How to Register a Business Name in Arizona
To register a business name in Arizona, you’ll need to register your business with the state. You can form an LLC or corporation, or file for a “doing business as” name with your state’s business division.
Our How to Register a Business Name in Arizona guide will walk you through each step of the process in Arizona. Check out our other How to Register a Business Name guides to learn about registering a business name in every state.
Or simply use a reliable professional service:
Northwest ($29 + state fees).
(We recommend doing a name check first)
Step 1: Choose a Business Structure
The type of business structure you choose to form will determine how you register the business with the state. Use our how to choose a business structure guide to help choose which business structure is best for you, whether it’s sole proprietorships, general partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and corporations.
The factors you should consider when choosing a business structure will depend on your needs and wants for personal liability protection, tax liabilities, and paperwork to keep the company in compliance.
Recommended: We typically recommend forming an LLC for most entrepreneurs because this structure comes with personal asset protection, has no double taxation, and is pretty easy to maintain.
If you would like to use a service, read our guide on the best LLC formation services.
Sole Proprietorships and General Partnerships
By default, sole proprietorships operate as the same name as the owner while general partnerships must include the surnames of all the partners.
To use a different name to conduct business, the business owner(s) must file for an Arizona trade name — also commonly referred to as a doing business as (DBA) name.
LLCs and Corporations
Both LLCs and corporations require unique names in Arizona that must follow certain naming requirements:
Recommended: Learn How to Start an LLC in Arizona or, if you need a more rigorous operating structure, learn How to Start a Corporation in Arizona.
Step 2: Check Name Availability
When registering a business name, it's important to make sure it's unique and no one else in your state formed a company with it or has control of it online as a domain name.
Domain Name Search
We strongly recommend that you also check to see if your business name is available as a web domain (URL). Even if you don't plan to create a business website today, you may want to buy the web address to prevent others from acquiring that domain name. If the web domain is available then it’s likely the name will also be available in a business search.
Arizona Business Name Search
Next, search the Arizona Secretary of State’s eCorp business entity search tool. This is an important step in the process because your filing will be denied if you try to file for a name already in use.
Search requirements can vary depending on your business needs. For example, a unique and available name is required to:
- File for formal business structures like LLCs and corporations.
- File a DBA name for any business structure.
A state-level name search isn’t required for informal business structures like sole proprietorships or general partnerships in Arizona. But, if you decide to register a trade name or DBA name, you’ll need to search the database to see if your desired name is unique and available.
Step 3: Form Your Business With the State of Arizona
Once you have selected your business structure and name, you will need to file your formation documents with the state, which will register your business with the state of Arizona.
To register your Arizona LLC, you'll need to file the Articles of Organization with the Arizona Corporation Commission. You can apply online, by mail, or in person. Read our Form an LLC in Arizona guide for details.
Or use a professional service like Northwest or LegalZoom to form your LLC for you.
To register your Arizona corporation, you’ll need to file the Articles of Incorporation with the Arizona Corporation Commission. Read our Form an Arizona Corporation guide to learn more.
Additional Considerations
Protect Your Business Name With a Trademark (Optional)
Once you confirm the availability of your business name and secure it, you can choose to apply for a trademark for your business. This typically costs around $225 to $400 plus any attorney fees as well as a renewal fee every 10 years.
While this cost can be high for a start-up or fledgling business, it will give your company brand nationwide protection backed by federal law. That means if others try to do business with the same — or a similar — name as yours, you’ll have legal precedent on your side. For most small businesses, this really isn't necessary unless they are thinking of going national.
Recommended: Learn How to Trademark Your Business Name using our free guide.
How to Change the Name of an Arizona Business
Changing the name of a business in Arizona can be done in two ways: by filing for a trade name or by submitting an amendment to the legal name of an existing business.
The first method, filing for a trade name (also known as a DBA name), is the easiest way to operate your business using a different name without needing to change its legal name.
A DBA name is the only way for sole proprietorships and general partnerships to have a different business name. It’s also the easiest method for LLCs and corporations to follow because it allows them to avoid filing an amendment or complicating their business operations while enabling them to operate with brand names that don’t include the necessary LLC or Inc. suffix required in a legal name.
If you want to change the legal name of your LLC or corporation, however, filing an amendment to the legal name of an existing business is your best option. Here are links to forms for both options:
Both must be mailed with the $25 filing fee.
How much does it cost to set up an LLC in Arizona?
Starting an LLC in Arizona can be done online, in person, or by mail through the Arizona Corporation Commision and costs $50.
Does Arizona require a business license?
The state of Arizona doesn’t issue or require a state-specific business license. However, your city or county most likely requires licensing that will vary based on your location.
If you plan to sell products or engage in specific services that require it, you’ll also need a Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license before you begin operating your business.
How much does an Arizona business license cost?
Arizona business licensing costs and requirements vary based on your city and county. We recommend reaching out to your local government about small business licensing requirements in your area.
Do I need a business license to sell online in Arizona?
If you plan to reform an online business that sells goods or services, you’ll most likely need to obtain a Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license. However, there are exemptions for some product sales. You also may need additional licensing issued by your city or county.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Arizona?
It typically takes between 22-27 business days to process LLC documents in Arizona. For additional steps towards establishing your business, follow the steps in our full Arizona LLC guide, to form your LLC efficiently without the worry of missing crucial steps in the formation process.
How do I create my own LLC?
To form your own LLC in Arizona you must file Articles of Organization with the Arizona Corporation Commission. This officially creates your Arizona LLC.
What is an Arizona Certificate of Good Standing?
An Arizona Certificate of Good Standing is a verification that your LLC was legally formed and properly maintained. You can request this certificate online for $45 through the Arizona Corporation Commission.