Key Takeaways

  • An Arizona domestic LLC is formed in-state and must meet specific filing and publication requirements.
  • Before forming an LLC, you should use the Arizona LLC search to confirm your desired business name is available and distinguishable.
  • The Arizona Corporation Commission provides a free online business entity search tool.
  • Business name reservations and trade name registrations are separate processes.
  • An EIN is necessary for most LLCs and can be obtained for free from the IRS.
  • Tax registration through the Arizona Department of Revenue may be required depending on the LLC’s activities.

What Is an Arizona Domestic LLC?

An Arizona Domestic LLC is a type of limited liability company recognized by the state of Arizona. The other type of LLC is the foreign LLC. Both function as LLCs in that they are pass-through entities that benefit from the limited liability corporations have. Domestic LLCs do business in the state it filed to become a LLC in. Most small LLCs that conduct only local business are domestic LLCs. If your LLC conducts business in other states, it is a foreign LLC. 

Why Conduct an Arizona LLC Search

Before forming a domestic LLC in Arizona, it’s essential to ensure your desired business name is available. Conducting an Arizona LLC search through the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) helps avoid name conflicts and ensures your name complies with legal requirements. A valid name must be distinguishable from any existing business name registered in Arizona.You can perform a free name availability check using the ACC’s online entity search tool. The search results will show whether the name is taken, reserved, or available. Note that this search is only a preliminary step and not a guarantee of approval.

Steps to Become an Arizona Domestic LLC

1. Choose a unique name for your domestic LLC before you file any LLC documents with the state of Arizona.

  • Confirm that your chosen LLC name is available by checking the Arizona Corporation Commission's online business name database.
  • Your LLC's name must include one of the following: Limited Liability Company, LLC, L.L.C., L.C., or LC.
  • If you want to reserve your LLC name without immediately filing your Articles of Organization, the name may be reserved for up to 120 days if you fill out the Arizona Corporation Commission's Application to Reserve Limited Liability Company Name.

2. Create an Articles of Organization document. 

  • Filing the Articles of Organization with the state is what officially creates your LLC.
  • Your Articles of Organization must include:
  • Name of LLC
  • Address of LLC
  • How long the LLC has existed
  • Names of Members (and Managers, if applicable)
  • Addresses of Members (and Managers, if applicable)
  • Signature of registered agent

3. Register your domestic LLC with the state of Arizona. 

4. Pay the filing fee to become a domestic LLC. 

5. Publish your LLC's Articles of Organization in a local newspaper. 

  • You must publish your Articles of Organization within 60 days of getting approval for your Arizona domestic LLC from the Arizona Corporation Commission.
  • The publication must be published three times consecutively.
  • The list of acceptable newspapers is listed on the website maintained by the Arizona Corporation Commission. 

6. Select a statutory agent for your Arizona domestic LLC. 

  • In other states, this is called a registered agent. 

7. Draft an operating agreement to manage your LLC. 

  • Although not legally required by the State of Arizona, this critical document outlines how members interact with the LLC and how the organization runs.

8. Register for an EIN. 

  • Even if you create a single member LLC, you should have an EIN for conducting business with others. It is more secure than using a social security number.
  • You need an EIN to open a bank account, hire employees, or engage in wholesale operations.

Additional Tax and Business Registration Requirements

Beyond registering your Articles of Organization, your Arizona LLC may need to complete tax-related registrations:

  • Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT): If your LLC sells goods or provides taxable services in Arizona, you must register with the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) to pay TPT, similar to sales tax.
  • State Withholding and Unemployment Tax: If you hire employees, you must register for employer tax accounts with ADOR and the Arizona Department of Economic Security.
  • Local Business Licenses: Depending on your business location and industry, local cities or counties may require additional licenses.

Visit azdor.gov/business for details on tax registration requirements.

Understanding Trade Names vs. LLC Names

In Arizona, a trade name (also known as a DBA or “doing business as” name) is not the same as your LLC’s legal name. Trade names are registered through the Arizona Secretary of State, not the ACC. Registering a trade name does not provide exclusive rights or substitute for an LLC name reservation.If you want to operate under a different name than your LLC’s legal name, you should both:

  • Form the LLC with your legal business name through the ACC.
  • Register your trade name separately with the Secretary of State.

How to Use the Arizona LLC Search Tool

To conduct an Arizona LLC search, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Arizona Corporation Commission's eCorp search portal.
  2. Choose the “Entity Name” option.
  3. Enter your proposed business name in the search field.
  4. Review the search results to ensure no active business has the same or a confusingly similar name.

Keep in mind:

  • Avoid punctuation when typing the name to broaden your results.
  • Try multiple variations if your name is taken.
  • You may reserve a name for 120 days by filing a Name Reservation application with a fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is an Arizona LLC search?
    An Arizona LLC search checks the availability of a business name through the Arizona Corporation Commission's online database.
  2. Is an LLC name the same as a trade name in Arizona?
    No. An LLC name is registered with the ACC, while a trade name (DBA) is registered separately with the Arizona Secretary of State.
  3. How do I reserve a business name in Arizona?
    You can reserve a name for 120 days by filing a Name Reservation form with the Arizona Corporation Commission and paying the required fee.
  4. Do I need a business license for my Arizona LLC?
    Possibly. While the state doesn’t issue general business licenses, many cities and counties in Arizona require local licenses.
  5. Do I need to register for taxes in Arizona as an LLC?
    Yes, if your business sells goods, hires employees, or engages in taxable services, you must register with the Arizona Department of Revenue.

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