How to start an LLC in Arizona in 2025

Set up your LLC, headache-free, with GoDaddy Airo®.

Get started

If you’re thinking about starting an LLC in Arizona, you can find out what you need to know right here in this guide.

Setting up an LLC in Arizona has plenty of perks, including a lower-than-average filing fee. However, certain requirements must be considered to ensure everything is compliant and formed correctly.

Let’s break down the six essential steps to creating an LLC in Arizona.

How to start an LLC in Arizona in 6 steps

Getting an LLC in Arizona takes up to 30 business days and costs $50 or $85 (if you pay the expedited fee).

Starting a business of any kind can be daunting, but by taking things step by step, you can navigate the process with confidence. The first step? Picking the perfect name for your LLC.

1. Choose a name for your LLC

When thinking about how to choose an LLC name, there are certain rules you should know about:

• Your Arizona-based business name must feature the terms Limited Liability Company, LLC, or L.L.C.
• Your name must be different from any other business within the Arizona region. You can explore existing Arizona business names using the ACC database.
• You need to avoid any terms linked to a government agency (State Department, FBI, CIA, etc.).
• There are certain restricted terms to avoid, including lawyer, attorney, credit union, and bank.

Tip: You can explore a full list of Arizona naming requirements and find out how to register your name by visiting the official Arizona State Legislature website.

Get your business domain name

Once you’ve settled on your Arizona LLC business name, it’s time to secure a domain. Getting a relevant domain name will give your business an online home—an HQ for selling your products and services.

Tip: You can search for a domain name using GoDaddy, pick one that best represents your business, choose any add-ons that you feel are useful…and register!

Get a DBA

So, what is a DBA exactly? Also known as “Doing Business As”, a DBA is essentially an alias that’s separate from your legal business name.

Having a DBA is beneficial as it gives you the flexibility to trade under a different brand name than your registered Arizona LLC business name. In turn, this will give you more flexibility when it comes to marketing your brand and it will save costs if you want to expand the business at any point.

The bottom line? If you want to operate under a different name than your legally registered LLC title, you’ll need to get a DBA.

2. Appoint a registered agent

When you’re looking to open an LLC in Arizona, you have to appoint a registered agent. Also known as a statutory agent, a registered agent is a person or entity responsible for facilitating legal or state-related matters linked to your business.

You can hire a registered agent or appoint yourself—but there are certain requirements to consider before choosing.

According to the ACC, your registered agent (whether it’s you or someone you’ve hired) must meet these key pieces of criteria:

• Must have an Arizona address (no P.O. boxes permitted) and be at least 18 years old
• Must be available during business hours (9am to 5pm) to accept legal documents
• Must formally accept the role in writing by completing the Statutory Agent Acceptance form with the articles of organization

FYI: There’s no official filing fee for appointing a registered agent. However, if you do hire a third-party, you’ll have to pay for their services. These services range from around $50 to $300 a year in Arizona.

3. File your articles of organization

Once you’ve appointed your registered agent, the next phase of the operation is filing your articles of organization.

This is a key part of getting an LLC in Arizona, as it will make your business official. You must file your articles of organization through the ACC’s eCorp portal (or via mail). Here’s the information you’ll need:

As the person forming the LLC, you’re responsible for signing the documents. Once you’ve filed your articles of organization, the ACC will make a decision. If approved, you’ll receive an official state certificate, and your LLC will become a legal business entity.

4. Complete the public requirements for LLCs

When you’re looking to register an LLC in Arizona, completing certain public requirements is mandatory.

Arizona State requires most LLCs to place a Notice of Formation in an approved newspaper. The publication must be located in the county of your LLC’s registered agent and your Notification of Formation must list:

• The name of your LLC
• Your registered agent’s name and address
• Your LLC’s principal business address
• Confirmation on whether your LLC is member-managed or manager-managed
• The name and address of your LLC’s manager or members

Once you've completed your public requirements, I recommend filing an affidavit of publication with the ACC to confirm you've fulfilled the Arizona LLC publication requirement.

FYI: LLCs formed in Maricopa or Pima counties don't need to meet publication requirements.

5. Create an operating agreement

You’re not legally required to create an operating agreement in Arizona—but it’s a very good idea.

Why? Well, putting together a water-tight operating agreement will give your business structure and make it more efficient.

Here are some essential tips for creating a successful operating agreement:

• The main purpose of your business
• Your Arizona LLC principal address
• Your registered agent’s name and address
• You intend to divide your profits and losses
• Your process for onboarding new members and handling outgoing members
• Details on how your LLC is to be managed
• Information on your liability and indemnification clauses

Taking the time to put a concrete operating agreement in place is worthwhile in the long run as it will help resolve any potential legal or financial disputes.

In lieu of an operational agreement, the Arizona courts will decide about your LLCs and their members based on state law.

6. Get an employee identification number (EIN)

When considering how to form an LLC in Arizona, arranging your EIN is essential. You need an EIN to hire employees, open a bank account, and pay any relevant taxes.

You can apply for an EIN online or by mail via the IRS. While applying for your EIN, you should also familiarize yourself with your LLC’s tax obligations. In Arizona, these obligations include a 15.3% self-employed tax (12.4% social security, 2.9% Medicare).

How long does it take to get an EIN?

The length of time it takes to get your EIN depends on your application method. If you apply online, you usually receive your EIN almost instantly. If you apply via mail, you could be waiting between six and eight weeks to receive your EIN.

How much does an EIN cost?

Getting an EIN is free if you register directly with the IRS. Some third-party websites charge a fee to help you obtain an EIN, but this isn’t necessary as the process is fairly swift and simple.

How much does it cost to start and run an LLC in Arizona?

It’s not enough to know how to open an LLC in Arizona—you should also be aware of the set-up fees. In addition to your initial $50 registration fee, here’s a breakdown of the key costs.

Initial formation costs

• Registered agent: $0 to $300, depending if you appoint yourself or invest in a third party.
• Business name reservation: This is optional, but you can pay $10 to secure your business name during the registration process. An expedited version of the fee costs $45.
• Publication fees: Depending on the newspaper or publication, these range from $30 to $300. Remember, this isn’t a requirement in Maricopa and Pima counties.

Other related Arizona LLC costs

• Commercial licenses and permits: $10 to $300 or more, depending on the scope of your business.
• Business insurance fees: Depending on your specific needs and the type of coverage, this will cost around $70 to $100 per month.
• Filing your DBA: This costs $10 or $45 for an expedited service.
• Certified copies of documents: Depending on the requested documents, this will set you back between $10 and $15.

FYI: You may also have to pay for any amendments you make to your application. You can find a full rundown of potential LLC set-up fees by browsing this ACC document.

What happens when your LLC is up and running?

Once your Arizona LLC is up and running, it’s time to get things moving along. There are certain actions you should take to ensure everything runs smoothly. Here’s what you need to do.

Open a business bank account

To keep your LLC’s finances organized and secure, you should open up an official business bank account. These days, there are plenty of options, with big banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Capital One, and Chase all offering decent packages.

To open up the right bank account for your business needs, you should:

• Compare fees, features, and benefits to create a shortlist
• Decide whether a merchant account, business checking account or business savings account is the best option for you
• Gather and share any documents or information requested by your potential provider
• Fund your new business bank account with the minimum initial deposit

File for permits and required business licenses

Depending on the type of business you’re setting up, there are certain permits or licenses you may need to acquire. These usually range from general business licenses to permits related to your specific industry.

To find out which permits or licenses apply to your LLC, you should:

• Check with regional or state-wide agencies to find out which licenses or permits you need
• Fill out all the relevant paperwork with care and submit them to the relevant authorities
• Pay any fees for the licenses or permits you need

Things to know about Arizona LLCs

Now you know how to register an LLC in Arizona, we’re going to tell you a couple of extra things you should know to ensure long term success.

Annual reports in Arizona

Most LLCs are required to file an annual report that declares key facts and business activities—but not in Arizona.

Arizona LLCs don’t have to file an annual report, which is one less administrative task you have to worry about. While you’re not required to provide an annual report, you should ensure you have a watertight filing system to keep your LLC’s commercial affairs organized.

Arizona LLC insurance

As an Arizona LLC, your exact insurance needs will depend on your business’s size and your industry. Here are the main types of cover you may need to consider:

• General liability insurance to protect you against any common commercial risks
• Professional liability insurance to cover you against any claims of negligence
• Quality property insurance to cover your physical assets. These include business premises, vehicles, and work equipment
• Workers’ compensation for work-related issues, including illness or injuries when on the job. This is a legal requirement for all Arizona LLCs

If you’re hoping to set up an LLC in Arizona quickly (and correctly), following the steps I’ve outlined in this guide is the way to go. Best of luck and for more insider advice, explore our guide on the 10 things that every business should automate.

FAQs

What are the requirements for an LLC in Arizona?

To set up and operate an LLC in Arizona, there are certain requirements you need to fulfil. These include registering a business name, securing a website domain, appointing a registered agent, filing your articles or organization, fulfilling your public requirements (some Arizona counties are exempt), and getting an EIN. 

How long does it take to set up an LLC in Arizona?

If you register your Arizona LLC online, processing time takes an average of five business days. If you apply by mail, this can take up to four weeks. Fulfiling your core requirements (including appointing a registered agent and filing your articles of organization) may take around four to six weeks—although this may vary depending on your specific situation.

How much does it cost to start an LLC in Arizona?

The standard cost for filing an LLC in Arizona is $50 (or $85 for an expedited service). However, there are additional costs to consider including business insurance and potential licensing fees that may apply to your business.

Disclaimer: This content should not be construed as legal or financial advice. Always consult an attorney or financial advisor regarding your specific legal or financial situation.