Foreign Registration in Maine

If your company is registered outside of Maine it is required to obtain a certificate of authority before transacting business in the state.

This process is called “Foreign Qualification”, and it involves filing Application for Authority to do Business with the Maine Secretary of State.

To approve foreign qualification application Maine Secretary of State requires certificate of good standing or its equivalent from the home state. The certificate must be current within 90 days. Keep in mind, foreign entity is required to appoint and maintain a registered agent in Maine on file at all times in order to be in good standing.

The filing process with Maine Secretary of State could take about 2-3 business weeks, with expedited option of 1 business day (plus additional time for mailing) available for extra fee. Applicants should also allow additional time for obtaining the certificate of good standing from their home state.