Maine Certificate of Authority
A Maine Certificate of Authority is an official document that grants a business entity permission to operate within the state of Maine. This authorization is required for any out-of-state business looking to conduct business activities in Maine, such as sales, services, or other operations. By obtaining a Certificate of Authority, a business ensures compliance with state laws and regulations, allowing it to legally operate and thrive within the state.
Businesses seeking a Maine Certificate of Authority must typically file an application with the Maine Secretary of State’s office, providing details about their business entity and confirming their intent to operate within the state. Once the application is approved and the Certificate of Authority is issued, the business can begin its operations in Maine, secure in the knowledge that it is in full compliance with state requirements. This document serves as proof that the business has met the necessary legal obligations and is authorized to conduct business activities in Maine.
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What is a Maine Certificate of Authority?
Businesses must register with the Maine Bureau of Corporations, ElectionsCommissions before operating in Maine. Companies incorporated in another state typically apply for a Maine certificate of authority, which registers them as a foreign entity and eliminates the need to establish a new entity.
Operating without a certificate of authority can lead to penalties or fines. Besides state requirements, licensing agencies, banks, and vendors may also request a certificate of authority.
Common reasons for obtaining a certificate of authority include:
- Establishing an office or physical presence in the foreign state
- Hiring an employee residing in the state
- Commencing a contract or work in a new state
- Meeting vendor or bank requirements
- Fulfilling licensing authority prerequisites
How to acquire a Maine Certificate of Authority?
To obtain your Maine Certificate of Authority, you must submit an Application for Certificate of Authority along with necessary certificates or certified copies from your home state. Appointing a registered agent is essential for approval. Follow the state’s guidelines meticulously to prevent rejection due to minor errors.
For Foreign Entities:
- Agency: Maine Secretary of State – Bureau of Corporations, Elections, and Commissions
- Form: Form MBCA-12: Application for Authority to do Business
- Agency Fee: $250
- Law: 13-C MRSA § 1501
- Certified Copy Requirement: Not mandatory
- Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: Within 90 days
What documents are required from the home state?
For a Maine Certificate of Authority, you must also provide:
- Limited Liability Company: Certificate of existence dated within 90 days
- Corporation: Certificate of existence dated within 90 days
- Limited Partnership: Certificate of existence dated within 90 days
- Limited Liability Partnership: Certificate of existence dated within 90 days
- Nonprofit Corporation: Certificate of existence dated within 90 days
- Professional Corporation: Certificate of existence dated within 90 days
Who is a registered agent?
A registered agent accepts legal documents and official notifications on behalf of your business. When applying for a Maine Certificate of Authority, you must designate a registered agent with a physical address within the state (P.O. Boxes not accepted).
If your business lacks a physical presence in a new state, listing our local registered agent address on your certificate of authority application fulfills state requirements. Our registered agent service costs $99 annually, offering same-day document scanning in all states and DC.
State Contact Information:
Maine Secretary of State – Bureau of Corporations, Elections, and Commissions
– Physical Address: Burton Cross Building, 111 Sewall St., 4th Floor, Augusta, ME 4330
– Mailing Address: 101 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0101
– Phone: (207) 624-7736
– Fax: (207) 287-5428
– Website: Maine Secretary of State – Bureau of Corporations, Elections, and Commissions
– Name Search: Maine Name Search
– Forms: Maine Forms
– Online Filing: Maine Online Filing