How to file a DBA in Maine
Filing a DBA (Doing Business As, also called a fictitious or trade name) in Maine costs $125 in state fees, lasts 5 years, and is registered with the Maine Secretary of State. We file it for you at the state cost, no service fee.
Maine DBA at a glance
| State filing fee | $125 |
|---|---|
| Filing authority | Maine Secretary of State |
| Term length | 5 years (renewable) |
| Renewal required | Yes, before expiration |
| File.Business fee | $0 |
When you need a DBA in Maine
You need a DBA in Maine when your business operates under a name different from its legal name. Common cases:
- A sole proprietor in Maine doing business under a brand name instead of their legal name
- An LLC or corporation in Maine marketing under a brand different from the registered entity name
- An out-of-state company doing business in Maine under a different name
- Multiple brands operated under one parent LLC in Maine
How to file a DBA in Maine: 5 steps
- Choose your DBA name. Search the Maine business name database to confirm the name is available. It must not be deceptively similar to existing registered names.
- Verify name compliance. Maine prohibits names that imply a corporation (Inc., Corp.) unless your entity actually is one. Avoid restricted words.
- Prepare the DBA filing. The Maine Secretary of State requires the legal name of the owner, the DBA name, business address, and a description of business activities.
- Pay the $125 state fee and submit. File online with the Maine Secretary of State or use File.Business to handle it for you at the state cost.
- Track the 5-year renewal. Maine DBAs expire and require renewal. We track this for you automatically with our compliance calendar.
File your Maine DBA now
Our team prepares the filing, submits it to the Maine Secretary of State, and tracks renewal. You pay only the $125 state fee. No service charges.
Start my Maine DBADBA vs LLC in Maine: which do you need?
A DBA is a name registration, not a business structure. It does not provide liability protection, separate tax treatment, or formal recognition as a business entity. If you want personal liability protection while operating under a brand name in Maine, you typically form an LLC and then optionally file a DBA for additional brands.
Compare your options: Form an LLC in Maine or Form a Corporation in Maine.
Maine DBA frequently asked questions
How long does it take to file a DBA in Maine?
Processing time with the Maine Secretary of State varies. Online filings are typically processed within 2 to 5 business days. We submit the filing the same day you order.
How long is a Maine DBA valid?
5 years from filing date. You must renew before expiration to keep the name registration active.
Do I need an EIN if I file a DBA in Maine?
Only if you have employees, file certain tax forms, or open a business bank account in the DBA name. Sole proprietors with no employees can use their SSN. Get an EIN.
Can I file a DBA in Maine for an out-of-state LLC?
Yes. If your LLC is registered in another state and does business in Maine, you typically need to foreign-qualify in Maine first, then file the DBA.
Does a Maine DBA protect my brand from others using the same name?
A DBA only reserves the name with the Maine Secretary of State. For broader brand protection, file a federal trademark with the USPTO.
On the $129/yr Compliance Annual Filings plan, we cover state late fees.
When you autofile your annual report through the $129/yr plan and we miss the deadline, we pay the state's late fee. The guarantee applies to that specific plan and the filings it includes. Other File.Business services are billed at the prices on this page.