How to Start an LLC in Arizona (2026): 8 Steps and the 3 Best LLC Services
We would send a new founder in Arizona to Arizona Registered Agent.co ($199), Mainstay Filing ($199) and AZ Registered Agent.org ($199) for starting an LLC in 2026, in that order. After the picks come 8 short steps; the state's own charge to file is $50.
Prices from each company's own site, read November 12, 2026. Add Arizona's $50 fee to each row.
The steps
Step1
Step 1: Pick the LLC's name
Search the register kept by the Arizona Corporation Commission first. If the name is taken, choose another before you file.
TipPick a spare name too, in case the first is taken.
Step2
Step 2: Appoint a statutory agent
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address. An Arizona resident, or a corporation or LLC formed in Arizona or authorized to do business there. The appointment takes effect only once the agent accepts it in writing.
The address has to be a place of business or residence in Arizona with a street address. A P.O. box can be listed only as a separate Arizona mailing address.
TipAll of our picks include a statutory agent.
Official source: Official: azleg.gov, October 2026
Step3
Step 3: Do it yourself or get help
If you file yourself, budget $50. If a service files, add $199; our picks are ranked above.
Step4
Step 4: File Articles of Organization
The Arizona Corporation Commission receives the Articles of Organization (Form L010) along with $50, under Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 29-3201.
Publication: a notice runs three times within 60 days unless the statutory agent is in a county of more than 800,000 people, where the Commission posts it instead.
Step6
Step 6: Get your EIN
When the approval arrives, apply to the IRS for the EIN. Your bank will want it for the business account. Mainstay Filing handles this application in its package.
Step7
Step 7: Draft the operating agreement
An operating agreement is internal. Sign it, keep it with the records, and the state never needs a copy.
Step8
Step 8: Plan for year two and beyond
There is no yearly Arizona report to file; keep a statutory agent in place.
Step-by-step costs
What
Paid to
Amount
Filing the LLC
Paid to the state
$50
Service fees (optional)
Service company
$199 up front
Three-year state total
Paid to the state
$50
The state rows are official figures; the service row uses each company's published price. The three-year total leaves service fees out.
How the grade worked out
Lesson note: first place in Arizona came down to three-year cost, worth 30% of the grade.
Arizona Registered Agent.co wins the cost grade: $397 for three years against $200 more with Mainstay Filing.
Arizona questions
What does it cost to form an LLC in Arizona?
$50 to the state. Add $199 if a service files it.
Which form creates the LLC?
It is called the Articles of Organization (Form L010), and it goes to the Arizona Corporation Commission.
Is a statutory agent required?
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.
What does Arizona require each year?
No recurring LLC report.
Can I form the LLC without a service?
Yes. File directly with the state and pay $50; you also need a statutory agent.
Which LLC service should a first-time founder use?
We'd go with Arizona Registered Agent.co, because formation at $199 over the state fee, then a $99 agent renewal. Then Mainstay Filing and AZ Registered Agent.org.