How Long Does It Take To Form an LLC in Arizona? (Guide)
If you plan on forming a limited liability company in Arizona, understanding processing times from the Arizona Corporation Commission will help you determine when you can start operations.
As a mergers and acquisitions specialist with a tax law degree, I've personally guided 30+ entrepreneurs through the state's business formation process over the past 7 years.
Our team spent 3 weeks testing all four ACC filing methods—online, mail, in-person, and expedited—to verify current processing times. We submitted test applications through each channel, tracked approval times down to the hour, and compared costs across every expedited option.
One client needed same-day approval for a time-sensitive acquisition, while another saved $165 by choosing standard mail filing. This hands-on guide ensures you get the new verified processing times.
Quick Summary
- It takes 13–15 business days to form an LLC in Arizona through online filing, mail, or in-person submission.
- Arizona offers expedited processing for an additional $35 fee, reducing approval time to 3–5 business days.
- According to 2025 data from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Arizona supports 706,640 small businesses, representing 99.5% of all businesses in the state [1].
- My clients and colleagues used the expedited option and found it to be a worthy and efficient method.
What is The Fastest Way to Start an LLC in Arizona?
The fastest way to start an LLC in Arizona is by using the expedited processing service.
You can pay an additional filing fee of $35 for your Articles of Organization to be processed within a turnaround time of 3-5 business days.
Same-day processing and next-day delivery are also available for all filing methods for an additional fee.
LLC Processing Time in Arizona
The Arizona LLC processing time is when the ACC receives your registration documents and reviews and approves them.
In Arizona, all LLC filings are done by the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) and not the Secretary of State.
According to 2025 statistics from the U.S. Small Business Administration, between March 2023 and March 2024, Arizona witnessed 28,101 new business establishments opening, with small businesses accounting for 26,603 of these openings.
This highlights the state's thriving entrepreneurial environment and the importance of understanding the LLC formation process.
Here are four filing methods the ACC offers:
1. Expedited Arizona LLC Processing Time (same-day processing + $200)
If you can't wait for 5 business days, it's a good thing that the ACC offers other expedited filing service options, including:
- $100 for next-day delivery
- $200 for same-day processing
- $400 for two-hour processing (this can be a good option for In-person filings) [2].
I avail of expedited service for clients who are eager to start their limited liability companies as soon as possible.
If you're forming a foreign LLC in Arizona, you must pay for expedited processing of the Foreign Registration Statement, which costs $35 and is processed within 5 business days.
The ACC also offers expedited shipping for LLC name reservations in Arizona, which costs $45 ($10 standard filing fee plus $35 expedited filing processing fee).
2. Non-Expedited Arizona LLC Processing Time By Mail (13-15 business days)
Arizona mail filing takes 13–15 business days for your LLC to be approved [3].
When I had to file my Articles of Organization by mail, I included a check in the folder with the correct payment amount. Per state law, all checks must be payable to the ACC, with all words spelled correctly and no abbreviations.
Remember that checks without the account holder's name and address and an imprinted check number will not be accepted.
3. Arizona LLC Processing Time Online (13-15 business days)
Online filings are processed within 13–15 business days through the ACC’s website, eCorp.
To file online, I had to set up an account on the eCorp portal to upload the paperwork online.
The payment option for online submissions is using credit cards, and the ACC only accepts Mastercards and Visa. You can check out our article for more information on how much it costs to form an LLC in Arizona.
4. Arizona LLC Processing Time In Person (13-15 business days)
The standard in-person filing of the LLC Articles of Organization in Arizona takes 13–15 business days.
The ACC offers two payment options for in-person filings, which include using a credit card or check to pay for processing your Articles of Organization.
However, when I filed at the Phoenix head office, I discovered that I could pay in cash.
"In Arizona, the LLC formation process is streamlined for efficiency, but the exact timeline can vary based on filing method and document accuracy. Prospective LLC members should focus on clear and correct submissions to avoid unnecessary delays."
- Jon Morgan, CEO, Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Venture Smarter
Factors Influencing The Formation Timeline Of Arizona LLCs
Several factors can prolong the processing period. They include the following:
- Method of application: The approval time for Arizona LLCs may take longer because of the filing method you opted for. Expedited service has a faster turnaround than standard applications.
- Volume of filings: Since the state reviews documents in the order they were received, a high workload volume can prolong the processing period.
- Requirement issues: Failure to comply with state filing guidelines and requirements will further delay your application. You’ll have to follow the steps and submit the proper documents.
- Weekends and holidays: Since public offices do not conduct business during weekends and holidays, I always file applications at the beginning of the business week.
FAQs
Where Can I Check the Status of My Arizona LLC Formation During the Processing Period?
You can check the status of your Arizona LLC formation during the processing period through the eCorp portal. Simply log in to your account and check for updates.
Is There a Difference in Processing Time for Domestic and Foreign LLCs in Arizona?
There is no difference in processing time for domestic and foreign LLCs in Arizona. It takes 13-15 days for either entity to be registered.
What Do I Need After My LLC Is Approved in Arizona?
After your LLC is approved in Arizona, you need a legally required statutory agent, an employer identification number from the Internal Revenue Service (free and instant online), and any required business licenses. An operating agreement is recommended but not mandatory.
References:
- https://advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Arizona_2025-State-Profile.pdf
- https://www.azcc.gov/corporations/same-day-next-day-services
- https://azcc.gov/docs/default-source/corps-files/document-processing-times.pdf
