Maryland Secretary of State

The Maryland Secretary of State (SOS) is a position created in 1838. The official is responsible for executive orders and proclamations. The official attests to the governor’s signature on documents and public papers.

This is the position appointed by the governor. Susan C. Lee has served since 2023. In particular, she executes administrative and record-keeping functions.

Overall, the office performs multiple functions. SOS also oversees the certification of documents.

The office has the following divisions:

• Administration and Support Services

• Charities and Legal

• Safety and Support

• Division of State Documents

The SOS website provides detailed information on every service. In addition, it is dealing with the registration of the trademark. Keep reading to know how to complete business and trademark registration in Maryland.  

How Do You Check if a Company is Licensed in Maryland?

The platform allows a search of the licensing. To explain, you can conduct a lookup according to the name or department ID. 

When entering the keyword, the list of companies appears. Each has a status. This helps to find out if the company is active, dissolved, or forfeited. Besides, the list includes old entities.  

Maryland Business Filings 

The number one task for an entrepreneur is to decide on the type of entity. In particular, the local Department of Assessments and Taxation is dealing with the matter.

Keep in mind that you face fewer challenges in the case of proprietorships or general partnerships. So, first is to select the type. In addition to the above-mentioned, it can be an LLC, stock corporation, or religious corporation.

Entity Name 

All procedures related to trade names are available online. Remember that it may be different from the legal name of an entity. 

Likewise, the renewal is also accessible online. You have to submit it up to 6 months before it expires.

Fees and Costs 

Filing sole proprietorship and general partnership is free of charge. There is a detailed fee schedule to make the process transparent. In any case, the electronic system also charges a $3 service fee. 

Trade name filing and renewal both cost $25. In the case of an LLC, registration will cost $100.

Customers can also use expedited or rush services. In this case, he/she will have to pay $50 and $350 respectively. 

Trade Registration Number 

Upon approval of the application, the entity will get an identification number. It is a unique number to identify your business. 

In general, there are multiple registrations. A company may need to be registered with multiple agencies. However, this entirely depends on the types of activities. 

Once registered, the next stage is to get a Federal Tax ID number and apply it to Tax and Insurance Accounts.  

Trademark Registration Requirements 

The trademark is an essential asset of the business. Choosing the right trademark is the first step to success. Anyone who uses a mark in the state can file to have it registered. Once the application is ready, the officials will consider it. However, the applicant has to attend a hearing. 

However, there are some restrictions in terms of selection. The request may be denied in case of a mark that:

• is deceptive or immoral,

• includes symbols, such as a flag or coat of arms,

• was already used,

• falsely suggests a connection to belief, living or dead individuals.

Luckily, the office provides guidelines on how to proceed. Once selected, an applicant sends the documents to the SOS. What he/she needs is an application form, 3 specimens of the mark, and a fee of $50.

How to Search?  

Choosing a trademark may be challenging. First a search is necessary to check the existing ones. The online database makes the lookup easier.

One has to enter the information at hand. In particular, there is an option to submit the mark name, service, owner, or classification. 

There is no Maryland Secretary of State business search. The search for companies is available on the business express platform. This website deals with all types of registrations and applications.  

Contact Information 

The SOS office is located in Annapolis. The working hours are 8:30-4-30.

Tel.: 410-974-5521

The Department of Assessments and Taxation deals with inquiries related to filing.

Tel.: 410-767-1330