Quick Summary
NY LLC Law §206 requires every New York LLC to publish a notice of formation in two approved newspapers for six consecutive weeks, then file proof with the state — all within 120 days of formation.
Failure to comply can result in suspension of your LLC's authority to conduct business in New York.
What is NY LLC Law §206?
NY LLC Law §206, officially titled "Publication of copy of articles of organization or notice", is a New York State statute that requires every LLC formed in New York to publish public notice of its formation.
The Legal Requirement
Within 120 days after filing Articles of Organization, every LLC must:
- Publish a notice of formation in two newspapers designated by the county clerk
- One newspaper must be published daily
- One newspaper must be published weekly
- Publication must run for six consecutive weeks in both papers
- Obtain affidavits of publication from both newspapers
- File Certificate of Publication (Form DOS-1708-f-L) with the NY Department of State
Who Must Comply?
- ✓Domestic LLCs — Any LLC formed in New York State
- ✓Foreign LLCs — Out-of-state LLCs registering to do business in New York
- ✓All business types — Professional LLCs, single-member LLCs, multi-member LLCs
Why This Law Exists
The publication requirement serves as public notice to creditors, potential business partners, and the general public that a new business entity has been formed. This transparency is intended to protect the public interest and maintain the integrity of business registrations in New York.
Step-by-Step Compliance Process
Identify Your County
The county where your LLC's office is located determines which newspapers you must use. This is specified in your Articles of Organization.
Timeline: Immediately after LLC formation
Find Approved Newspapers
Contact your county clerk's office to obtain the official list of designated newspapers. Each county maintains a specific list of approved publications — one daily and one weekly.
⚠️ Critical: Using non-designated newspapers will result in non-compliance and require you to start over.
Timeline: Within first 2 weeks
Prepare Publication Notice
Create a notice containing:
- LLC name (exactly as filed)
- Date Articles of Organization were filed
- County where LLC office is located
- Statement that Secretary of State is designated as agent for service of process
- Address where Secretary of State shall mail process
- Purpose of the LLC
Timeline: Week 2-3
Publish for Six Consecutive Weeks
Submit your notice to both newspapers. Publication must run once per week for six consecutive weeks in each newspaper — meaning 12 total publications.
Timeline: Weeks 3-9 (6-week publication period)
Obtain Affidavits of Publication
After the six-week publication period ends, request a notarized affidavit of publication from each newspaper. This is an official sworn statement that your notice was published as required.
💡 Pro Tip: Newspapers can take 2-4 weeks to provide affidavits. Follow up proactively to avoid delays.
Timeline: Weeks 9-11
File Certificate of Publication with NY State
Complete Form DOS-1708-f-L (Certificate of Publication) and submit it to the NY Department of State along with:
- Both original affidavits of publication
- Required filing fee ($50 as of 2025)
Mail to:
NYS Department of State
Division of Corporations
One Commerce Plaza
99 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12231
Timeline: Week 11-12 | Deadline: Within 120 days of LLC formation
✅ You're Compliant!
Once the Department of State processes your Certificate of Publication, your LLC is fully compliant with NY LLC Law §206. The filing will be reflected in your LLC's public record, and your business can operate in good standing.
Common Compliance Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
❌ Mistake #1: Using Non-Approved Newspapers
Publishing in newspapers that aren't designated by your county clerk means your publication doesn't count — and you'll have to start over.
Solution: Always verify with the county clerk's office before placing ads. Designations can change.
❌ Mistake #2: Missing the 120-Day Deadline
The deadline is strict. Missing it can result in suspension of your LLC's authority to conduct business in New York.
Solution: Start the publication process within 2 weeks of formation. Don't wait until the last minute.
❌ Mistake #3: Incorrect Ad Content
Missing required elements (filing date, county, service of process language) makes your publication invalid.
Solution: Use your Articles of Organization as a reference and follow statutory requirements exactly.
❌ Mistake #4: Not Following Up on Affidavits
Newspapers can be slow to provide affidavits. If you don't follow up, you may run out of time before the 120-day deadline.
Solution: Contact newspapers 1 week after publication ends and follow up weekly until you receive affidavits.
❌ Mistake #5: Filing Incomplete Certificate of Publication
Missing affidavits, incorrect forms, or insufficient fees will cause the Department of State to reject your filing.
Solution: Double-check that both affidavits are included, Form DOS-1708-f-L is complete, and the filing fee is enclosed.
How LLC Publishers Ensures Your §206 Compliance
At LLC Publishers, we handle every step of the NY LLC Law §206 compliance process so you don't have to worry about deadlines, paperwork, or mistakes.
County-Verified Newspapers
We verify current county clerk designations before every publication to ensure we're using approved newspapers.
Compliant Ad Content
Our team prepares notices that include all required elements per NY LLC Law §206 statutory requirements.
Direct Newspaper Coordination
We manage all communication with newspapers, schedule publication runs, and track the 6-week publication period.
Proactive Affidavit Collection
We follow up with newspapers to collect affidavits promptly, ensuring you never miss the 120-day deadline.
Complete State Filing
We prepare and file Form DOS-1708-f-L with both affidavits and all required fees with the NY Department of State.
Proof of Compliance
You receive complete documentation showing your LLC has satisfied NY LLC Law §206 requirements.
We Handle Everything — You Handle Nothing
One order. Zero stress. Full compliance guaranteed within the 120-day deadline.
Get Started with Compliance Service →NY LLC Law §206 Compliance Checklist
Too complicated? Let LLC Publishers handle all of this for you →
Frequently Asked Questions About §206 Compliance
What happens if I miss the 120-day deadline?
If you fail to complete publication within 120 days of filing your Articles of Organization, your LLC may lose its authority to conduct business in New York. The Secretary of State can suspend your LLC's certificate of organization, preventing you from legally operating, opening bank accounts, obtaining licenses, or enforcing contracts until you come into compliance.
Can I use any newspaper I want?
No. You must use newspapers that are specifically designated by your county clerk. Each county maintains an official list of approved newspapers — one daily and one weekly. Using non-designated newspapers means your publication doesn't satisfy NY LLC Law §206, and you'll have to start over.
How much does LLC publication cost?
Publication costs vary significantly by county because newspaper advertising rates differ. In high-cost counties like Manhattan, publication can cost $1,500-$2,000+. In other counties, it may be $400-$800. The cost includes newspaper fees for 6 weeks of ads in two papers, plus the $50 state filing fee for the Certificate of Publication.
Do I need to publish if I'm a foreign LLC registering in NY?
Yes. Foreign LLCs (formed outside New York but doing business in NY) must also comply with NY LLC Law §206. The publication requirement applies whether you're a domestic or foreign LLC operating in New York State.
Can I do the publication myself or should I hire a service?
You can handle publication yourself, but it requires significant time and attention to detail. You'll need to research approved newspapers, coordinate with two separate publications, monitor the 6-week run, chase down affidavits, and file correctly with the state — all within 120 days. Most business owners find it more efficient and less risky to use a professional publication service like LLC Publishers to ensure compliance and avoid costly mistakes.
What's included in the publication notice?
Your publication notice must contain: (1) the LLC's exact name as filed with the state, (2) the date your Articles of Organization were filed, (3) the county where your LLC office is located, (4) a statement that the Secretary of State has been designated as agent for service of process, (5) the address where the Secretary of State shall mail process, and (6) the purpose of the LLC (usually "any lawful purpose").
How long does the entire process take?
From start to finish, expect 8-12 weeks: 1-2 weeks to identify newspapers and place ads, 6 weeks for publication, 1-2 weeks to collect affidavits from newspapers, and 1-2 weeks for the Department of State to process your Certificate of Publication. This fits comfortably within the 120-day deadline if you start promptly after formation.
What are affidavits of publication?
Affidavits of publication are notarized legal documents provided by each newspaper confirming that your LLC's notice was published as required. Each affidavit includes the newspaper's information, the dates your ad ran, and a copy of the published notice. You need affidavits from both newspapers (daily and weekly) to file your Certificate of Publication with the state.
Don't Risk Non-Compliance
Let our experts handle your NY LLC Law §206 compliance from start to finish.
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Additional Resources
Which Newspapers Can I Use?
Complete guide to finding county-approved newspapers for your LLC publication.
Read Guide →What If I Missed the Deadline?
Learn what happens if you miss the 120-day deadline and how to fix it.
Read Guide →Affidavit Timeline
How long it takes to receive affidavits from newspapers after publication.
Read Guide →Read the Full Statute
View NY LLC Law §206 text on the New York State Senate website.
View Law →