Can I Use an Online Newspaper for NY LLC Publication?
No, online-only newspapers do not qualify for NY LLC publication. Section 206 of the NY LLC Law requires publication in newspapers that are "printed daily" and "printed weekly" — meaning physical, print editions designated by the county clerk. Digital-only news sites, blogs, and online publications do not meet the requirement, even if they have significant readership. Newspapers with both print and online editions do qualify — but only because of the print edition.
Online vs Print Publication Facts
What Section 206 Requires
Under Section 206 of the NY LLC Law, every newly formed LLC must publish notice of its formation in two newspapers:
- One newspaper published daily (print edition)
- One newspaper published weekly (print edition)
Both newspapers must be:
- Designated by the county clerk where your LLC's office is located
- In print circulation at the time of publication
- Approved for legal notices in that county
The publication must run once a week for six consecutive weeks in both papers. The statute uses the phrase "newspapers printed daily" and "printed weekly" — this wording is intentional. It means physical newspapers that are printed and distributed, not digital content published on a website.
Newspapers With Both Print and Online Editions
Many traditional newspapers publish both a print edition and an online version. These newspapers do qualify for LLC publication — but only because they have a print edition.
For example:
- The New York Law Journal (print + online) — Qualifies
- The Queens Courier (print + online) — Qualifies
- A blog or news website with no print edition — Does not qualify
Your notice content will run in the print version of the paper (and often also appears online), but it's the print publication that satisfies the legal requirement. When you receive your affidavits, they certify the print publication dates.
Why New York Doesn't Allow Online-Only Publications
New York is one of only a few states that still requires LLC publication, and the law has remained largely unchanged since it was enacted. While other areas of business law have modernized (such as electronic filing with the Department of State), the publication statute has not.
Several factors contribute:
Legislative inertia. Updating the statute requires legislative action, and there hasn't been sufficient momentum to modernize it.
Revenue for local newspapers. The publication requirement provides significant income to small local newspapers, creating a constituency that opposes changes.
Archival and verification purposes. Print newspapers have a clear publication date and archive trail, making it easier to verify compliance.
The practical reality: if you want to comply with Section 206, you must use print newspapers designated by your county clerk.
What Happens If You Use an Online-Only Publication
If you use a non-designated or online-only newspaper:
- The Department of State will reject your Certificate of Publication — when you submit your affidavits and certificate, the state verifies the newspapers were properly designated
- You'll need to republish — starting the entire six-week process over with designated newspapers
- You'll lose time and money — republishing means new fees, new ads, and more delay
- Deadline risk — if you miss the 120-day publication deadline, your LLC's authority to conduct business can be suspended under Section 206
Non-Designated Newspapers Cannot Be Remedied
Unlike minor newspaper errors that fall under substantial compliance, publishing in a non-designated newspaper is a fundamental compliance failure. You must start over with the correct newspapers.
How to Verify a Newspaper Qualifies
Before paying for publication, verify your newspapers are properly designated:
Step 1: Contact your county clerk. Email or call the county clerk's office in the county where your LLC's office is located. Request the current list of designated newspapers for LLC publication.
Step 2: Confirm print edition. Ask the clerk to confirm the designated newspapers are print publications. Most approved newspapers are traditional print papers, but it's worth confirming.
Step 3: Verify daily vs. weekly. Make sure you're selecting one newspaper that prints daily and one that prints weekly. You cannot use two weekly papers or two daily papers.
Step 4: Check current designation status. Newspaper designations can change. A paper that was approved last year may have closed or lost its designation. Always verify the current status before placing your publication order.
Want us to handle newspaper verification?
We verify newspaper designations with the county clerk, confirm print edition status, place your notices for six weeks, and file your Certificate of Publication. One flat fee.
Get StartedFAQ
Can I use a free community newspaper for LLC publication?
Yes, as long as it's designated by the county clerk and has a print edition. Some counties have free weekly papers on their designated lists. However, many free papers are not designated, so you must verify with the clerk.
The newspaper has more online readers than print — doesn't that count?
No. Readership numbers don't matter. Section 206 requires print publication, regardless of circulation or online traffic. The statute specifically says "printed daily" and "printed weekly."
Can I publish the notice on my own website or a news site?
No. Self-publishing does not satisfy the requirement. The notice must appear in county clerk-designated newspapers with print editions. The ad content must also follow specific statutory requirements.
What if the newspaper posts my ad online too?
That's fine — most newspapers publish legal notices on their websites in addition to the print edition. But the print edition is what counts for legal compliance. Your affidavits certify the print publication.
Can I use a PDF newsletter or print-on-demand publication?
Generally, no. The newspaper must be a regularly printed and circulated publication designated by the county clerk. Print-on-demand or PDF-only publications typically do not qualify.
What if a designated newspaper stopped printing?
If the newspaper has stopped its physical edition, it likely no longer qualifies. Contact the county clerk to confirm whether it's still on the designated list. If not, the clerk will designate a replacement.
Do both newspapers need to be based in my county?
Not necessarily. The newspapers must be designated by your county clerk, but they don't have to be physically located in your county. Some papers serve multiple counties. What matters is the clerk's designation, not the paper's physical location.
How much does it cost to publish in print newspapers?
Publication costs vary by county. NYC counties typically cost $1,200-$1,550+ to $1,400-$1,900+ for both papers. Counties like Albany cost $180-$350+. You can save on publication by changing your county if you're in a high-cost area.
How We Maintain This Data
This article reflects current New York State law as of February 2026. Our information is based on:
- Section 206 of the NY LLC Law — the statutory requirement for "printed" newspapers
- NY Department of State LLC resources — filing procedures and requirements
- NY DOS business entity database — for verifying LLC filings
- Our direct experience working with county clerks and designated newspapers across New York
Last verified: February 2026
LLC Publishers provides LLC publication filing services. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal questions about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.