How to Change Your LLC Name in Arizona

Changing your LLC name in Arizona requires filing Articles of Amendment with the Arizona Corporation Commission. Whether you’re rebranding, fixing a trademark conflict, or simply want a better name for your business, the process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail.

You’ll need to file the proper paperwork, pay the required fees, and then update your name across all business accounts and legal documents. Here’s everything you need to know to change your Arizona LLC name correctly.

When You Might Need to Change Your LLC Name

Business owners change their LLC names for several reasons:

• Rebranding your business: Your business has evolved and the current name no longer fits your services or target market
• Trademark conflicts: Another company has trademark rights to your current name or a confusingly similar name
• Marketing improvements: You want a name that’s easier to remember, spell, or explains what you do
• Partnership changes: Adding or removing business partners whose names are in the current LLC name
• Geographic expansion: Removing location-specific terms as you expand beyond your original area

Step 1: Check Name Availability

Before filing any paperwork, you must verify that your desired new name is available for use in Arizona. The name must be distinguishable from other business entities registered with the Arizona Corporation Commission.

Your new LLC name must include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.” You can search for name availability using the Arizona LLC name search system on the Corporation Commission website.

Name Reservation Option

If you want to secure a name while you prepare your amendment paperwork, you can reserve it for 120 days by paying a $10 fee. This prevents other businesses from taking the name while you complete the filing process.

Step 2: File Articles of Amendment

To officially change your LLC name, you must file Articles of Amendment with the Arizona Corporation Commission. This document notifies the state of your name change and updates your official business records.

Required Information

Your Articles of Amendment must include:

• Your current LLC name (exactly as it appears on your Articles of Organization)
• Your LLC number assigned by the state
• The new name you want to adopt
• A statement that the amendment was approved according to your operating agreement
• The signature of an authorized member or manager

Filing Methods and Fees

You can file your Articles of Amendment online through the Arizona Corporation Commission eCorp system or by mail. The standard filing fee is $25 for both methods.

Source: Arizona Corporation Commission Fee Schedule, verified March 2024

Expedited Processing Options

Arizona offers several expedited processing tiers if you need your name change processed faster than the standard 14-16 business days:

• Priority processing: +$35 (3-5 business days)
• Next business day: +$100 (by 5 PM if received before 5 PM)
• Same day processing: +$200 (by 5 PM if received before 10 AM)
• Two-hour processing: +$400 (8 AM to 3 PM only, same day)

Step 3: Update Federal and State Records

Once the Arizona Corporation Commission approves your name change, you’ll receive a certified copy of your Articles of Amendment. This document proves your LLC’s new legal name. Now you need to update your records with other agencies.

Update Your EIN with the IRS

You don’t need a new Employer Identification Number (EIN) when you change your LLC name, but you must notify the IRS of the change. Write a letter to the IRS including:

• Your EIN
• Your old LLC name
• Your new LLC name
• The effective date of the name change
• The reason for the change
• Your signature and title

Mail this letter to the IRS center where you originally obtained your EIN. Keep a copy for your records.

Arizona State Tax Registration

If your LLC is registered for Arizona state taxes, update your information with the Arizona Department of Revenue. You may need to file an amended registration or notification form depending on your tax obligations.

Step 4: Update Banking and Financial Accounts

Contact all banks and financial institutions where your LLC has accounts. You’ll need to provide them with a certified copy of your Articles of Amendment to update their records. This includes:

• Business checking and savings accounts
• Business credit cards
• Business loans or lines of credit
• Investment accounts
• PayPal, Stripe, or other payment processing accounts

Step 5: Update Business Licenses and Permits

Review all your business licenses and permits to determine which ones need updating with your new LLC name. This typically includes:

• City or county business licenses
• Professional licenses
• Sales tax permits
• Industry-specific permits
• Federal licenses (if applicable)

Contact each licensing agency to understand their specific requirements for name changes. Some may require new applications, while others accept amendment forms.

Step 6: Update Contracts and Legal Documents

Update your internal business documents and external contracts to reflect your new LLC name:

Internal Documents

• Operating Agreement: Amend to show the new LLC name
• Member certificates: Issue new certificates if you use them
• Corporate resolutions: Document the name change decision

External Contracts

• Customer and vendor contracts
• Lease agreements
• Insurance policies
• Service agreements
• Employment contracts

Review each contract to see if it includes provisions for name changes. Some contracts may require amendments or notifications to the other parties.

Step 7: Update Marketing Materials and Online Presence

Don’t forget to update your business’s public-facing materials:

• Business website and domain name
• Social media accounts and profiles
• Google My Business listing
• Business cards and letterhead
• Advertising materials
• Email signatures
• Vehicle wraps or signage

Timeline and Processing

The complete name change process typically takes 3-6 weeks when you account for:

• State processing: 14-16 business days (or faster with expedited options)
• IRS notification: 2-4 weeks for processing
• Bank updates: 1-2 weeks depending on your bank
• License updates: Varies by agency, typically 2-4 weeks

Plan ahead if you have time-sensitive contracts or marketing campaigns that depend on your new name.

Total Cost Summary

Here’s what you can expect to pay for an Arizona LLC name change:

• Articles of Amendment: $25 (standard processing)
• Expedited processing: +$35 to +$400 (optional)
• Name reservation: $10 (optional, if needed)
• Certified copies: $10 each (you may want several)
• Professional help: $0 to $200+ (optional)

Most LLC owners spend $25-$60 total for a name change, depending on whether they need expedited processing or extra certified copies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a new EIN after changing my LLC name?

No, you keep the same EIN. You only need to notify the IRS of your name change by sending them a letter with the details.

Can I change my LLC name myself?

Yes, filing Articles of Amendment is straightforward and you can do it yourself through the Arizona Corporation Commission’s online system or by mail.

How long does the name change take to become effective?

Your name change becomes effective immediately when the Arizona Corporation Commission approves and files your Articles of Amendment.

What if my desired name is already taken?

You’ll need to choose a different name. The Arizona Corporation Commission won’t approve names that are too similar to existing business entities.

Do I need to publish my name change in a newspaper?

Arizona doesn’t require newspaper publication for LLC name changes, unlike the initial formation requirement in some counties.

Can I change my name back later?

Yes, you can change your LLC name again by filing another Articles of Amendment and paying the $25 fee.

For more information about Arizona LLCs, see our comprehensive guide on how to start an LLC in Arizona or learn about Arizona LLC taxes.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Filing fees and requirements change : always confirm current fees with your state’s Secretary of State office.