How To File The Arizona LLC Articles Of Organization Nov. 2025

The state of Arizona provides streamlined business regulations and low taxes, offering a business-friendly environment for first-time business owners and experienced professionals. With no Franchise Tax or Annual Report requirements, it has a simplified formation process compared to other states.

Despite this, you have several state regulatory processes and legal requirements that you need to complete before your LLC becomes fully operational. Filing your Articles of Organization is the first official step in legally forming your LLC with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). It’s a key business document containing key details such as your business name, official address, and Statutory Agent details.

I’ve provided a step-by-step breakdown on how to file your Arizona LLC Articles of Organization the correct way. Learn about the key fees, filing requirements, and why you must file one to legally form your LLC.

Arizona LLC Articles Of Organization: An Overview

An Arizona LLC Articles of Organization is an important legal document that forms your Limited Liability Company (LLC) with the ACC. Once approved, your LLC is officially registered and legally recognized.

Filing your Articles of Organization is the first mandatory step when forming your Arizona business entity (Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) § 29-3201). It contains key business details, such as your business name, address, and Statutory Agent details. Your LLC does not legally exist and cannot lawfully perform normal business operations without it.

Key Filing Fees & Processing Times

You have two main methods to choose from when filing your Arizona Articles of Organization:

1. Online filing method (Slightly faster and easier to complete).
2. Mail filing method.

Both methods cost $50 to file your formation application with the ACC.

I’ve attached an example of the processing times listed on the ACC Public Notice page. These are updates every Tuesday and can be used as a reference.

You also have the option to expedite the filing process by paying an additional fee. I’ve described the process below and included a summary table listing the submission method, relevant filing fees, and processing times.

3. Same Day/Next Day Filing Services

The ACC offers several expedited processing options to speed up your LLC formation. These expedited processing services are available for walk-in, fax, and online filings. Mail filings are not eligible for these expedited options.

All fees stated below are in addition to your normal document filing fee discussed above.

Example:

• The normal filing fee for your articles of organization is $50.
• The accelerated service costs $400 to have your file processed in 2 hours.
• Your total payment is $450.

You can view the complete details on the ACC website under Accelerated Services.

As I’ve mentioned above, you have two processing options when filing your Articles of Organization with the Arizona Corporation Commission.

• Online.
• By mail.

I’ve walked you through how to complete your filing using both methods below.

Filing Your Arizona LLC Articles Of Organization Online

Your first step is to register for an account using the ACC eCorp Portal.

• Register using your name and email address.
• The ACC will send you an email containing a temporary password.

Check your email to locate the temporary password. Once you’ve logged into ACC eCorp, you’ll be redirected to a separate page where you can choose a new permanent password. You’re now ready to begin your LLC filing process.

1. Get Started

Click “Create a new LLC” once you’ve logged into your eCorp account. This is found above the My alerts” section.

Select “Limited Liability Company” and click “Next” to continue.

You require a Professional LLC (PLLC) if you’re a licensed professional. Examples include doctors, dentists, clinic social workers, engineers, lawyers, nurses, physical therapists, and veterinarians.

Contact your specific licensing agency or board to verify your specific requirements. Alternatively, you can consult an attorney for advice.

2. Entity Search

This is the first official step when filing your Arizona LLC Articles of Organization. Your desired LLC name needs to be unique and distinguishable compared to existing state businesses.

• Select “No” to the question “Have you reserved a name for this entity?” unless you’ve already made a name reservation. An LLC name reservation is not required when forming your Arizona LLC.
• Enter your desired LLC name, including the correct designator (e.g., LLC).
• Click “Search.”

The eCorp system will now check that your chosen LLC name is available. Click “Next” once you get the message “The name is available.”

3. Entity Information

In the next step, you need to enter your key entity information. Some of the fields are required, while others are optional.

• Your email address (Optional): You can leave this blank or enter your preferred email.
• LLC effective date: When your LLC officially comes into existence. You can choose to become active once the state approves your filing or a future effective date (Up to 90 days ahead).

Choose a specific business activity from the dropdown menu for the “Character of business” section. Select “Any legal purpose” if you prefer to be known as a general-purpose LLC.

Select “Perpetual (Forever)” for the “Duration” field. This specifies how long your LLC will exist, and has this default selection as of September 1, 2019. Your LLC will remain active until you file dissolution paperwork.

Click “Next” to proceed to the next step once all required information is completed.

4. Statutory Agent

This next step requires you to appoint a Statutory Agent. This is an individual or company whom you authorize to receive state correspondence and legal mail on behalf of your LLC. They act as your official physical business address and must be present during normal operating hours.

• Select “No” if you, a friend, or a family member will serve as the Statutory Agent. Click the “Create agent” button to input their details.
• Enter their name, physical street address, and email address.
• Click “Done.”
• Click “Next” to proceed to the next step.

Your Statutory Agent must have a physical Arizona street address. It cannot be a P.O. box under A.R.S. § 29-3115(A).

Select “Yes” if you’ve hired a Commercial Third-Party Statutory Agent. Input their company name and select the correct entry before clicking “Next.”

a. Confirm Your Choice

Clicking “Next” should prompt you to confirm the agent’s acceptance using two options:

1. Receive Statutory Agent acceptance email: Your Statutory Agent will receive an email from the ACC. They must click the confirmation link within 7 days of receipt to accept the appointment.
2. Upload Statutory Agent acceptance statement: You must manually upload a completed Statutory Agent Acceptance Statement form.

This defines how you select your processing times later on in the filing process. I’ll explain this further in a section below.

5. Principal Address

In this section, enter the principal address and ZIP code of your Arizona LLC. The city and county fields should automatically fill out once you enter your ZIP code. Click “Next” once all required fields have been filled.

Your principal address is your main LLC business address. It can be located in Arizona, outside of Arizona, or be the same as your Statutory Agent’s address.

Your LLC’s principal location can use any of the following address types:

• An address within Arizona.
• An address outside the state.
• The same address as your Statutory Agent
• A P.O. box.
• A personal mailbox (PMB).

6. Principal Information

Choose whether your LLC is member-managed or manager-managed from the dropdown menu:

• Member-managed LLCs: All members (Owners) participate in company operations, sign contracts, and make decisions.
• Manager-managed LLCs: One or more managers are appointed by LLC members. They handle business operations while the other members take a passive role.

Once you’ve selected your management structure, you’ll need to enter the names and contact details of your LLC members and/or managers. Continue to add applicable members or managers until all of them have been filed.

• Click “Add principal” to save each record.
• Click “Next” to proceed to the next step.

Note: If your LLC is manager-managed, you must also list all members who own 20% or more of your LLC. This is required under A.R.S. § 29-3201(B)(4)(a).

7. Organizer Information

The next section asks you to enter your LLC organizer’s information. This is the person or company responsible for completing, signing, and submitting your Articles of Organization.

• Enter your LLC organizer’s name in the requested field. Their address, phone number, and email address are optional.
• Click “Add organizer” once completed.
• Click “Next” to proceed.

In the last section, “Principal information,” individuals listed as members will also be included when preparing your LLC Operating Agreement. This vital internal document defines your LLC ownership and management roles.

8. Upload Document

In this next step, the system will display the question: “The eCorp system will take the information you’ve entered and create the Articles of Organization. Do you want to use the eCorp Articles as your official document submitted for filing?”

I recommend that you click “Yes” for this section in most cases. This tells the system to automatically generate your Articles of Organization based on your entered information.

You’ll need to download an Articles of Organization form and complete it manually if you select “No.” Following this, you’ll have to upload it to the ACC website to be reviewed.

I don’t recommend this method as it takes more time and may slow down your approval process. However, I’ve discussed how to file the form below.

The manual option can be useful if you’re only paying the $50 regular filing fee and/or accelerated services. This is because you’ll be led to the expedited filing path by default if selecting “Yes” to using the eCorp-generated articles. In this case, the other services will not be available to choose.

Here’s what you need to know when using the “Select File” upload section:

• You’ll need to upload your own prepared Articles of Organization here if you chose “Yes” earlier, but want to use the manual method.
• You need to upload a Statutory Agent Acceptance Statement (Section C above) if you previously selected to manually upload.

In summary, uploading your own documents gives you more flexibility over your processing methods. However, this may take more time and slow down your approval. If you choose the $50 filing fee, your LLC will take around 13–15 business days to be approved. Expedited filings are processed much faster.

Click “Next” to continue once all information has been completed.

9. Organizer Signature

1. Check the relevant box to confirm you agree to the certification statement if you’re the LLC Organizer (This applies to most filers).
2. Enter your first name and last name in the signature box.
3. Click “Add.”
4. Click “Next” to proceed to the review page.

10. Review

Before making your payment, you need to carefully review all information entered in your Articles of Organization. This ensures that everything is complete and correct according to the filing requirements.

Check for spelling errors, incorrect addresses, or typos. These are especially common in your LLC name, Statutory Agent information, and principal address.

Click “EDIT” you need to make any corrections to update your information. This button is located on the right side of each section.

Finally, click “Go to payment details” to move forward to the final step of your filing once everything looks correct.

11. Payment Details

In this section, you select how quickly you want your Articles of Organization to be processed. This determines your required filing fee. A flat $50 filing fee is automatically added.

If you selected “Yes” to the question below, the “Expedite” option will automatically be selected:
“The eCorp system will take the information you’ve entered and create the Articles of Organization. Do you want to use the eCorp Articles as your official document submitted for filing?”

You can opt out of this by manually selecting the “Regular” option. Select this if you don’t want to pay extra and don’t mind the longer processing time. The system will allow you to choose from the full range of accelerated service options (Two hours, same day, next day) if you previously uploaded documents but clicked “No” when doing so.

Once you’ve completed your selection, click “Add to shopping cart” to continue to the payment screen.

12. Payment Cart

1. With your filing fee and processing option selected, you can click “Checkout.”
2. Click “Go to payment.”
3. Read the terms and conditions and select “I agree” to agree to them.
4. Enter your billing information and credit card details.
5. Click “Pay.”

You should see a confirmation message indicating that your Arizona LLC filing has been successfully submitted to the ACC to be processed.

Congratulations! Your LLC application is officially in the system!

Following this, wait for approval based on your selected processing time.

13. Approval

You should receive an email notification from the ACC once your Arizona LLC has been approved.

This should include the following important links:

1. Approval Letter (Contains instructions for completing the Newspaper Publication Requirement).
2. Notice of Publication.

You’ll need to log into your eCorp account if you don’t automatically receive a stamped and approved copy of your Articles of Formation. This allows you to manually download a copy online.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Navigate to ACC eCorp Search.
2. Search for your LLC name.
3. Find your LLC in the search results.
4. Scroll to the bottom and click “Document history.”
5. Click “Articles of Organization” to download a free copy.

Your LLC is officially recognized by the State of Arizona now that your Articles of Organization have been approved. You can now start drafting your Operating Agreement, defining your ownership and management responsibilities among LLC members.

Filing Your Arizona LLC Articles Of Organization With The Mail Method

You can file your Articles of Organization by mail if you can’t complete or don’t like the online method. This is less efficient and may take longer, so I don’t recommend it. However, here’s how to do it!

Download Form L010 – Articles of Organization from the Arizona Corporation Commission website. Alternatively, you can click the “Download” button.

You must include three additional documents when choosing to file your Articles of Organization by mail. These are your:

1. Cover Sheet.
2. Statutory Agent Acceptance.
3. Membership Attachment (Either member-managed or manager-managed).

This requirement is based on A.R.S. § 29-3201(B)(4)(a). I briefly discussed this earlier in the “Principal information” section.

Don’t know which one to choose? Check out my comparison article between Member-Managed LLCs & Manager-Managed LLCs.

Once you’ve completed the required additional filings, send them to:

Arizona Corporation Commission
1300 West Washington Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85007

I’ve discussed each of the filings below so you can complete them correctly before sending them to the ACC.

1. Articles Of Organization (Form L010)

You must complete Form L010 accurately with all required attachments if you’re filing your Arizona LLC Articles of Organization by mail. I’ve written a step-by-step guide for filling out the form based on the official ACC instructions.

2. Statutory Agent Acceptance Statement (Form M002)

A Statutory Agent Acceptance Statement (Form M002) is a mandatory filing confirming that your Statutory Agent has consented to serve as your LLC’s official point of contact.

• This must be signed and submitted to the ACC.
• It needs to be submitted with your Articles of Organization or within 7 days of your online filing.
• If you don’t submit it, your LLC filing will be rejected.

There is no filing fee when submitting Form M002 with your Articles of Organization.

Send it to the address below if choosing to mail it separately:

Arizona Corporation Commission – Examination Section
1300 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007

Fax: 602-542-4100

Follow my step-by-step instructions to complete Form M002:

3. Manager Structure Attachment – Form L040

The Manager Structure Attachment (Form L040) lists all members and managers who own 20% or more of your LLC’s capital or profits.

You only need to fill this form out if your Arizona LLC is Manager-Managed.

Follow my steps below to fill it in:

1. Enter your exact legal LLC name at the top (As stated on your Articles of Organization).
2. Enter the name and address of all managers and qualifying members in the provided spaces.
3. Check the relevant box for each person (Manager or member).
4. Attach an additional form L040 if your LLC has more than six managers or members.

This is a mandatory attachment under A.R.S. § 29-3201(B)(4)(a). Your filing will be rejected if it is missing.

4. Member Structure Attachment – Form L041

The Member Structure Attachment (Form L041) lists the names and addresses of all members who actively manage or own part of the company.

You only need to fill this form out if your Arizona LLC is Member-Managed.

Here’s how to fill it correctly:

1. Enter the exact legal name of your LLC (As stated on your Articles of Organization).
2. Enter each member’s full name and address in the provided boxes.
3. Attach an additional Form L041 if your LLC has more than eight members.
4. Ensure all information matches what appears in your Operating Agreement.

Your Articles of Organization will be rejected if this attachment is not included for a Member-Managed LLC.

5. Cover Sheet

You must complete a Cover Sheet alongside any filing mailed to the ACC. This includes your Articles of Organization.

a. Enter Your Entity Information

This lists your key entity information, payment details, and approval document instructions.

• Select “New entity” as you’re filing the articles of organization to form a new LLC.
• Enter your exact LLC name (As stated on your articles of organization).
• Select “Yes” under “Expedited processing?” if you want to expedite your filing. Choose one of the services below.
• If you select “No,” you’ll pay the standard $50 filing fee.

b. Choose Your Preference

These are the additional costs and specific cutoff times:

• Two-Hour Service: Your document must be received by 3:00 p.m. MST. Costs $400 extra.
• Same Day Service: Your document must be received by 10:00 a.m. MST to be processed by 5:00 p.m. the same day. Costs $200 extra.
• Next Day Service: Your document must be received by 5:00 p.m. MST to be processed by 5:00 p.m. the next business day. Costs $100 extra.
• Expedited Processing: Your document is processed in approximately 3–5 business days. Costs $35 extra.

d. Choose Your Payment Method

You must use one of the following methods for your payment:

1. Check or money order: Make it payable to the ACC.
2. MOD account number: Enter it into the payment section and write the total payment amount.

You can only use cash payments for in-person filings at the Phoenix Office. Furthermore, credit cards are only accepted for online and in-person transactions, not mail filings.

Example: You choose the two-hour service costing $400.

• Your standard filing fee is $50.
• Your expedited processing fee is $400.
• Your total cost is $400 + $50 = $450.

Once this is all completed, choose your Return Delivery Option. This is the address where you’ll receive your Notice of Publication and Approval Letter.

e. Select Your Delivery Option

Select one of the following:

• Email: Provide your email address (I recommend this for the fastest delivery).
• Pick-up: State your name and phone number.
• Mail: Provide your full mailing address (City, state, ZIP, and phone number).

6. How Long Do I Need To Wait For Approval?

The processing time after submitting your Articles of Organization depends on your chosen processing service.

• Your LLC formation application will be approved in approximately 13-15 business days + Additional mail time if you paid the standard $50 filing fee.
• Your LLC application will be approved in 3-5 business days if you picked the $85 expedited filing fee.

You should receive two documents by mail when your Arizona LLC is officially approved by the ACC:

1. An Approval letter.
2. A Notice of Publication.

You can download your stamped and approved copy of your Articles of Organization directly from your ACC eCorp account. I’ve covered how to do this earlier in the “Online filing” section.

The Importance Of Filing Your Articles Of Organization In Arizona

It is a legal requirement to file your Articles of Organization when forming an LLC in the state of Arizona. You have no legal authority to operate as an LLC without it. Without one, you can face serious operational and legal risks:

• Your LLC does not legally exist.
• You have no personal liability protection.
• You cannot open a business bank account, obtain an EIN, or get the required business licenses.
• You cannot legally transact your business under Arizona law.
• Misrepresenting your business as an LLC is considered deceptive or unlawful.

1. Your Business Has No Legal Status

Your LLC is officially formed when your Articles of Organization are filed with and approved by the ACC (A.R.S. § 29-3201(D).

Your business does NOT legally exist until your filing is accepted. It will either be treated as a Sole proprietorship (Owned by one person) or a General Partnership (Owned by more than one person).

• Your business has no separate legal identity at this time.
• You have no limited liability protection.
• You have no standing under Arizona Business Law.

2. You Face Penalties If You Misrepresent Your Unregistered Business As An LLC

It’s considered deceptive or unlawful conduct if you use “LLC” in your name or represent yourself as one without filing the proper formation documents. According to A.R.S. § 44-1522, any “deceptive or unfair act or practice, fraud, false pretense, false promise, or misrepresentation” in connection with business is prohibited.

Fraudulent schemes and practices are defined as criminal offenses (Class 2 felonies) under A.R.S. § 13-2310 if you knowingly misrepresent facts for financial gain or advantage.

The potential consequences of this include:

• Administrative penalties or license revocation if false information is filed with a regulator.
• Civil liability for fraudulent or negligent misrepresentation.
• Injunctions prohibiting the use of “LLC” until you complete registration.
• Criminal prosecution for intentional misrepresentation, including prison time, large fines, and a long-term criminal record in serious cases.

In summary, falsely claiming you’re an LLC can void your contracts, damage your business credibility, and cause financial institutions or partners to terminate relationships.

3. You Have No Limited Liability Protection

Your business does not have limited liability protection until your LLC is legally formed and recognized by the state. You’re personally responsible for all debts, lawsuits, and business obligations until your Articles of Organization have been filed and accepted.

• You have no legal separation between you and your business. Therefore, creditors can pursue your personal assets (Savings, vehicles, and real estate).
• You’re treated as an unincorporated Sole Proprietorship or Partnership under Arizona law without formation.

4. You’re Unable To Get Essential Tax Or Licensing Documents

Your business cannot access the documentation needed to operate legally without filing your Articles of Organization. This is because government agencies and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) only recognize legally formed business entities.

Example: You must be a valid business entity to be issued an EIN by the IRS.

• A Sole Proprietor can use a Social Security Number.
• Obtaining an EIN becomes mandatory under 26 CFR § 301.6109-1(d)(2) and IRS Publication 1635 once an employee is hired.

You can face EIN rejection or misclassification from the IRS when attempting to claim LLC status without legal formation.

Furthermore, most Arizona state and local agencies require LLC registration proof before applying for permits and licenses.

You can face fines, license denial, or business closure orders when operating without proof of formation. This is classified as a state compliance violation in Arizona.

5. You Can’t Legally Transact Your Business

Your business has no legal standing in Arizona without being officially registered. You’re required to show completed and approved Articles of Organization by most banks. supplies, and landlords to verify your existence and confirm your authority to do business.

• You are legally responsible for any agreements or leases signed under an unregistered LLC.
• Your business name is not protected under Arizona law until your LLC is approved. Another business can register your name, causing you to change your branding.

Frequently Asked Questions