Can I Use an Online Newspaper for My NY LLC Publication?
The Short Answer: No, Online-Only Newspapers Don't Qualify
If you're forming a New York LLC, you cannot use online-only newspapers to satisfy the publication requirement under Section 206. The law specifically requires publication in newspapers that are "printed daily" and "printed weekly" — meaning physical, print editions designated by the county clerk.
While many traditional newspapers also have online versions, it's the print edition that counts. Digital-only news sites, blogs, and online publications do not meet the legal requirement, even if they have significant readership or credibility.
Why This Question Comes Up
It's a reasonable question. In 2025, most people get their news online. Digital publications can have larger audiences than many local print newspapers, and online advertising is often faster and cheaper.
However, New York's LLC publication law was written decades ago and has not been updated to reflect the digital media landscape. The statute explicitly requires "printed" newspapers, and the Department of State enforces this literally.
What Section 206 Actually Requires
Under New York Limited Liability Company Law Section 206, 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 Language is Specific
The statute uses the phrase "newspapers printed daily" and "printed weekly" — this is not accidental wording. It means physical newspapers that are printed and distributed, not digital content published on a website.
What About 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
The key is the print edition. Your notice 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.
Why Doesn't New York Allow Online-Only Publications?
New York is one of only three 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.
There are a few likely reasons:
- Legislative inertia — updating the statute requires legislative action, and there's been no push to modernize it
- Revenue for local newspapers — the publication requirement provides significant income to small local newspapers
- Archival and verification purposes — print newspapers have a clear publication date and archive trail
Whatever the reasons, the practical reality is this: if you want to comply with Section 206, you must use print newspapers.
How to Verify a Newspaper Qualifies
Since you must use county-approved newspapers with print editions, here's how to verify a newspaper qualifies:
Step 1: Contact Your County Clerk
Call or email the county clerk's office in the county where your LLC's office is located. Ask for the current list of approved newspapers for LLC publication.
Step 2: Confirm Print Edition
Ask the county clerk to confirm that the newspapers on the list are print publications. Most approved newspapers will be traditional print papers, but it's worth confirming.
Step 3: Verify Daily vs. Weekly
Make sure you're selecting:
- One newspaper that prints daily (Monday through Friday or more frequently)
- One newspaper that prints weekly (once a week)
You cannot use two weekly papers or two daily papers — you need one of each.
Step 4: Check Current Approval Status
Newspaper approval can change. A paper that was approved last year may have closed or lost its designation. Always verify the current status before paying for publication.
What Happens If You Use an Online-Only Publication?
If you attempt to use an online-only newspaper (or any newspaper not approved by the county clerk), here's what will happen:
- The newspaper may refuse the ad — most legitimate papers know they're not approved for legal notices
- The Department of State will reject your Certificate of Publication — when you submit your affidavits and certificate, the state will verify the newspapers were approved
- You'll have to republish — this means starting the entire 6-week process over again with approved newspapers
- You'll lose time and money — republishing means new fees, new ads, and more delay
Worst of all, if you miss the 120-day deadline for publication (counted from the date your LLC was formed), your LLC's authority to do business can be suspended until you complete the requirement.
Common Misconceptions
Let's clear up a few common misunderstandings:
"The newspaper has more online readers than print readers — doesn't that count?"
No. Readership doesn't matter. The law requires print publication, regardless of circulation or online traffic.
"Can I just 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-designated newspapers with print editions.
"What if the newspaper posts my ad online too?"
That's fine — and most newspapers will post legal notices on their websites in addition to the print edition. But the print edition is what counts for legal compliance.
"Can I use a PDF newsletter or digital publication with a print-on-demand option?"
Generally, no. The newspaper must be a regularly printed and circulated publication. Print-on-demand or PDF-only publications typically do not qualify unless they're specifically approved by the county clerk (which is rare).
County-by-County Variations
While the state law requires print newspapers, each county clerk maintains its own list of approved papers. Some counties have many options, while others have very few.
| County | Typical Approved Papers | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New York (Manhattan) | New York Law Journal (daily), various weekly papers | Manhattan typically has the most expensive publication costs |
| Queens | Queens Courier, Queens Chronicle, and others | Multiple weekly options designated by the county clerk |
| Kings (Brooklyn) | Brooklyn Eagle, various community papers | Several approved papers to choose from |
| Westchester | Various local papers | Costs tend to be high compared to upstate counties |
| Albany | Albany Times Union (daily), Capital Region weekly papers | Often more affordable than NYC metro counties |
| Suffolk | Suffolk County News, Long Island Advance, and others | Multiple options, costs vary by paper |
Always verify with your specific county clerk — this table is illustrative, not exhaustive.
How LLC Publishers Handles This for You
At LLC Publishers, we work directly with county clerks across New York to ensure your publication is done correctly:
- We verify current newspaper approvals with the county clerk in your LLC's county
- We select the correct daily and weekly print newspapers for your location
- We place your notices for six consecutive weeks in both papers
- We collect the affidavits of publication from each newspaper
- We file your Certificate of Publication with the NY Department of State
You don't have to worry about whether a newspaper qualifies, whether it has a print edition, or whether it's still approved. We handle the entire process from start to finish for a flat fee of $595 — no hidden costs, no surprises.
Get started with our $595 service
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a free community newspaper for LLC publication?
Yes, as long as it's county-approved and has a print edition. Some counties have free weekly papers on their approved lists. However, many free papers are not approved, so you must verify with the county clerk.
What if the newspaper I want to use is only available in digital format now?
If the newspaper has stopped printing a physical edition, it likely no longer qualifies. Contact the county clerk to confirm whether it's still on the approved list.
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.
Can I publish in an out-of-state newspaper that has an online edition?
No. The newspapers must be designated by your New York county clerk and must serve that county. Out-of-state papers do not qualify.
What if I can't find the county clerk's list online?
Many counties post their approved newspaper lists on their websites, but some do not. If you can't find it online, call the county clerk's office directly and ask for the current list.
How much does it cost to publish in print newspapers?
Publication costs vary widely by county and newspaper. In New York City counties, costs typically range from $1,500 to $2,500 for both papers. In upstate and less expensive counties, costs can be as low as $600 to $1,000.
LLC Publishers offers a flat $595 service that covers both newspapers regardless of your county — we absorb the difference in newspaper costs.
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
- Online-only newspapers do not qualify for NY LLC publication under Section 206
- The law requires print editions — specifically newspapers "printed daily" and "printed weekly"
- Newspapers with both print and online versions do qualify, but only because of the print edition
- You must use county-approved newspapers designated by the county clerk where your LLC office is located
- Using an unapproved or online-only publication will result in rejection by the Department of State and require republishing
- Always verify newspaper approval with your county clerk before paying for publication
- LLC Publishers handles the entire process for a flat $595 fee, ensuring compliance with all print and approval requirements
Need help with your LLC publication? Contact us or check our comprehensive FAQ to learn more about how we simplify the process.