Do I need an LLC?Arizona LLC publication requirement: three notices within 60 days
Short answer. Under A.R.S. 29-3201(G), an Arizona LLC must, within 60 days after the Arizona Corporation Commission files its articles, publish a notice of the filing in one newspaper of general circulation in the county of the statutory agent's street address, for three consecutive publications. The rule does not apply if that county has more than 800,000 people (the Commission's instructions name Maricopa and Pima): then the Commission posts the notice on its own website. The Commission's approval letter says whether your filing must be published. Filing an affidavit of publication is optional. The statute states no consequence for failing to publish. No official newspaper price exists, so none is included here.
Informational only. Not legal or tax advice.
The rule
- Deadline: "Within sixty days after the commission files the articles of organization" one of two things must occur: the newspaper notice, or the Commission's own posting (A.R.S. 29-3201). verified 2026-11-03
- Where: a newspaper of general circulation "in the county of the statutory agent's street address", three consecutive publications (A.R.S. 29-3201(G)). It is the county of the agent, not of the founder. verified 2026-11-03
- Which newspaper: the LLC chooses it. Nobody designates one, unlike New York's county clerk system. verified 2026-11-03
- When to start: the Commission's instructions say "DO NOT PUBLISH UNTIL THE COMMISSION APPROVES THE ARTICLES FOR FILING" (ACC instructions L010i). verified 2026-11-03
- Proof: "An affidavit evidencing the publication may be filed with the commission." The Commission's FAQ says "Although it is not required, many customers choose to file their Affidavit of Publication with the A.C.C." (ACC Business Services FAQ). We found no filing fee for the affidavit. verified 2026-11-03
Who is exempt: the county test
The alternative in the statute applies "if the statutory agent's street address is in a county with a population of more than eight hundred thousand persons": the Commission records the approval in its database and the notice appears on its website. The Commission's instructions say: "If your statutory agent street address is in Maricopa or Pima county, a notice will automatically be published on our website in the public notice section. If your statutory agent street address is outside of Maricopa or Pima county, you will need to publish notice in a newspaper" (ACC instructions L010i, Rev. 7/2021). The statute's 800,000 test is the governing rule, and the instructions are older, so a county that crosses 800,000 could change who is exempt. Not verified: current county populations. Ask the Commission if your agent is in a county near the line.
This is why the agent's address matters twice: a statutory agent in Maricopa or Pima county saves the publication step, while an agent in a smaller county leaves you to find a newspaper there. Read the Arizona LLC cost page for how this fits the rest of the cost.
How to know if yours must be published
Do not guess from the county alone. The Commission's FAQ says: "Following the approval of your filing, the A.C.C. will inform you by letter if your document is required to be published." The instructions answer "Is publication required? Yes. See A.R.S. 29-3201." for the Articles of Organization. Wait for the approval letter, then follow it (ACC Business Services FAQ; ACC instructions L010i).
What it costs
| Item | Amount | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newspaper charges for the three notices | no official price; set by the newspaper | unresolved, not in any total | Varies by newspaper and county. No county data file has been built and this site shows no estimate. |
| Commission posting (Maricopa or Pima agent) | no separate step or fee found | verified 2026-11-03 | ACC instructions L010i |
| Filing an affidavit of publication with the Commission | optional; no fee found | not verified | The fee schedule lists no such item. |
| Articles of Organization (Form L010), for context | $50 | verified 2026-11-03 | ACC Fee Schedule - LLCs |
Get a written quote from a newspaper of general circulation in your agent's county before you rely on any figure. This site does not add a publication cost to any total.
What if you do not publish?
The statute states no consequence. A.R.S. 29-3201 (subsections A to G) was read in full and names no penalty, suspension of authority or late fee for failing to publish, and we found none on the Commission pages read. That is a statement about what the pages say, not a promise that nothing can happen: the Commission's instructions and approval letter are what govern your filing, so check them or ask an attorney. Compare New York, where the statute does state a consequence (NY publication requirement).
Do foreign LLCs have to publish too?
No. The Commission's instructions for the Foreign Registration Statement (Form L025) answer "Is publication required? No." (ACC instructions L025i). An LLC formed in another state and registering in Arizona pays the $150 registration fee and skips publication, but still needs an Arizona statutory agent.
What this page doesn't tell you
It cannot tell you whether you need an LLC yet, which county your statutory agent will be in, what a newspaper will charge, or your own dates. The calculator turns your answers into a verdict, a cost comparison against Wyoming and staying a sole proprietor, and a dated to-do list.
Sources (all read 2026-11-03)
- A.R.S. 29-3201 (Arizona Legislature)
- ACC instructions L010i: Articles of Organization
- ACC instructions L025i: Foreign Registration Statement
- ACC Business Services FAQ
- ACC Fee Schedule - LLCs
Frequently asked
Does an Arizona LLC have to publish a notice in a newspaper?
Sometimes. It depends on the county of the statutory agent's street address. If that county has more than 800,000 people (the Arizona Corporation Commission names Maricopa and Pima), the Commission posts the notice on its own website and you do nothing. In any other county you must publish a notice of the filing in a local newspaper.
How long do I have to publish my Arizona LLC notice?
Within 60 days after the Arizona Corporation Commission files your articles of organization (A.R.S. 29-3201(G)). Do not publish until the Commission approves the articles for filing.
How many times, and in which newspaper?
One newspaper of general circulation in the county of the statutory agent's street address, for three consecutive publications. The LLC picks the newspaper; no one designates it.
What happens if I do not publish?
The statute states no consequence. A.R.S. 29-3201 was read in full and names no penalty, suspension or fee for failing to publish, and we found none elsewhere. That is not the same as saying nothing can happen, so check with the Commission or an attorney.
How do I know if my filing has to be published?
The Commission tells you. After it approves your filing, it informs you by letter whether your document is required to be published.
Does a foreign LLC registering in Arizona have to publish?
No. The Commission's instructions for the Foreign Registration Statement (Form L025) answer "Is publication required? No." The requirement applies to LLCs formed in Arizona.
How much does publication cost in Arizona?
No official price exists. Newspapers set their own charges and they vary by newspaper and county, so this site shows no estimate and includes none in any total. Get a written quote from a newspaper of general circulation in your agent's county.
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