Updated May 26, 2026
What you need to know before — and after — filing your articles of organization.
When you form an LLC, most of the work happens through your state’s Secretary of State office — file your articles of organization, pay the fee, and you’re on your way. But in three states, there’s an additional step that surprises many new business owners: you must publish a notice of your LLC’s formation in a local newspaper.
As of 2026, only three states still have this requirement: New York, Arizona, and Nebraska. If you are forming an LLC in any of these states, missing this step can have real consequences — from your LLC actions being voided to losing good standing. Here’s what you need to know.
At a Glance: Publication Requirements by State
| State | # of Publications | Duration | Deadline | Amendments? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 2 newspapers | 6 consecutive weeks | 120 days | No |
| Arizona | 1 newspaper | 3 consecutive runs | 60 days | No |
| Nebraska | 1 newspaper | 3 successive weeks | 6 months | Yes |
New York
Who must publish?
Every newly formed domestic LLC in New York must comply with the publication requirement under Section 206 of the New York Limited Liability Company Law. There are no county-based exemptions — this applies statewide.
What are the requirements?
- Publish in two newspapers designated by the County Clerk in the county where your LLC’s office is located — one must be a daily publication and one must be a weekly publication.
- The notice must run for 6 consecutive weeks.
- After publication, you must file a Certificate of Publication with the New York Department of State, along with both Affidavits of Publication from the newspapers and a $50 filing fee.
- All of this must be completed within 120 days of your LLC’s formation date.
What does it cost?
Publication costs in New York vary significantly by county. In New York City (Manhattan and Brooklyn), fees routinely run $1,000–$2,000 or more due to mandatory newspaper rates. Upstate counties are considerably more affordable, often under $200. Some clients choose to publish in Albany County to reduce costs — a legitimate strategy worth discussing with your attorney.
Does this apply to amendments?
New York’s publication requirement applies to formation. Most routine amendments to an existing LLC do not trigger a new publication obligation, but you should verify this with your legal counsel before filing significant changes.
Arizona
Who must publish?
Most Arizona LLCs must publish a Notice of LLC Formation under A.R.S. Section 29-3201. However, there is a significant exemption: if your LLC’s statutory agent address is located in Maricopa County or Pima County, those counties publish the notice on your behalf automatically — no action required on your part.
What are the requirements?
- Publish in one newspaper with general circulation in the county of your LLC’s known business address.
- The notice must be published 3 consecutive times (typically once per week for three weeks).
- Publication must occur within 60 days of formation.
- After publication, the newspaper provides an Affidavit of Publication. While Arizona does not require you to file this affidavit with the Arizona Corporation Commission, we recommend retaining it for your records.
Does this apply to amendments?
Arizona’s publication requirement applies at formation. Routine amendments generally do not require republication. Consult with your attorney if you are making material structural changes to your LLC.
Nebraska
Who must publish?
All Nebraska LLCs and corporations must comply with Neb. Rev. Stat. Section 21-193. Unlike Arizona, there are no county-based exemptions — the requirement applies to all LLCs regardless of where in the state they are located.
What are the requirements?
- Publish in one legal newspaper for 3 successive weeks.
- Proof of publication must be submitted to the Nebraska Secretary of State within six months of formation.
Important: If you fail to submit proof of publication on time, your LLC’s actions may be considered void until the requirement is fulfilled. This is one of the stricter enforcement provisions among the three states.
Does this apply to amendments?
Yes — and this is where Nebraska stands apart from New York and Arizona. Nebraska requires publication for certain amendments and changes to your entity, including:
- Amendments to articles of organization or incorporation
- Changes involving company shares or ownership structure
- Mergers with another entity
- Voluntary dissolution of the LLC
If you are operating a Nebraska LLC and planning any significant structural changes, consult with your attorney before filing to ensure any publication requirement is satisfied promptly.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
The consequences of non-compliance vary by state, but they are serious:
- New York: Failure to publish within 120 days can result in suspension of the LLC’s right to conduct business in New York.
- Arizona: While the consequences are less explicitly defined, non-compliance puts your LLC out of good standing with the Arizona Corporation Commission.
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Nebraska: LLC actions may be deemed void until proof of publication is filed — one of the most significant penalties of the three states.
Lodmell & Lodmell, PC is one of the nations leading Asset Protection Law Firms and the creators of The Bridge Trust®. L&L serves clients nationwide and may be reached at support@lodmell.com or 602-230-2014.
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