How Long Does It Take to Get Affidavits After Publication?
Introduction
After you finish running your New York LLC publication ads in two newspapers, the next question every new business owner asks is: "When will I get my affidavits of publication?" These affidavits are crucial — without them, you can't file your Certificate of Publication with the New York Department of State.
At LLC Publishers, we handle the full process from start to finish, so we see these timelines every week. Here's what you should know.
What Are Affidavits of Publication?
Each newspaper approved by your county clerk must provide a notarized affidavit once your six weeks of consecutive publication are complete. This affidavit is an official statement confirming that your LLC's legal notice was published as required by Section 206 of the New York Limited Liability Company Law.
You'll receive:
- One affidavit from the daily newspaper
- One affidavit from the weekly newspaper
Together, these are submitted to the NY Department of State along with your Certificate of Publication.
What's Included in an Affidavit?
Each affidavit of publication contains:
- Newspaper information — Name, address, frequency (daily/weekly)
- Publication dates — The six dates your ad ran
- Ad content — A copy of the actual notice that was published
- Sworn statement — Signed and notarized by a newspaper representative
- County clerk verification — Confirmation the newspaper is designated for legal notices
Both affidavits must match your LLC's details exactly. Any discrepancies will cause your Certificate of Publication to be rejected by the Department of State.
Typical Timeline to Receive Affidavits
Here's what you can expect based on our direct experience with newspaper publishers across New York:
| Step | Timeline | Notes | |------|-----------|-------| | 1. Last ad publication date | Week 6 | Publication must run for six consecutive weeks | | 2. Newspapers issue affidavits | Within 5–15 business days | Some smaller weekly papers take longer | | 3. LLC Publishers collects both affidavits | Week 7–8 | We verify notarization and completeness | | 4. Filing with NY Department of State | Week 8–9 | Affidavits + Certificate of Publication mailed or e-filed |
In most cases, you'll receive your affidavits within 2–3 weeks after the final publication date.
Why Affidavit Delays Happen
It's common for one newspaper to send their affidavit faster than the other. Common causes of delay include:
- Mailing time if affidavits are sent physically instead of by email
- Clerical backlog at smaller weekly newspapers
- Holidays or print schedule disruptions
- Incorrect ad copy or LLC name requiring correction and re-issue
When you publish through LLC Publishers, our team tracks both affidavits proactively — ensuring you don't lose weeks waiting or filing with incomplete paperwork.
What Happens After You Receive the Affidavits
Once you have both affidavits:
- Complete the Certificate of Publication (DOS-1708-f-L) form.
- Attach both affidavits.
- File everything with the New York Department of State, Division of Corporations.
The Department usually processes filings in about 7–10 business days once received. Once approved, your LLC's public record will show "Certificate of Publication – Filed", confirming full compliance.
How LLC Publishers Handles This Entire Process
At LLC Publishers, we:
- Select county-approved newspapers
- Run your ads for the full six weeks
- Collect and verify the affidavits
- File with the state on your behalf
You simply place one order, and we handle the rest — from publication to official filing. This guarantees your affidavits are accurate, timely, and fully compliant with NY law.
FAQs About LLC Affidavit Timelines
Can I file my Certificate of Publication before getting both affidavits?
No. The NY Department of State requires both affidavits attached to the filing — one from each newspaper.
What if it's been 4 weeks and I haven't received my affidavits?
Contact the newspapers or your publication service. At LLC Publishers, we monitor and follow up directly with the publishers until both are received.
Do I need to notarize anything myself?
No. Each affidavit is already notarized by the newspaper's publisher before being sent to you.
Do I need the original affidavits or will copies work?
The New York Department of State requires original, notarized affidavits. Copies are not accepted for the initial filing, but you should make copies for your records.
What if an affidavit has an error?
Contact the newspaper immediately. They will need to issue a corrected affidavit, which can delay your filing by 1-2 weeks. This is why it's critical to verify accuracy when you place your ads.
Conclusion
Getting your affidavits after publication is the final step before compliance. Expect the process to take about 2–3 weeks after your last ad runs — faster if you work with a team that handles follow-ups automatically.
If you'd like your LLC publication handled end-to-end — including affidavits and filing with the state — LLC Publishers can take care of everything for you.