concealment, or destruction of assets is a punishable offense under Maine Insurance Fraud Prevention Law.

Maine Interest rate Laws

Every state in the United States has an Interest law for businesses. Normally, the general interest rate guidelines are less than the legal threshold of interest rate. Maine has laws to limit the interest rates, and significantly, high-interest rates are considered unlawful and open to criminal prosecution.

Maine’s legal maximum interest rate is fixed at 6%. For judgments below $30,000, the interest rate is fixed at 15%, and for judgments valued above $30,000, the interest rate is determined by the 52-week average discount rate for T-bills and an additional 4%.

Maine Deceptive Trade Practices Laws

The State of Maine aims to protect its residents from unfair business practices. Such practices mislead the consumers into investing in invaluable market products by selling them with twisted statements and lies such as false advertising. Any small print disclosures contradicting general claims, or concealment of contractual provisions, common law fraud also constitutes Unfair Business Practices in Maine. The State also prevents odometer tampering and classifies it as a Class D offense.

Maine allows private lawsuits against entities engaged in prohibited business practices. Claim against any such activity must be filed within 6 years of the UTPA violation as per Statutes of Limitation. Injunction and reimbursement of attorney fees and costs are the remedies available under the common law statute.

Maine Pyramid and Ponzi Scheme Laws

Any pyramid or Ponzi scheme is considered illegal in Maine as they are contrary to the public policy of the State. These schemes are deceptive in nature, and participating in or organizing such activities is prohibited by the laws of the State. The penalty for such a misdemeanor offense is set at $5,000 and imprisonment up to 11 months.

Maine Wage and Hour Laws

The federal and state laws protect the workers’ rights in terms of wages and hours of work. In general, the minimum wage is set at $10.00 per hour. The maximum number of hours an employee can work should not exceed 40 hours unless the employee is compensated at the rate of 1.5 times the regular wage hours. Any violation of these laws attracts a fine between $50 to $200.

The Registered Agents are the people who act as points of contact between your business and the State Authorities. They assist your business in ensuring compliance with all regulations and codes of the State. Hiring a registered agent in Maine will help you handle your business in a smooth and legally compliant manner.

FAQ

How To Change Registered Agent In Maine?

You must submit the RA change application form to the Maine Secretary of State in order to change the registered agent in Maine. Depending on what option is available to you, you may do this online, by mail to the Secretary of State, Division of Corporations, UCC, and Commissions, 101 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0101, or by fax. In Maine, it costs $35 to switch a registered agent.

How To Become A Registered Agent In Maine?

In Maine, being a registered agent is simple. You must be at least 18 years old and a resident of the state to serve as a registered agent. A certain educational background is not necessary to work as a registered agent in Maine.

Who Can Be A Registered Agent In Maine?

Anyone may serve as a registered agent in Maine. Anyone who meets the requirements, including your spouse, family members, LLC members, and you yourself, may serve as a registered agent. The applicant must be a legal adult who resides in Maine.

How To Change Registered Agent Address In Maine?

In Maine, you must submit the RA Change Form with the new address listed in order to change a registered agent’s address. Depending on what option is most convenient for you, you may submit the form digitally, by mail at the Secretary of State, Division of Corporations, UCC, and Commissions, 101 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0101, or by fax. The Maine SOS should get this form.

How To Find A Company’s Registered Agent In Maine?

You must go to the Maine Secretary of State website in order to locate a company’s registered agent in Maine. You will have the choice to search for the company by name. To see the data, enter the company name and then choose the registered agent’s name.

What Does A Registered Agent Do In Maine?

In Maine, a company’s registered agent is in charge of obtaining permits and legal notifications as well as serving any paperwork on the company’s behalf. In Maine, having a registered agent is required. In Maine, you have the option of hiring a pro or serving as your own registered agent.

How To Appoint Someone As The Registered Agent In Maine?

When a corporation is registered in Maine, registered agents may be designated by providing their information at that time. You must provide information such as the name, address, and phone number of the designated registered agent in a section of the formation document. Give your personal details if you are acting as a registered agent.

How To Search For Registered Agent Address In Maine?

You must carry out the following actions in order to look for a registered agent’s address:
1. Visit the webpage for the Maine Secretary of State
2. Look up the firm using its name
3. Verify the address list and the Registered Agent section.
This will enable you to look up the Maine address of the registered agent.

How Do I Look For A Business In Maine By The Registered Agent Name?

Visit the Maine Secretary of State’s website to do a company search in the state. The “Search” option is present. You may look for a company using both its name and the name of its registered agent. To get the business information, choose “registered agent” and input the name of your registered agent.

What Is Required Of A Registered Agent In Maine?

Three requirements must be met in order to become a registered agent in Maine. The first is that you need to be older than 18 years old. The second requirement is that you must live in the state. In other words, you need a real street address in Maine. Lastly, you need to be able to legally do business in Maine.

How To Look Up The Registered Agent Of A Corporation In Maine?

Finding a registered agent for a company in Maine is simple. You must go to the Maine Secretary of State’s website to accomplish this. Select Business Search from the menu. You may look for a company by name by choosing the Look up by name option. Once you have the company, you may look up the information on the registered agent.

How Do I Resign As A Registered Agent In Maine?

In Maine, a registered agent must provide a letter of resignation to the business that they are currently working for. After a certain number of days, along with the resignation letter, a resignation notice should be sent to the Maine Secretary of State to confirm the resignation of the registered agent.

How To Update Registered Agent In Maine Online?

You must submit the RA Change Form to the Maine Secretary of State to modify a registered agent there online. Not all states provide you the option to update a new registered agent online. If the online approach is offered, check the Maine SOS website.

How To Get A Free Registered Agent In Maine?

There are three free registered agent options in Maine. The first method entails acting as your own registered agent. Second, if any of your friends, family members, or spouses take on the role of registered agent. Finally, there are firms that help with company creation in Maine that provide free registered agent services.

How To Research For Registered Agent Information In Maine?

Finding a registered agent in Maine is simple. You must go to the Maine Secretary of State’s official website. You may use the “search by name” option if you know the company name. You may investigate a registered agent’s data from the list when you discover the firm information.

Where To Mail Registered Agent Forms In The State Of Maine?

The Secretary of State, Division of Corporations, UCC, and Commissions, 101 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0101, should receive the registered agent form for the state of Maine. You must designate the registered agent and provide all of their information on the formation paperwork when registering your firm. Post it to the aforementioned address after that.

If A Company Does Not Have A Registered Agent In Maine, Who Is Served?

In Maine, you must have a registered agent for your business. If your firm does not have a registered agent, you might face legal issues. Therefore, it’s crucial to work with a registered agent in Maine (you may alternatively serve as your own registered agent).

How To Serve A Deceased Registered Agent in Maine?

Your firm will be left without a registered agent if a registered agent passes away. You must have a registered agent for your business in Maine. The power will all be nullified once he or she passes away. Companies are required to inform the SOS as soon as the registered agent is replaced or changed.

How To Hide Registered Agent Name From SOS Maine?

Whether the name of the registered agent is concealed or not that cannot be answered with certainty. The identities of an LLC member or the owners may be covered up in public records in certain states. If you have an anonymous LLC, it could occur. The name of the registered agent cannot be concealed in certain states. For further information, see the Maine Secretary of State’s business registration rules.

Who To Call To Identify Registered Agent Information In Maine?

Call (207) 626-8400 to get information on the registered agent in Maine. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Maine Secretary of State’s regular business hours (central time). You may dial this number and follow the prompts to speak with the desired division.

What Is Registered Agent’s Consent In Maine?

A registered agent’s permission is a declaration in writing that the agent is prepared to represent the business. In Maine, if you appoint a new registered agent or change the previous person, then the new person appointed must submit their consent to the SOS.

What Is The Difference Between Registered Agent And Resident Agent In Maine?

A registered agent and a resident agent do not vary in this way. The registered agent in Maine may also be referred to as a resident agent. A resident agent is also known as a registered agent in most states. The phrase “resident agent” is used in a few states.

What Happens If The Registered Agent Does Not Give A Consent In Maine?

If a person appointed as a registered agent in Maine has not given his/her consent, then a legal penalty and liability can be imposed on the person who is appointing a registered agent without their consent. They also have the freedom to refuse any obligations imposed by the procedure.

Can An LLC Be Sued If There Is No Registered Agent In Maine?

Yes, even if your LLC doesn’t have a registered agent in Maine, you may still be sued. Any corporate entity in Maine may be sued in a variety of ways. There will be another means to sue the firm if no one is available to accept the legal paperwork.

How To Reject The Registered Agent’s Designation In Maine?

In Maine, a registered agent has the option to accept or reject the designation. The individual may sign the declaration of refusal and deliver it to the Secretary of State in order to reject the designation. The SOS website hosts the declaration of refusal.

How to Remove a Registered Agent for LLC in Maine

A registered agent for LLC in Maine can be removed by submitting a Certificate of Amendment with the Maine Secretary of State with a filing fee of $50.

Removing a registered agent for an LLC in Maine is a straightforward process, but it is important to follow the proper steps to ensure that everything is done correctly and in compliance with state regulations. The process typically involves filing a formal document with the Maine Secretary of State and appointing a new registered agent to take on the responsibilities. Below are some key steps to consider when removing a registered agent for an LLC in Maine:

1. Identify the Reason for Removal:

Before taking any action to remove a registered agent, it is essential for the LLC members to identify the reason for the removal. Common reasons for removing a registered agent may include their resignation, retirement, relocation, or dissatisfaction with their services. It is important for the LLC members to have a clear understanding of why the registered agent is being removed to ensure that the process is handled appropriately.

2. Notify the Registered Agent:

Once the LLC members have determined the reason for removing the registered agent, they must notify the agent of their decision. This can typically be done through a formal written notice, either delivered in person or sent via certified mail. It is important to provide the registered agent with a specific timeframe for the transition and outline any necessary steps they need to take to facilitate the removal process.

3. File a Statement of Change:

After notifying the registered agent of their removal, the next step is to file a Statement of Change form with the Maine Secretary of State. This form officially notifies the state that the registered agent for the LLC is being changed. The form must include the name of the LLC, the name of the new registered agent, and their contact information. There may also be a filing fee associated with submitting the form, so it is important to verify the current fee with the Secretary of State’s office.

4. Appoint a New Registered Agent:

In conjunction with filing the Statement of Change form, the LLC members must appoint a new registered agent to take on the responsibilities of receiving legal and tax documents on behalf of the company. The new registered agent must meet the qualifications set forth by the state of Maine, which typically include being a resident of the state, having a physical address where they can be reached during business hours, and consenting to act as the registered agent for the LLC.

Overall, removing a registered agent for an LLC in Maine is a relatively straightforward process that requires attention to detail and adherence to state regulations. By following the steps outlined above and ensuring that all necessary paperwork is completed and filed correctly, LLC members can successfully transition from one registered agent to another without any interruptions in their business operations. Remember, compliance with state regulations is crucial, so it is always advisable to consult with legal counsel or a business advisor to ensure that the removal process is carried out correctly.

In Conclusion

Before you choose a registered agent for your Maine LLC, compare their price and services from the table. They will be responsible for all your documentation, filings, and other LLC-related tasks. Hence, choose the best one for your business that provides 100% accurate service at a reasonable price.

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