Business Licensing

How to Get a Business License

General licenses to operate a business are managed at the town/city level in Maine. Contact your town office for information. To obtain contact information for your town office or to locate your municipal website, visit the Maine.gov Local Government portal.

Corporations must register with the State of Maine Bureau of Corporations.

Certain professions and types of businesses require additional permits and licenses:

• Professional Licensing - see Resources by Profession
• Register online for Maine sales & use tax and/or income tax withholding
• Eating & Lodging Establishment Inspections & Licensing
• Environmental Regulation & Licensing
• Liquor Licensing: Application and Renewal
• Motor Vehicle Mechanics, Inspection Stations & Sticker Sales
• Gaming Licenses

Business Answers Program

Business Answers Online
Business Answers is a free State of Maine service that will assist you with obtaining the correct license and permit applications and understanding state regulations.

Top Online Services

• Corporations Search
• UCC Filing
• Corporate Annual Reports Filing
• Tax Filing & Payment Services
• Business Answers
• Professional License Renewal (various professions)
• Maine Marine License Renewal
• Professional Engineers License Renewal
• Nursing License Renewal
• Mobile Maine.gov
• Sales/Use Tax and Income Tax Withholding Registration