Manhattan LLC Publication Costs (New York County)
Manhattan Has the Highest LLC Publication Costs in New York
Manhattan (New York County) LLC publication costs $1,500 to $2,500+, making it the most expensive county in New York State for this requirement. Add the $50 state filing fee, and you're looking at $1,550 to $2,550+ total to complete your publication requirement.
Why so expensive? The New York Law Journal is the mandatory daily newspaper for all Manhattan LLC publications, and its legal notice rates are significantly higher than newspapers in other counties. The weekly newspaper designation adds another several hundred dollars on top.
This guide covers exactly what you'll pay, why Manhattan costs so much, and whether you can legally reduce these costs.
Manhattan LLC Publication Cost Breakdown
Here's exactly what you'll pay for LLC publication in Manhattan (New York County):
Total DIY Cost: $1,550 - $2,550+
| Cost Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| New York Law Journal (daily, 6 weeks) | $1,200 - $2,000+ |
| Weekly newspaper (6 weeks) | $300 - $500 |
| NY DOS filing fee | $50 |
| Total | $1,550 - $2,550+ |
Why the Wide Range?
Publication costs in Manhattan vary based on:
- Notice length - Longer LLC names and addresses cost more
- Weekly newspaper assigned - Some weeklies charge more than others
- Rate changes - Newspapers adjust prices periodically
- Volume discounts - Publication services may get better rates
The New York Law Journal charges by the line or word count, so a simple LLC notice costs less than one with multiple members listed, a lengthy business purpose, or a long address.
Why Manhattan Is the Most Expensive County
Manhattan's high publication costs trace directly to one newspaper: The New York Law Journal.
The New York Law Journal Monopoly
For Manhattan (New York County), the New York Law Journal is the mandatory daily newspaper for all LLC publications. You cannot use any other daily paper. This is set by the New York County Clerk's designation.
The New York Law Journal:
- Is a legal industry publication with a specialized readership
- Charges premium rates for legal notices
- Has no competing daily alternative in New York County
- Knows every Manhattan LLC must publish there
This effective monopoly allows them to charge $1,200 to $2,000+ for six weeks of publication—compared to $100-$300 for daily newspapers in upstate counties.
The Weekly Newspaper Variable
The New York County Clerk's Office maintains a rotating list of designated weekly newspapers. When you request a designation, they assign the next weekly paper on their list.
Weekly newspaper costs in Manhattan typically range from $300 to $500 for the six-week publication. This varies based on which paper you're assigned.
Manhattan vs. Other Counties
| County | Typical Total Cost | Daily Newspaper |
|---|---|---|
| Manhattan (New York) | $1,550 - $2,550+ | New York Law Journal |
| Brooklyn (Kings) | $1,000 - $1,600 | Brooklyn Daily Eagle |
| Queens | $800 - $1,400 | Queens Daily Eagle |
| Albany | $200 - $400 | Local papers |
| Sullivan | $350 - $550 | Regional papers |
Manhattan costs 4-10x more than upstate counties—a significant difference that leads many business owners to consider alternatives.
How Manhattan LLC Publication Works
Understanding the process helps you plan your timeline and budget.
Step 1: Get Your Newspaper Designations
You must obtain newspaper designations from the New York County Clerk before publishing. The Clerk will assign:
- New York Law Journal (mandatory daily for all Manhattan LLCs)
- A weekly newspaper from their rotating list
New York County Clerk's Office:
- Website: ww2.nycourts.gov/courts/1jd/county-clerk
- You'll need your filed Articles of Organization and filing receipt
Important: The Clerk will not tell you the weekly newspaper until you provide your LLC documentation. They select from their rotating list when you request the designation.
Step 2: Submit Your Notice to Both Papers
Contact both designated newspapers with your publication notice. The notice must include:
- LLC name (exactly as filed)
- Date Articles of Organization were filed
- County (New York County)
- Principal office address
- Secretary of State designation language
- Character of business
Step 3: Six Weeks of Publication
Your notice must run once per week for six consecutive weeks in both newspapers simultaneously.
Step 4: Collect Affidavits
After the six weeks, each newspaper provides an Affidavit of Publication—a notarized statement confirming your notice ran for six consecutive weeks.
Step 5: File Certificate of Publication
Submit your Certificate of Publication (form DOS-1708-f-L) to the NY Department of State with:
- Both original affidavits
- $50 filing fee
Learn more about filing your Certificate of Publication →
New York Law Journal Contact Information
Since the New York Law Journal is mandatory for Manhattan publication, here's how to reach them:
New York Law Journal Legal Notices:
- Phone: (866) 305-3058
- Email: legals@alm.com
- Website: www.nylj.com (click "Public Notices")
When contacting the NYLJ:
- Have your LLC name and formation date ready
- Ask for a quote based on your specific notice text
- Confirm the total cost for six consecutive weeks
- Ask about their affidavit delivery timeline
Can You Reduce Manhattan Publication Costs?
Many Manhattan LLC owners look for ways to reduce publication costs. Here are your options:
Option 1: Change Your LLC's County Before Publication
The strategy: If you haven't filed your Articles of Organization yet, or are willing to amend them, you can list an address in a cheaper county.
How it works:
- Use a registered agent or virtual office in Albany County
- Publication costs drop from $1,500+ to around $200-$400
- Completely legal if your registered agent address is your LLC's principal office
Considerations:
- Your LLC's official address will be in that county
- Some businesses need a Manhattan address for credibility
- Virtual office or registered agent fees are ongoing
Read our guide on saving money by changing your county →
Option 2: Virtual Office in Albany County
Cost comparison:
- Manhattan publication: $1,550 - $2,550
- Albany County publication: $200 - $400
- Virtual office service: $100 - $300/year
Net savings: $1,000 - $2,000 in year one
Some LLC owners use an Albany County virtual office address specifically for the publication requirement, then conduct business normally in Manhattan. This is legal because your LLC's "principal office" can be different from where you physically work.
Option 3: Use a Publication Service
Publication services like LLC Publishers handle the entire process, often with negotiated newspaper rates. While there's a service fee, the convenience and potentially lower newspaper rates can make sense for busy business owners.
LLC Publishers Manhattan service: Contact us for current pricing
What Doesn't Work
Using non-designated newspapers: You cannot choose your own newspapers. Only the County Clerk-designated papers satisfy Section 206.
Online-only publication: Digital newspapers do not satisfy the publication requirement. It must be print newspapers.
Skipping publication: Failure to publish results in suspension of your LLC's authority to conduct business.
Timeline for Manhattan LLC Publication
Plan for approximately 10-12 weeks from start to finish:
| Week | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Request newspaper designation from County Clerk |
| 2 | Submit notice to NYLJ and weekly newspaper, pay fees |
| 2-7 | Six weeks of publication |
| 8 | Collect affidavits from both newspapers |
| 9 | File Certificate of Publication with NY DOS |
| 10-12 | Wait for state processing (2-4 weeks standard) |
Remember: You have 120 days from your LLC's formation date to complete this entire process. Starting early gives you buffer time for delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Manhattan LLC publication so expensive?
Manhattan is expensive because the New York Law Journal is the mandatory daily newspaper, and they charge premium rates ($1,200-$2,000+). There's no alternative daily newspaper designated for New York County, so every Manhattan LLC must pay their rates.
Can I use a different daily newspaper instead of the New York Law Journal?
No. The New York County Clerk has designated the New York Law Journal as the mandatory daily newspaper for LLC publications. You cannot substitute any other publication.
How do I get my weekly newspaper assignment?
Contact the New York County Clerk's Office with your filed Articles of Organization. They maintain a rotating list and will assign the next weekly newspaper on their list when you request a designation.
Is it legal to use an Albany County address to save money?
Yes, if you legitimately have a registered agent or virtual office at that address and list it as your LLC's principal office in your Articles of Organization. Many Manhattan business owners do this specifically to reduce publication costs.
What if I already filed with a Manhattan address?
You can file a Certificate of Change (DOS-1359-f) to update your LLC's county to another county, then publish in that county instead. The state fee is $30. This can save you $1,000+ compared to Manhattan publication.
How long do I have to complete Manhattan publication?
You have 120 days from your LLC's formation date. Given the 10-12 week typical timeline, start as soon as possible after forming your LLC.
What happens if I don't publish in Manhattan?
Your LLC's authority to conduct business in New York is suspended. You won't be able to sue in New York courts or obtain a Certificate of Good Standing until you complete publication (even late) and file your Certificate of Publication.
Can I get a receipt for the publication costs?
Yes. Both the New York Law Journal and your assigned weekly newspaper will provide receipts. These are legitimate business expenses that may be deductible—consult your tax advisor.
How LLC Publishers Can Help
Navigating Manhattan publication is complex and expensive. LLC Publishers handles the entire process:
- County Clerk coordination - We request your newspaper designations
- NYLJ submission - We prepare and submit your notice to the New York Law Journal
- Weekly newspaper coordination - We manage the assigned weekly publication
- Six-week monitoring - We ensure your notices run correctly
- Affidavit collection - We obtain both affidavits after publication
- State filing - We file your Certificate of Publication with NY DOS
Get a quote for Manhattan LLC publication →
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. Newspaper rates fluctuate and the costs provided are estimates based on current typical rates. 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
-
Manhattan LLC publication costs $1,550 to $2,550+, making it the most expensive county in New York
-
The New York Law Journal is mandatory for all Manhattan LLCs—there is no alternative daily newspaper
-
Weekly newspapers are assigned from a rotating list by the New York County Clerk's Office
-
You can legally reduce costs by using an address in a cheaper county like Albany before filing your Articles of Organization
-
Publication takes 10-12 weeks from requesting designations to receiving your filed Certificate of Publication
-
The 120-day deadline starts from your LLC's formation date—start early to avoid rushing
-
NYLJ contact: (866) 305-3058 or legals@alm.com for legal notice submissions
-
Virtual office strategy: Using an Albany address can save $1,000-$2,000+ compared to Manhattan publication
-
Professional services can handle the complexity and may have access to better newspaper rates
Related Resources
- NY LLC Publication Costs by County (2025 Breakdown)
- Save on LLC Publication by Changing Your County
- What Is the County Clerk's Role in NY LLC Publication?
- How to File Your Certificate of Publication in New York
Get started with Manhattan LLC publication → | View all county guides →