How to Create an LLC in Arizona

The Arizona Limited Liability Company Act allows one or more persons to establish a limited liability company (LLC) in the state. To create an LLC in Arizona, you must file forms with the state’s corporation commission. All of the required forms for forming an LLC in the state are available online (see Resources). You must also pay the required fees.

Naming the LLC and Acquiring a Statutory Agent

Step 1

Create a name for your LLC. Arizona has specific requirements regarding the name of an LLC. The company's name has to contain the words "limited liability company" or "limited company." Abbreviating the words as "LLC," "LC," "L.L.C." or "L.C." is also acceptable. The LLC's name cannot include the words "association," "bank," "corporation," "credit union," "deposit," "incorporated," "trust," or "trust company." The name must also be distinct from any other business entity on public record in the state.

Step 2

Search the state’s online business entity database to make sure that your company name is not already in use by a business in Arizona.

Step 3

Reserve your LLC’s name if it is available to ensure that no one else uses it while you prepare to register your company with the state. The state offers online name reservation as well as a form for downloading to deliver a reservation via mail, fax or in person. As of 2010, the fee for this service is $10 and expedited service is an additional $35.00.

Step 4

Designate a statutory agent for your LLC. In some states, this person or entity is referred to as a registered agent. The statutory agent must be an individual who resides in Arizona or a business authorized to transact business in the state. The role of the statutory agent is to receive legal process and tax documents on behalf of the LLC.

Filing the Articles of Organization

Step 1

Download the articles of organization form from the state’s website (see Resources). Detailed instructions on how to fill out the form are included in the document.

Step 2

Fill in the required information on the form. You must include the name of address of the LLC, the name and physical street address of the statutory agent, the signature of the statutory agent serving as proof that the statutory agent accepts the role with the LLC, the purpose of the LLC and the type of management structure of the LLC.

Step 3

Sign the document.

Step 4

Download the “cover sheet for corporate filings” from the corporation commission website (see Resources). Check the boxes on the form that are applicable for LLC filings on the cover sheet.

Step 5

Mail, fax or hand deliver the cover sheet and articles to the corporation commission office in Phoenix. Include the regular processing filing fee, which as of 2010 is $50, with the documents. The fee for expedited processing is $85. The delivery address is located at the top of the articles form. The fax number is 602-542-4100.

Step 6

Publish the articles of organization in a newspaper in the Arizona county where the LLC is located for three consecutive publications. This must be completed within 60 days of filing.