When starting a business in Maine, one of the first essential steps is appointing a registered agent. A registered agent acts as your business’s official representative, receiving legal documents, tax notices, and other government communications on behalf of your business.
This role is a legal requirement in Maine for all LLCs and corporations. Whether you’re launching a new business or already have an established company, selecting the right registered agent is crucial for staying compliant and ensuring that your business remains in good standing with the state.
In Maine, the registered agent must have a physical street address within the state and be available during business hours to receive important documents, such as legal summons or official state communications. You can either designate an individual or a professional registered agent service to handle this responsibility. While acting as your own registered agent is an option, it often comes with challenges such as maintaining availability during business hours and risking the loss of privacy.
Choosing a reliable registered agent service can help streamline your business operations, providing you with peace of mind and allowing you to focus on growing your business. These services often offer additional benefits, such as compliance alerts, document forwarding, and access to secure online portals to manage important documents.
With numerous options available, selecting the best registered agent service can be overwhelming. To help simplify this decision, we’ve reviewed and ranked the top Maine registered agents for 2025 based on factors like pricing, features, customer support, and ease of use.
Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this guide will help you find the best registered agent to meet your needs and keep your business compliant in the state of Maine.
Our Top Picks
We have evaluated numerous registered agent services and chosen the top five providers for businesses in Maine. These companies offer reliable services that are well-suited to different types of businesses. Let’s take a look at the best of the best:
- ZenBusiness
- Northwest Registered Agent
- LegalZoom
- Tailor Brands
- BetterLegal
Each of these companies offers a unique combination of pricing, service quality, and additional benefits. Let’s explore these providers in more detail.
Best Registered Agent Services in Maine
1. ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness has become one of the most popular names for LLC formation and registered agent services across the United States. Their registered agent service is especially attractive for small business owners and entrepreneurs because of their user-friendly platform and competitive pricing.
Price
- First Year: $99 + Maine state fees
- Renewal: $199/year
ZenBusiness provides excellent value with its registered agent service. For just $99 during your first year, you get not only registered agent services but also a business formation package that includes essential tools to get your business started. In the second year, the price goes up to $199 annually.
The company’s pricing structure is transparent, with no hidden fees. They also offer a range of additional services like EIN filing and operating agreements at affordable prices. ZenBusiness provides free online tools to help you keep track of important compliance deadlines and file annual reports when necessary.
How to Get a Registered Agent in Maine
- Visit ZenBusiness’s website and select the registered agent service.
- Complete your order by providing your business details.
- ZenBusiness will assign a registered agent to your business, ensuring all legal documents are forwarded to you promptly.
ZenBusiness has a stellar reputation for its customer service. With a customer satisfaction rating of 4.8 stars from more than 22,000 reviews, they are known for fast response times and helpful support staff.
2. Northwest Registered Agent
If you value privacy and personalized service, Northwest Registered Agent is an excellent choice. Northwest is known for its commitment to protecting your data and providing dedicated support. They don’t just treat you like a number—they assign you a personal corporate guide who will assist you with any questions or issues you may face.
Price
- LLC Formation: $39 + state fees
- Registered Agent Service: Free for the first year with LLC formation, then $125/year
Northwest’s registered agent service comes at a premium price of $125 annually after the first year. This price includes a dedicated customer service representative to assist you at every step of your business journey.
They offer a high level of transparency and do not sell or share your information with third parties. All documents are uploaded to your secure online account, which you can access at any time.
How to Get Northwest Registered Agent in Maine
- Visit Northwest’s website and choose the registered agent service.
- Follow the instructions to complete your LLC registration if needed.
- You will be assigned a corporate guide who will help you set up your business and manage all your documents.
One of the standout features of Northwest is their commitment to keeping your data private, which is something that sets them apart from many other registered agent services.
3. LegalZoom
LegalZoom is a household name when it comes to legal services. As one of the oldest and most established companies in the space, LegalZoom offers a robust set of tools for business owners, including LLC formation, trademark registration, and registered agent services.
Price
- Registered Agent Service: $249/year
LegalZoom’s registered agent service is on the pricier side compared to other providers, with an annual fee of $249. However, for that price, you get reliable service and access to LegalZoom’s extensive network of legal professionals. This is a great option for business owners who may need additional legal support or advice beyond just registered agent services.
In addition to the registered agent service, LegalZoom offers compliance alerts, so you never miss a filing deadline. Their service also includes document forwarding, which ensures you get all critical communications in a timely manner.
How to Get LegalZoom Registered Agent Service
- Go to the LegalZoom website and navigate to the registered agent service section.
- Select the service and complete the sign-up process.
- Once registered, LegalZoom will be your official agent for receiving legal documents.
LegalZoom offers a lot of extra resources for those who want to start their business on the right foot. If you’re looking for a well-established brand that can handle more than just your registered agent needs, LegalZoom is a solid choice.
4. Tailor Brands
Tailor Brands is a company that specializes in branding and logo design, but they also provide a range of business services, including registered agent services. Tailor Brands is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to establish a brand identity right from the start.
Price
- Registered Agent Service: $199/year
At $199 per year, Tailor Brands falls into the mid-range in terms of pricing. However, the real value lies in their integration with branding services. If you’re already using Tailor Brands to create your logo, business cards, and marketing materials, it may make sense to also use their registered agent service.
Tailor Brands offers a simple, modern platform where you can manage your business’s compliance needs. They send reminders for important deadlines and make document storage easy to access.
How to Get Tailor Brands Registered Agent Service
- Visit the Tailor Brands website and select the registered agent service when setting up your LLC.
- Complete the registration process, and Tailor Brands will start handling your legal documents.
If you’re in the process of branding your business, using Tailor Brands as both a registered agent and branding service can be a seamless experience.
5. BetterLegal
BetterLegal is another newcomer to the world of legal services but is quickly gaining popularity due to its straightforward pricing and user-friendly approach. BetterLegal’s business services are simple, no-frills, and focused on what matters most to business owners—keeping things efficient.
Price
- Registered Agent Service: $120/year
BetterLegal offers one of the most affordable registered agent services at just $120 per year. They provide all the essentials without unnecessary upselling, which appeals to many small business owners who want a straightforward solution.
BetterLegal is also known for its quick response times and excellent customer support. While they may not have as many features as some other providers, their service is highly efficient, and they get the job done.
How to Get BetterLegal Registered Agent Service
- Go to the BetterLegal website and select the registered agent service.
- Complete the registration process, and BetterLegal will manage your business’s compliance needs.
BetterLegal is perfect for entrepreneurs who want to keep things simple, affordable, and no-nonsense.
Hiring a Registered Agent in Maine
Who Can Be a Registered Agent?
In Maine, a registered agent can either be a person or a business entity that is authorized to do business in the state. The key requirements are:
- Physical Address: The agent must have a physical street address in Maine. A P.O. box is not allowed.
- Availability: The agent must be available during regular business hours to receive legal documents.
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in Maine. However, there are a few things you should consider before making this decision.
Why You Shouldn’t Be Your Own Registered Agent
- Availability: You need to be available during all business hours to receive official documents. This can be inconvenient, especially if you’re busy running a business.
- Privacy: If you use your home address as your registered agent address, your personal information becomes public.
- Compliance Risks: Missing important legal documents or deadlines can result in fines or legal issues, which could harm your business’s reputation.
How to Appoint a Resident Agent in Maine
Appoint Resident Agent Online
Currently, Maine does not offer online filing specifically for appointing a registered agent. However, when you file for LLC formation with the Secretary of State, you can select your registered agent during the process.
Appoint Resident Agent By Mail
To appoint a resident agent by mail, follow these steps:
- Complete the Statement of Appointment or Change of Commercial or Noncommercial Registered Agent form.
- Submit the form to the Maine Secretary of State along with the $35 filing fee.
Cost of Maine Resident Agent
Registered agent services in Maine vary in price. Here’s a quick comparison:
- ZenBusiness: $99 for the first year, then $199/year.
- Northwest Registered Agent: Free for the first year with LLC formation, then $125/year.
- LegalZoom: $249/year.
- Tailor Brands: $199/year.
- BetterLegal: $120/year.
Things to Know About Maine Before Starting an LLC
Before you start your LLC in Maine, be aware of the following:
- Certificate of Formation Fee: $175 (one-time fee).
- Annual Report: Due by June 1 each year, with an $85 filing fee.
- EIN: Required for tax purposes; you can obtain one from the IRS.
FAQs
Can I change my registered agent in Maine?
Yes, you can change your registered agent by filing the necessary form with the Maine Secretary of State and paying the $35 filing fee.
Do I need a registered agent if I’m based outside of Maine?
Yes, if your business is registered in Maine, you must have a registered agent with a physical address in Maine.
Can I use a P.O. Box as my registered agent address?
No, Maine requires a physical street address for your registered agent.