How To Change an LLC Name in Arizona (Easy Guide)
If you’re an LLC owner in Arizona, changing your business name is one of the important decisions you can make during your business's lifetime.
As a business advisor who has assisted over 20 Arizona business entities with LLC administrative changes in the past 3 years, I've seen firsthand how important it is to file correctly with the Arizona Corporation Commission.
I researched the ACC website and compiled the most current filing requirements and fees to create this accurate, actionable guide for you.
Quick Summary
- To change an LLC name in Arizona, you must file and submit the Articles of Amendment documents to the Arizona Corporation Commission.
- It costs $25 to change an LLC name in Arizona and $10 to reserve a new name.
- The most common reason filings get rejected is that the business name has already been claimed by another business
- I remind you that you should change your LLC name on contracts, websites, and bank accounts, and inform clients of the update.
3 Steps To Change an LLC Name in Arizona
Follow these three steps to change an LLC name in Arizona.
1. Choose a New Arizona LLC Name
Before you file any papers, you must choose a new name for your business [1]. Check the name to make sure it's available.
Your proposed name must conform with the following state naming requirements:
If it's a non-professional LLC, it must:
- Must contain "limited liability company" or an LLC, L.C, or L.L.C abbreviations.
- Must not include any of these words "corporation," "association," or "incorporated."
If it's a professional LLC, it must:
- Contain the words "professional limited liability company " or the abbreviations "P.L.L.C.," "PLC," "PLLC," or "P.L.C."
Like in most other states, business names must be distinct in Arizona. Before submitting your application to the state, we recommend verifying on Arizona's Business Entity Search to ensure your selected name is accessible.
If you select a name similar to another entity's, your application will automatically be rejected.
In our experience, we always perform a trademark search to ensure the new name doesn't infringe on any trademark rights. You can also trademark that name for your business.
2. Get Member Approval For Name Change
To obtain member approval for an LLC name change in Arizona, start by holding a formal meeting of the members, following your operating agreement or state regulations.
Distribute a notice detailing the proposed name change, the reasons for it, and the meeting agenda well in advance. During the meeting, present the rationale behind the name change and allow members to express their opinions.
Seek a majority vote in favor of the new name, ensuring compliance with any supermajority requirements outlined in the operating agreement.
We recommend documenting the decision in meeting minutes and updating the necessary legal documents, such as the Articles of Organization, to reflect the approved name change.
3. File Arizona Articles of Amendment
To formally alter the name of your limited liability company, you must file an Articles of Amendment document to the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) [2]. We did it online, but you can also file by mail, or through fax.
The Arizona Articles of Amendment can be used to modify different details of your LLC, including name, management structure, registered agent service, business type, and more.
Here's a rundown of the basic information you must provide when filing your Articles of Amendment to change your Arizona LLC name.
- Your entity's current registered legal business name or trade name or DBA name (Doing Business As).
- The newly available and unique business name.
- Official signature of an authorized agent, an attorney, an LLC director, or a member.
- Mailing address.
- The $25 filing fee.
Mail your completed Arizona Articles of Amendment to the following address:
Arizona Corporation Commission – Examination Section
1300 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
"To change your LLC name, you're required to submit the Articles of Amendment to the Arizona Corporation Commission, which formally updates your LLC's legal entity status on state records."
- Jon Morgan, CEO, Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Venture Smarter
Common Reasons for Changing an LLC Name
Understanding why businesses change their LLC names helps you determine if it's the right move. Research shows 74% of major companies rebrand within their first seven years of operation [3].
In my experience helping businesses with name changes, I've seen clients rebrand for business expansion into new markets, mergers requiring unified branding, and trademark disputes demanding immediate action.
I've also worked with LLC owners who needed to distance their company from negative associations or who simply outgrew their original name as their services evolved beyond the initial scope.
Market repositioning also drives name changes. If you've shifted your target audience or core offerings, your LLC name should reflect these changes to maintain brand alignment.
What To Do After You Change Your Arizona LLC Name?
After you change your LLC name, it's time to update the new name in different areas of your business.
Ensure that you:
- Update your operating agreement: After changing your LLC name in Arizona, update your operating agreement to reflect the new name and maintain internal consistency.
- Inform banks and financial institutions: Notify your financial institutions of the LLC name change so they can update your bank accounts, checks, and other financial records.
- Update licenses and permits: Promptly update all licenses and permits associated with your LLC to avoid disruptions and maintain regulatory compliance.
- Update contracts and agreements: Review and amend existing contracts and agreements with the new LLC name to prevent misunderstandings with business partners, vendors, or clients.
- Notify government agencies: Notify relevant government agencies such as the Arizona Corporation Commission about the LLC name change to fulfill your legal obligations.
- Notify clients and customers: Communicate the LLC name change to clients and customers, updating them on any changes in contact information or branding.
Related articles:
- How To Create an LLC in Arizona
- Best LLC Formation Services in Arizona
- How Long Does It Take To Form an LLC in Arizona
Alternatives to LLC Name Change
In my experience navigating the intricacies of LLC management in Arizona, I've found two viable alternatives to a name change: filing a Doing Business As (DBA) name or obtaining a Certificate of Correction.
Each offers distinct advantages without requiring a complete overhaul.
DBA
When changing your LLC name in Arizona, opting for a DBA allows you to operate under a different name without altering the original entity.
This provides flexibility in branding and marketing, enabling you to maintain the LLC's legal structure while using a more market-friendly or updated name.
Certificate of Correction
A Certificate of Correction is a corrective filing used in Arizona to rectify errors or omissions in previously filed documents.
While not specifically for name changes, it can be utilized to amend certain inaccuracies in your LLC documentation, providing a method for minor adjustments without a complete name change process.
FAQs
How Much Does It Cost To Change a Business Name in Arizona?
It costs $25 to change a business name in Arizona. The filing fee covers processing the Amendment form by the ACC.
How Long Does It Take To Change a Business Name in Arizona?
It takes 4-6 business days to change a business name in Arizona by mail. Online filings are approved almost instantly.
References:
- https://www.azcc.gov/corporations/naming-policy#gsc.tab=0
- https://www.azcc.gov/docs/default-source/corps-files/forms/l015-articles-of-amendment.pdf?sfvrsn=97ecf026_16
- https://www.bynder.com/en/blog/rebranding-statistics/
