Do I Need to Publish Again If I Change My Business Address?
The Short Answer: No, You Do NOT Need to Republish
If you've already completed your LLC publication requirement and now need to change your business address, you do not need to publish again. The Section 206 publication requirement applies only once — when your LLC is initially formed.
Address changes, office relocations, and even moving to a different county do not trigger a new publication requirement. Instead, you'll file a simple Certificate of Change with the New York Department of State for a $30 fee.
This rule applies whether you're moving across the street or to an entirely different New York county.
What Section 206 Actually Says About Address Changes
The New York LLC Law Section 206 explicitly addresses this scenario. The statute includes a critical provision:
"Where, at any time after completion of the six weekly publications required by this subdivision, there is a change to any of the information contained in the copy or notice as published, no further or amended publication or republication shall be required to be made."
What This Means in Practice
Once you've satisfied the initial publication requirement — publishing for six consecutive weeks in two county-designated newspapers and filing your Certificate of Publication — that's it. You're done with publication forever.
Changes to your LLC's information after that point, including:
- Business address changes
- Registered agent address changes
- Moving to a different county
- Changes to your principal office location
…do not require you to republish.
Section 206 is part of Article 2 ("Formation") of the LLC Law. It governs the formation process, not ongoing compliance. Once formation is complete, publication is complete.
What You Actually Need to Do When Changing Your Address
Instead of republishing, you'll file a Certificate of Change with the New York Department of State.
What Is a Certificate of Change?
A Certificate of Change is a simple form governed by Section 211-A of the NY LLC Law. It allows your LLC to update:
- The name and address of your designated office (where the Secretary of State sends legal notices)
- Your county location
- Your registered agent designation
How to File a Certificate of Change
Step 1: Obtain the Form
Download the Certificate of Change form from the New York Department of State website.
Step 2: Complete the Form
Fill out:
- Your LLC's exact name (as it appears on file with the Department of State)
- Your file number (if known)
- The specific changes you're making (new address, new county, etc.)
- Signature of an authorized member or manager
Step 3: Submit with $30 Filing Fee
Mail the completed form with a $30 check or money order to:
New York Department of State Division of Corporations One Commerce Plaza 99 Washington Avenue Albany, NY 12231-0001
Processing Time: Typically 2-4 weeks by mail. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee.
What If I'm Moving to a Different County?
Even if you're relocating from one New York county to another, you do not need to republish.
The Confusion Around County Changes
Many LLC owners worry about this scenario because the initial publication requirement is county-specific. When you first formed your LLC, you were required to publish in newspapers designated by the county clerk where your LLC's office was located.
This leads to the logical question: "If I move from Queens County to Albany County, don't I need to publish in Albany County newspapers now?"
The Clear Answer: No
Section 206 does not require republication when your county changes. The publication requirement is tied to formation, not to your ongoing county location.
When you move counties, you simply:
- File a Certificate of Change noting the new county
- Update your address with the Department of State
- Pay the $30 filing fee
That's it. No newspapers. No affidavits. No six-week publication period.
What If I Never Published in the First Place?
This is a different situation entirely. If you skipped the initial publication requirement when your LLC was formed, changing your address doesn't solve that problem.
Unpublished LLCs and Suspended Status
If your LLC never completed the Section 206 publication requirement within 120 days of formation, your authority to conduct business may have been suspended.
In this case:
- You still need to publish — even years later, you must complete the initial publication requirement
- The original county applies — you publish in newspapers designated by the county clerk where your LLC's office was located at the time of formation, not your current location
- Address changes are separate — you can file a Certificate of Change for your new address, but you still need to fulfill the original publication obligation
Learn more: Missed Your NY LLC Publication Deadline? Here's What to Do
Does Changing My Registered Agent Require Republication?
No. Changing your registered agent also does not trigger a new publication requirement.
If you're switching registered agents or updating the registered agent's address, you'll use the same Certificate of Change form referenced above.
Quick Clarification: Registered Agent vs. Publication County
Your registered agent's address and your publication county are related but separate:
- Publication county is determined by where your LLC's office is located (as stated in your Articles of Organization)
- Registered agent is the person or entity designated to receive legal notices on behalf of your LLC
If your registered agent is located in a different county than your LLC's principal office, that doesn't affect your publication requirements. You publish in the county where your LLC office is located, not where your registered agent resides.
Learn more: NY Registered Agent & LLC Publication: What You Need
What About Changes to My LLC's Name or Purpose?
Address changes use a Certificate of Change, but changes to your LLC's name or business purpose require a different form: a Certificate of Amendment.
Certificate of Amendment vs. Certificate of Change
| Type of Change | Form Required | Publication Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Business address | Certificate of Change (Section 211-A) | No |
| County location | Certificate of Change (Section 211-A) | No |
| Registered agent | Certificate of Change (Section 211-A) | No |
| LLC name | Certificate of Amendment (Section 211) | No |
| Business purpose | Certificate of Amendment (Section 211) | No |
| Management structure | Certificate of Amendment (Section 211) | No |
Important: None of these changes require republication under Section 206. The publication requirement is a one-time obligation tied to your LLC's formation.
Real-World Example: Moving from Manhattan to Albany
Let's walk through a common scenario:
Situation: You formed your LLC in New York County (Manhattan) in 2023. You completed the publication requirement in two Manhattan newspapers within 120 days and filed your Certificate of Publication. Now, in 2025, you're relocating your business to Albany County.
Question: Do you need to publish in Albany County newspapers?
Answer: No. Here's what you do instead:
- File a Certificate of Change with the NY Department of State
- Check the box indicating a change of county
- List your new Albany County address
- Pay the $30 filing fee
- Wait for approval (typically 2-4 weeks)
That's it. No publication. No affidavits. No waiting six weeks.
Your LLC's status remains in good standing, and your business can continue operating in Albany County without interruption.
Common Misconceptions About Republication
Myth 1: "If I move counties, I need to publish in the new county"
Reality: Section 206 does not require republication for address or county changes. You only file a Certificate of Change.
Myth 2: "I need to publish every time I update my information with the state"
Reality: Publication is a one-time requirement at formation. Updating your information later requires administrative filings (Certificate of Change or Certificate of Amendment), not publication.
Myth 3: "My registered agent moved, so I need to publish again"
Reality: Registered agent changes are handled through a Certificate of Change. No publication is required.
Myth 4: "If I change my address during the six-week publication period, I have to start over"
Reality: Section 206 allows you to complete the remaining publications with the original information. You are not required to publish an amended notice.
How to Know If Your LLC Has Already Published
If you're unsure whether your LLC completed the initial publication requirement, here's how to verify:
Option 1: Check Department of State Records
Call the NY Department of State Division of Corporations at (518) 473-2492 and ask whether a Certificate of Publication is on file for your LLC.
Option 2: Review Your Formation Documents
If you used a formation service, law firm, or registered agent when forming your LLC, check your records for:
- Affidavits of publication from two newspapers
- A filed Certificate of Publication
- Receipts or invoices showing publication fees paid
Option 3: Search Your Email and Bank Records
If you handled publication yourself, search for:
- Emails from newspapers confirming publication
- Credit card or check payments to newspapers
- Correspondence with the county clerk's office
If you can't find evidence of publication, assume it wasn't completed and take action to publish now.
When Does an LLC Need to File Updates with the State?
While you don't need to republish for address changes, you do need to keep your information current with the Department of State. Failing to update your address can result in:
- Missed legal notices — The Department of State sends important notices to your designated address
- Service of process issues — If someone sues your LLC, they serve documents at your registered address
- Compliance problems — Outdated information can trigger administrative issues
Timeline for Filing Updates
You should file a Certificate of Change within a reasonable time after your address changes. While New York doesn't specify an exact deadline for address changes, updating promptly ensures:
- You receive important state correspondence
- Your LLC can be properly served with legal documents
- Your business records are accurate
As a best practice, file your Certificate of Change within 30 days of relocating.
How LLC Publishers Can Help
At LLC Publishers, we handle the initial Section 206 publication requirement from start to finish. Our all-inclusive service includes:
✅ Selecting county-designated newspapers (daily and weekly) ✅ Placing your publication ads for six consecutive weeks ✅ Collecting affidavits of publication from both newspapers ✅ Filing your Certificate of Publication with the NY Department of State
Once we've completed your publication, you're done forever — no matter how many times you change your address or move counties in the future.
If you're relocating your business and need to update your LLC's address, the Certificate of Change is a simple DIY filing. But if you never completed the initial publication, we can help you get compliant.
Get started with LLC Publishers
Frequently Asked Questions
If I form a new LLC at my new address, do I need to publish again?
Yes. Each LLC is a separate legal entity. If you form a new LLC (rather than moving your existing LLC), the new LLC must complete its own Section 206 publication requirement.
Can I file a Certificate of Change online?
As of 2025, the NY Department of State does not offer online filing for Certificates of Change. You must mail the form with your filing fee.
Does changing my address affect my EIN or tax registrations?
Changing your LLC's address does not change your federal EIN (Employer Identification Number). However, you should:
- Update your address with the IRS (Form 8822-B)
- Update your address with the NY Department of Taxation and Finance
- Notify any banks, vendors, or clients of your new address
What if I have multiple office locations in different counties?
Your LLC's principal office (as listed in your Articles of Organization) determines your publication county. If you add additional office locations in other counties, you do not need to publish in those counties. You only publish once, based on the principal office location at the time of formation.
Do I need an attorney to file a Certificate of Change?
No. The Certificate of Change is a straightforward form that most LLC owners can complete themselves. However, if you have complex changes (changing name, management structure, or business purpose), consulting an attorney may be helpful.
How long does it take for a Certificate of Change to be processed?
By mail, expect 2-4 weeks. The Department of State offers expedited processing for an additional fee if you need faster service.
Key Takeaways
✔ You do NOT need to republish if your LLC changes its business address ✔ Section 206 publication is a one-time requirement tied to formation, not ongoing address updates ✔ File a Certificate of Change (not a publication) when your address changes — $30 fee, no newspapers required ✔ Moving to a different county does NOT trigger republication — you simply update your county on the Certificate of Change ✔ Registered agent changes also do not require republication — handled through the same Certificate of Change form ✔ If you never published in the first place, changing your address doesn't exempt you from the original requirement
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, address changes, or publication compliance, 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.
Need help with your LLC publication? Contact LLC Publishers or view our all-inclusive pricing.