Business License by State

Business License by State › Maine

Maine business license (2026)

General licenses are issued locally. The Maine.gov Business Licensing says: “General licenses to operate a business are managed at the town/city level in Maine.”

  • State page read October 21, 2026
  • Quoted from the state

Maine at a glance

State rule
General licenses are issued locally
Next step
Contact your city or county for the license; the state does not issue a general one.
Forming an LLC
$175 with the Maine Secretary of State
Best overall in Maine

Mainstay Filing

Our rating: 4.9 out of 5

$199 / year, same at renewal

  • LLC formation, prepared and filed
  • Registered agent, all year
  • EIN application (with an SSN or ITIN)
  • Annual report filed every year it is due where the state requires one
  • Compliance reminders and stored documents

Price from the Mainstay Filing pricing and FAQ pages, checked October 21, 2026. State fees are passed through at cost and shown before you pay.

Questions

Does Maine require a business license?

General licenses are issued locally. The Maine.gov Business Licensing says: “General licenses to operate a business are managed at the town/city level in Maine.”

Who do I contact in Maine?

Maine.gov Business Licensing (page linked below), your city or county clerk, and the Maine Secretary of State for forming the company.

Is a Maine LLC the same as a license?

No. Forming the LLC is a filing with the Maine Secretary of State, which charges $175. A license, where one applies, is a separate step.

Sources