Albany County NY LLC Publication: The Most Affordable Option
Quick Answer: Why Albany County Is the Cheapest Option
Albany County offers the lowest LLC publication costs in New York State—typically just $150 to $300 for the complete six-week publication requirement. Compare that to Manhattan at $1,500-$2,500 or Brooklyn at $1,200-$2,000, and you can see why many business owners strategically choose Albany County for their LLC's registered office address.
The reason is simple: Albany has multiple designated newspapers competing for legal advertising, lower circulation costs than NYC publications, and established infrastructure as the state capital that makes it a natural hub for business filings statewide.
This guide provides everything you need to know about publishing your LLC in Albany County: designated newspapers, contact information, costs, timeline, and the legal strategy that allows you to publish in Albany even if your business operates elsewhere in New York.
Albany County LLC Publication Costs
Here's what you can expect to pay for LLC publication in Albany County:
| Cost Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Daily newspaper publication (6 weeks) | $75 - $150 |
| Weekly newspaper publication (6 weeks) | $75 - $150 |
| Total newspaper fees | $150 - $300 |
| Certificate of Publication filing (NY DOS) | $50 |
| Total DIY cost | $200 - $350 |
Why Albany County Is So Affordable
Several factors combine to make Albany County the least expensive option in New York:
1. Competitive Newspaper Market Albany has multiple designated newspapers competing for legal advertising business, which keeps prices low. Unlike NYC where limited options allow premium pricing, Albany's newspaper market creates genuine price competition.
2. Lower Circulation Costs Albany newspapers have smaller circulation compared to NYC publications. Since legal advertising rates are typically tied to circulation, lower readership translates to lower advertising costs.
3. State Capital Infrastructure As New York's capital, Albany has infrastructure designed to accommodate statewide business filings. Multiple registered agent services maintain Albany addresses specifically to help LLCs publish affordably.
4. Efficient Legal Notice Systems Albany newspapers have streamlined systems for processing LLC publications, reducing administrative overhead and keeping costs low.
Designated Newspapers for Albany County
The Albany County Clerk designates specific newspapers for LLC publication as required by Section 206 of the New York Limited Liability Company Law. You must publish in one daily newspaper and one weekly newspaper from the designated list.
Daily Newspapers
The Times Union
- Address: PO Box 15000, Albany, NY 12212
- Phone: (518) 454-5543
- Fax: (518) 454-5857
- Email: tulegals@timesunion.com
- Website: timesunion.com
- Online submission: placelegal.hearst.com
The Times Union is the Capital Region's primary daily newspaper and one of the most commonly used publications for LLC legal notices in Albany County. They offer 24/7 online submission for domestic LLC notices.
The Daily Gazette
- Address: 2345 Maxon Road Ext., Schenectady, NY 12308
- Phone: (518) 382-1100
- Email: legals@dailygazette.net
- Website: dailygazette.com
The Daily Gazette is a locally-owned daily newspaper serving the Capital Region, including Albany, Schenectady, and Saratoga counties.
Weekly Newspapers
The Evangelist
- Address: 40 N. Main Avenue, Albany, NY 12203
- Phone: (518) 453-6688
- Fax: (518) 453-8448
- Website: evangelist.org
The Evangelist is the official publication of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, published weekly on Thursdays. It has the highest circulation of any weekly newspaper in the Capital District, reaching 34,000 households across 14 upstate New York counties.
Important note: The Evangelist does not publish during the week of July 4, the last Thursday of the year, or the 5th Thursday of any month. Plan your publication timeline accordingly.
The Altamont Enterprise & Albany County Post
- Address: 120 Maple Ave, Altamont, NY 12009
- Phone: (518) 861-4026 ext. 101
- Email: ads@altamontenterprise.com
- Website: altamontenterprise.com
The Altamont Enterprise is an award-winning weekly newspaper covering several towns in Albany County including Guilderland, New Scotland, Berne, Knox, Westerlo, and Rensselaerville.
Albany County Clerk Contact Information
The Albany County Clerk's office handles newspaper designations for LLC publication. While newspapers are typically pre-designated on their published list, you can contact the clerk's office to confirm current designations.
Albany County Clerk's Office
- Address: Albany County Court House, Room 128, 16 Eagle Street, Albany, NY 12207-1077
- Phone: (518) 487-5100
- Fax: (518) 487-5099
- Email: countyclerk@albanycounty.com
- Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm
- Current County Clerk: Hon. Bruce A. Hidley
Important notes:
- No walk-ins allowed after 4:00pm
- Credit cards are NOT accepted—cash, check, or money order only
- The entrance to the County Court House is on Lodge Street
- Land recordings and court filings close at 4:00pm
How to Publish Your LLC in Albany County
Here's the step-by-step process for completing your LLC publication requirement in Albany County:
Step 1: Confirm Your LLC's Office Is in Albany County
Your LLC's office address must be located in Albany County to publish there. This address is listed in your Articles of Organization filed with the NY Department of State.
If your LLC was formed with a different county address, you can still use Albany County by either:
- Filing a Certificate of Change (DOS-1359-f, $30 fee) to update your county before publication
- Using a registered agent service with an Albany address when forming your LLC
Step 2: Contact Designated Newspapers
Reach out to one daily and one weekly newspaper from the designated list above. When contacting newspapers:
- Request a quote for six consecutive weeks of LLC publication
- Confirm what's included (affidavits, delivery, etc.)
- Provide your LLC name exactly as it appears on your Articles of Organization
- Provide your formation date and LLC office address
Step 3: Submit Your Publication Notice
The notice must contain specific information required by Section 206:
- LLC name
- Date of formation (Articles of Organization filing date)
- County of office
- Statement that the Secretary of State is designated as agent for service of process
- Your LLC's street address in New York for service of process
Step 4: Publication Runs for Six Consecutive Weeks
Both newspapers will publish your notice once per week for six consecutive weeks. During this time, keep records of:
- Publication start dates
- Weekly publication confirmations (if provided)
- Any correspondence with newspapers
Step 5: Obtain Affidavits of Publication
After the six-week publication period ends, each newspaper will provide an Affidavit of Publication—a sworn statement confirming your notice ran as required. These are typically included in the newspaper publication fee.
Step 6: File Certificate of Publication
Within 120 days of your LLC's formation, file your Certificate of Publication with the NY Department of State, along with:
- Form DOS-1708-f-L (Certificate of Publication)
- Both Affidavits of Publication
- $50 filing fee
Learn more in our complete guide: How to File Your Certificate of Publication in New York
Using Albany County Even If You're Located Elsewhere
Many LLC owners strategically use Albany County for publication even though their business operates in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or elsewhere in New York. This is completely legal under Section 206.
How It Works
Section 206 requires publication in the county where your LLC's office is located—not where you physically conduct business. Your LLC's office is the address listed in your Articles of Organization.
The strategy:
- Use a registered agent service with an Albany address
- List the Albany address as your LLC's principal office in your Articles of Organization
- Publish in Albany County newspapers ($150-$300)
- Conduct business anywhere in New York
Is This Legal?
Yes. New York law distinguishes between:
- Office address (determines publication county)
- Business location (where you actually operate)
You can legally operate a Manhattan-based business while having an Albany office address for publication purposes. Thousands of New York LLCs use this approach.
Trade-offs to Consider
While Albany County saves significant money on publication, consider:
Pros:
- Save $1,000-$2,000+ compared to NYC counties
- One-time savings with no ongoing commitment
- Completely legal and commonly used
Cons:
- You'll need a registered agent service ($100-$300/year)
- Legal documents will go to your Albany address first
- Adds a layer between you and the state
We discuss these trade-offs in detail in our guide: Save on LLC Publication by Changing Your County
Albany County vs. NYC Publication Costs
Here's how Albany County compares to New York City boroughs:
| County | Typical Cost Range | Savings vs. Albany |
|---|---|---|
| Albany County | $150 - $300 | — |
| Richmond (Staten Island) | $575 - $950 | Albany saves $425 - $650 |
| Bronx County | $850 - $1,450 | Albany saves $700 - $1,150 |
| Queens County | $475 - $850 | Albany saves $325 - $550 |
| Kings (Brooklyn) | $550 - $1,500 | Albany saves $400 - $1,200 |
| New York (Manhattan) | $1,500 - $2,500 | Albany saves $1,350 - $2,200 |
Note: These figures represent newspaper fees only. Add $50 for the Certificate of Publication state filing fee regardless of county.
Timeline for Albany County Publication
Understanding the timeline helps you plan and meet the 120-day deadline:
| Stage | Duration | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Contact newspapers and get quotes | 1-3 days | 1-3 days |
| Submit notice and begin publication | 1-7 days | 4-10 days |
| Six consecutive weeks of publication | 42 days | 46-52 days |
| Receive affidavits after publication | 5-14 days | 51-66 days |
| File Certificate of Publication | 1-3 days | 52-69 days |
| DOS processing (standard) | 10-20 business days | 66-97 days |
Recommendation: Start publication within the first 30 days after forming your LLC. This provides a comfortable buffer for any delays.
Common Questions About Albany County Publication
Can I use the Times Union and Evangelist together?
Yes, this is one of the most common combinations. The Times Union satisfies the daily newspaper requirement, and The Evangelist satisfies the weekly newspaper requirement.
What if The Evangelist isn't publishing that week?
The Evangelist doesn't publish during certain weeks (July 4th week, last Thursday of December, 5th Thursdays). If your publication period overlaps with these dates, The Evangelist will extend your publication to ensure six actual weekly publications. Plan accordingly and confirm the timeline with them before starting.
Do I have to visit the Albany County Clerk's office?
No. Unlike some counties where you must physically obtain newspaper designations, Albany County's designated newspapers are publicly listed. You can contact newspapers directly to begin publication.
Can I publish in Albany if I already formed my LLC in another county?
Yes, but you'll need to file a Certificate of Change (DOS-1359-f) with the NY Department of State ($30) to update your LLC's county to Albany before starting publication. This still saves money if you're early in your 120-day window, but it's simpler to plan ahead when forming your LLC.
How do I verify a newspaper is still designated?
Contact the Albany County Clerk's office at (518) 487-5100 or visit their website to confirm current designated newspapers before beginning publication.
How LLC Publishers Helps with Albany County Publication
All-inclusive pricing from $395 (Westchester)—your county determines the price. We handle the entire Albany County publication process. See exact pricing →
What's included:
- Publication in both designated newspapers (daily and weekly)
- Six consecutive weeks of publication as required by Section 206
- Affidavits of publication from both newspapers
- Certificate of Publication filing with NY Department of State
- $50 state filing fee
- Customer portal to track your publication status
What you save:
- Time researching and contacting newspapers
- Risk of errors or missed deadlines
- Hassle of managing the six-week process
- Uncertainty about whether you're complying correctly
Get started today or view detailed pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Albany County so much cheaper than other counties?
Albany has multiple designated newspapers competing for legal advertising, lower circulation than NYC papers (which means lower rates), and established infrastructure as the state capital. These factors combine to create the lowest publication costs in New York.
Is publishing in Albany County legal if my business is in NYC?
Yes. Section 206 requires publication in the county of your LLC's registered office address, not where you conduct business. Using a registered agent's Albany address while operating in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or anywhere else is completely legal.
How long does the entire process take in Albany County?
From starting publication to receiving your filed Certificate of Publication from the state, expect 8-12 weeks. The publication itself takes 6 weeks, plus time for affidavits and state processing.
Do Albany County newspapers include affidavits in their price?
Generally yes, but always confirm when requesting a quote. The Altamont Enterprise, for example, lists a separate $11 affidavit fee, while other newspapers typically include affidavits in their publication fee.
What if I miss the 120-day deadline?
Your LLC's authority to conduct business is suspended until you complete publication and file the Certificate of Publication. The requirements and costs remain the same—there's no penalty fee, but you cannot legally do business until compliance is complete.
Can I use the Daily Gazette instead of the Times Union?
Yes. The Daily Gazette is also designated as a daily newspaper for Albany County. You can use either the Times Union or Daily Gazette paired with a designated weekly newspaper.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive for accuracy, laws and procedures may change. For specific legal questions about your LLC, consult with a qualified attorney. LLC Publishers provides publication services and administrative filing assistance, but we are not a law firm and cannot provide legal advice.
Key Takeaways
- Albany County offers the lowest LLC publication costs in New York State at just $150-$300 for newspaper fees
- Designated daily newspapers include the Times Union and Daily Gazette; contact them directly to place legal notices
- Designated weekly newspapers include The Evangelist and Altamont Enterprise
- The Albany County Clerk is located at 16 Eagle Street, Albany, NY 12207; phone (518) 487-5100
- The Evangelist doesn't publish during July 4th week, last week of December, and 5th Thursdays—plan accordingly
- You can legally publish in Albany even if your business operates elsewhere by using an Albany registered agent address
- Savings compared to Manhattan range from $1,350 to $2,200 in newspaper fees alone
- The 120-day deadline applies regardless of which county you publish in—start early
- Total costs in Albany typically range from $200-$350 for DIY. All-inclusive pricing from $395 (Westchester)—see exact pricing
- This strategy is completely legal and used by thousands of New York LLCs annually
Ready to complete your LLC publication the affordable way? Get started with our all-inclusive service or view pricing by county.