How to Start an LLC in Arizona

The first step is choosing a unique name for your LLC that meets the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) requirements. Your LLC name must be distinguishable from all other registered businesses in Arizona.

Arizona LLC Naming Requirements:

• Must include "Limited Liability Company," "Limited Company," or abbreviations: LLC, L.L.C., LC, or L.C.
• Cannot include words like "corporation," "incorporated," "association," or their abbreviations
• Words like "bank," "credit union," or "trust" require prior state approval
• Must be unique — check availability at the ACC's online search tool or call (602) 542-3230

Reserve Your Name (Optional):

You can reserve your chosen name for 120 days by submitting a Name Reservation Form to the ACC online, by mail, or in person. This ensures no one else can register the same name while you prepare your documents.

DBA / Trade Name in Arizona:

If you want to operate under a different name than your legal LLC name, you can register a "Doing Business As" (DBA) — called a Trade Name in Arizona — through the Arizona Secretary of State's website. The ACC does not handle DBAs.

Arizona calls this a Statutory Agent — other states use the term "registered agent." The role is the same: a person or company with a physical Arizona address who receives legal documents and official notices on behalf of your LLC.

Arizona Statutory Agent Requirements:

• Must have a physical street address in Arizona (P.O. boxes not accepted)
• Must be available during business hours
• Can be an individual Arizona resident or a business entity authorized in the state
• Must sign and submit a Statutory Agent Acceptance Form with your Articles of Organization

Filing the Articles of Organization with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) is the step that officially creates your LLC. This document tells the state your LLC's name, address, management structure, and statutory agent details.

What to Include in Your Articles:

• Your LLC's name
• Statutory agent's name and address (+ signed Acceptance Form)
• Business mailing address
• Management structure: member-managed (owners run it) or manager-managed (designated managers)

Arizona does not legally require an operating agreement — but every LLC should have one. It outlines how your LLC is owned, managed, and operated. Without it, disputes between members have no written rules to fall back on, and courts apply Arizona's default LLC rules instead — which may not match what you intended.

What to Include:

• Ownership percentages and each member's share of profits/losses
• Management structure — member-managed or manager-managed
• Decision-making authority — who can sign contracts, manage finances
• Procedures for adding or removing members
• Dissolution process — how assets are distributed if the LLC closes

An EIN is your LLC's federal tax ID — like a Social Security Number for your business. You need it to open a business bank account, hire employees, file taxes, and apply for business licenses.

• Most LLCs — especially multi-member ones — are required to have an EIN
• Single-member LLCs without employees can technically use the owner's SSN, but an EIN is strongly recommended for banking and privacy
• Getting an EIN from the IRS is free — apply online at IRS.gov or by fax/mail
• Non-US residents cannot apply online — must use IRS Form SS-4 by fax or mail

This step is unique to Arizona— most other states don't require it. After the ACC approves your Articles of Organization, your LLC must publish a notice of formation in an approved Arizona newspaper for three consecutive publications within 60 daysof receiving the ACC's notice.

What the Publication Notice Must Include:

• Your LLC's name and address
• Statutory agent's name and address
• Management structure (member-managed or manager-managed)
• Names and addresses of managers or members, as applicable

After publication, the newspaper provides an Affidavit of Publication as proof of compliance. Keep this with your LLC documents.

Forming an LLC is separate from getting the business licenses and permits your specific business needs to operate legally in Arizona. Requirements vary by industry, city, and county.

Common Arizona Business Licenses:

• Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) License — required if you sell goods or certain services in Arizona. Apply through the Arizona Department of Revenue.
• City/local business license — many Arizona cities (Phoenix, Tucson, Scottsdale, Mesa) require a local business license separate from the state
• Professional licenses — required for contractors, healthcare providers, real estate agents, and other regulated professions
• Federal licenses — required for businesses in agriculture, firearms, aviation, or other federally regulated industries