How to Form an LLC in Maine Yourself (2026 Costs and Steps)

Last verified against official Maine sources on 2026-09-15.

State filing fee

$175 by mail

Form

Certificate of Formation (Form MLLC-6)

Filed with

Maine Secretary of State, Division of Corporations, UCC and Commissions

Processing time

Published by the state: see the guide below

Annual report

$85 (annual)

Be your own registered agent

Yes, if you meet the rules below

Official Maine filing page (opens in a new tab)

Quick answer

The total state cost to file by mail is $175. You file the Certificate of Formation (Form MLLC-6) with the Maine Secretary of State, Division of Corporations, UCC and Commissions at https://www.maine.gov/sos/corporations-commissions/i-need-a-business-form/limited-liability-company-forms. As of September 15, 2026, one Maine Secretary of State page stated a processing time of 25 to 30 business days and another stated 40 to 55 business days.

Step 1: Check that your LLC name is available

Search the Maine Secretary of State's business name records before filing to ensure your desired name is available.

Step 2: Choose a registered agent

You may serve as your own registered agent or use a commercial registered agent. A noncommercial registered agent may be an individual who serves in Maine as the agent for service of process, which allows a member to serve. The certificate requires the agent's physical location (not a P.O. box), and the agent must consent to serve.

Step 3: File your Certificate of Formation (Form MLLC-6)

Complete Form MLLC-6 and mail it to the agency. The filing fee is $175. You may pay additional fees for expedited processing if needed. A 24-hour expedited filing (next business day) costs an additional $50 per entity and is requested on the MLLC-6 customer contact cover letter. An Immediate expedited filing (same business day) costs an additional $100 per entity, but availability depends on staffing.

Step 4: Create an operating agreement

Create an operating agreement to outline ownership, roles, voting procedures, and what happens if a member leaves. This document helps define the structure of your LLC.

Step 5: Get your EIN from the IRS

Get your Employer Identification Number from the IRS for free at https://www.irs.gov/ein.

Step 6: Keep your LLC in good standing

File an Annual Report (MLLC-13) each year between January 1 and June 1, starting the calendar year after formation. The fee is $85. A late filing penalty applies after June 1. You can file online via Annual Reports Online or on a preprinted paper form. Maine does not require a newspaper publication for LLCs.

Three ways to get it done

State fees are always extra and go straight to the state.

Free

Do it yourself

Follow this guide in Maine. Every fee and form comes from the state’s own pages.

Download the PDF guide

$249 + state fees

We file it for you

We prepare and file your LLC paperwork in Maine so you don’t have to learn the portal.

Have us file it

$1,497 + state fees

Done for you

Business in a box: the LLC plus the setup to run it, built so it doesn’t depend on you.

Book a call

This is general information, not legal or tax advice. For advice about your situation, talk to a licensed attorney or CPA.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to form an LLC in Maine?

The total state cost to file by mail is $175, which includes the filing fee. A 24-hour expedited filing (next business day) costs an additional $50 per entity. An Immediate expedited filing (same business day) costs an additional $100 per entity, but availability depends on staffing.

When is the annual report due?

The annual report is due between January 1 and June 1 each year, starting the calendar year after formation.

Can I serve as my own registered agent in Maine?

Yes, a member may serve as a noncommercial registered agent if they serve in Maine as the agent for service of process. The agent must provide a physical location and consent to serve.

Does Maine require LLCs to publish their formation in newspapers?

No, Maine does not require newspaper publication for LLCs.

What happens if I file my annual report late?

A late filing penalty applies after June 1.