Filing Your Certificate of Publication in Westchester
The Certificate of Publication (Form DOS-1708) is the final document you file with the New York Department of State to complete your LLC's publication requirement under Section 206 of the NY LLC Law. You mail the completed form along with both affidavits of publication and a $50 filing fee to the Division of Corporations in Albany. Once the state processes your filing, you receive a Filing Receipt confirming your publication requirement is satisfied.
Where this step fits in the full publication process: Under Section 206, every New York LLC must (1) obtain a newspaper designation from the county clerk, (2) publish a notice of formation in two designated newspapers — one daily, one weekly — once per week for six consecutive weeks, (3) collect sworn affidavits from both newspapers confirming the notice ran, and (4) file this Certificate of Publication with the Department of State within 120 days of formation. This article covers step 4 in detail.
Certificate of Publication at a Glance
- Form: DOS-1708 — download from the NY Department of State
- Filing fee: $50 (check, money order, or credit card)
- How to file: Mail only — no online or in-person filing available
- Mail to: NY Department of State, Division of Corporations, One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12231
- Processing time: 2-4 weeks (standard), or as fast as 2 hours with expedited processing
- What you receive: A Filing Receipt confirming your publication requirement is satisfied
What You Need Before Filing
Before you can file the Certificate of Publication, you need everything from the first five to seven weeks of the publication process. Here is exactly what should be in hand.
Both affidavits of publication. After your notice runs for six consecutive weeks in the two newspapers designated by the Westchester County Clerk, each newspaper provides an affidavit of publication — a sworn statement confirming your notice ran as required. You need both affidavits (one from the daily newspaper and one from the weekly newspaper). Some newspapers mail affidavits automatically; others require you to request them.
Newspaper clippings (snippets). Along with each affidavit, newspapers typically include a clipping or "snippet" of the actual published notice. These snippets get attached to the affidavits when you submit your filing package.
Your Articles of Organization details. You need the exact LLC name and the exact date your Articles of Organization were filed with the Department of State. These must match the state's records precisely — even a minor discrepancy in punctuation or spacing will cause a rejection.
Your filing receipt or DOS confirmation. This confirms your LLC's formation date. If you do not have it, you can verify your LLC's information on the NY Department of State entity search.
Name Must Match Exactly
The most common reason the Department of State rejects a Certificate of Publication is a name mismatch. The LLC name and formation date on your form must exactly match what appears in the Department of State's records — including capitalization, punctuation, and spacing. Double-check before mailing.
How to Complete Form DOS-1708
Form DOS-1708 is a two-page document. The form is straightforward once you know what goes where.
Page 1: The Certificate Itself
- LLC Name — Enter the full legal name of your LLC exactly as filed with the Department of State. The form asks for this in three places.
- Your role — Check the box indicating whether you are a Member, Manager, or Authorized Person of the LLC.
- Date of formation — Enter the date your Articles of Organization were filed with the Department of State. This is the effective date on your filing receipt.
- Signature and date — Sign the form, print your name, and enter the date. The form certifies your statements under penalties of perjury. A digital signature is acceptable — a wet signature is not required.
Page 2: Cover Sheet and Filer Information
- Contact information — Enter your name, mailing address, email, and phone number. The Department of State uses this to send your Filing Receipt and to reach you if there is an issue.
- Exact name of entity — Enter your LLC name again, matching the Department of State records.
- Document type — Enter "Certificate of Publication."
- Filed by — Your name (or the name of the person or service submitting the document).
Assembling the Filing Package
Once both pages are completed, assemble everything in this order:
- Cover sheet (Page 2 of the form)
- Certificate of Publication (Page 1 of the form)
- Affidavit of publication from newspaper #1 (with snippet attached)
- Affidavit of publication from newspaper #2 (with snippet attached)
- Credit Card/Debit Card Authorization Form (Form 1515) — only if paying by card
Place everything in a single envelope. If you are requesting expedited processing, write "Expedited Processing" on the outside of the envelope.
How to File the Certificate of Publication
As of 2026, the only way to file a Certificate of Publication with the New York Department of State is by mail. There is no online filing option and no in-person filing for this document.
Mail your completed filing package to:
New York Department of State Division of Corporations One Commerce Plaza 99 Washington Avenue Albany, NY 12231
Payment Options
The $50 filing fee can be paid by:
- Check or money order — Made payable to the "Department of State"
- Credit or debit card — Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. Complete the Credit Card/Debit Card Authorization Form (Form 1515) and include it with your filing
- Cash is not accepted for mailed filings
Payment Method Tip
Paying by check creates a clear paper trail. Your cancelled check serves as additional confirmation that the Department of State received your filing package. If you prefer credit card, that works too — just remember to include the separate authorization form.
Expedited Processing Options
Standard processing takes approximately 2-4 weeks. If you need it faster, the Department of State offers expedited options for an additional fee:
| Processing Speed | Additional Fee | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (2-4 weeks) | $0 | $50 |
| 24-hour processing | $25 | $75 |
| Same-day processing | $75 | $125 |
| 2-hour processing | $150 | $200 |
Mark the outside of your envelope with "Expedited Processing" if you choose one of the faster options. The expedited fee is in addition to the $50 filing fee.
What Happens After You File
Once the Department of State receives and processes your Certificate of Publication, they send you a Filing Receipt by mail. This Filing Receipt is your official proof that your LLC has satisfied the publication requirement under Section 206 of the NY LLC Law.
Keep your Filing Receipt in a safe place. The Department of State does not issue replacement copies. This is the single document that proves your LLC completed the publication requirement. Keeping a digital scan along with the original is recommended.
You Are Done
Once you receive the Filing Receipt, your LLC publication requirement is fully complete. There is nothing else to file, no annual renewal, and no recurring obligation. This is a one-time requirement for the life of your LLC. See the full publication requirements checklist for everything involved from start to finish.
Timeline Summary: From Filing to Completion
| Step | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Mail filing package to Albany | Day 1 |
| USPS delivery | 2-5 business days |
| DOS standard processing | 2-4 weeks |
| Filing Receipt mailed to you | 1-3 business days after processing |
| Total (standard) | ~3-5 weeks after mailing |
With 24-hour expedited processing, the total can be reduced to roughly 1-2 weeks including mail time both ways.
Common Mistakes That Cause Rejections
We see these errors regularly — they overlap significantly with the most common LLC publication mistakes in New York. Each one delays the process by weeks because you have to correct the issue and resubmit.
1. LLC name does not match Department of State records. This is the number one rejection reason. Your LLC name must match character for character — "LLC" vs. "L.L.C." matters, capitalization matters, and extra spaces matter. Verify your name on the NY DOS website before completing the form.
2. Missing or incorrect formation date. The date of filing on your Certificate of Publication must match the date the Department of State recorded for your Articles of Organization. Use the date from your DOS filing receipt, not the date you submitted your application.
3. Missing an affidavit. You need both affidavits — one from each designated newspaper. If you submit only one, the filing will be rejected. If a newspaper has not sent your affidavit, follow up directly with them.
4. Wrong form. Domestic LLCs use Form DOS-1708. Professional service LLCs (PLLCs) use a different form. Foreign LLCs authorized to do business in New York also have their own form. Make sure you are using the correct version for your entity type. For a complete list of filing pitfalls, see common LLC publication mistakes.
5. No payment included. If you forget to include the $50 fee — or if a check is made out incorrectly — the filing will be returned. Double-check that your check is payable to "Department of State" and that it is for the correct amount.
Rejections Add Weeks
Every rejection means you fix the issue, reassemble the package, and mail it again. If you are close to your 120-day deadline, a rejection could push you past it. Starting the filing process with at least 4-6 weeks of buffer before the deadline is the safest approach.
What If You Miss the 120-Day Deadline?
If you do not file the Certificate of Publication within 120 days of your LLC's formation, your LLC's authority to conduct business in New York is suspended. This does not dissolve your LLC — it continues to exist, and contracts remain valid. However, your LLC cannot initiate a lawsuit in New York courts until the publication requirement is satisfied. For a deeper look at the practical consequences, see what happens if you don't publish your LLC in New York.
The suspension can be cured at any time by completing the publication process and filing your Certificate of Publication. There is no penalty fee for late filing. Once the Department of State processes your filing, the suspension is annulled and your LLC's full authority is restored. The process and cost are identical whether you file on time or years late.
Westchester County LLC Publication Service
I am Jasmine Kohli, and we specialize in Westchester County LLC publication. Our $385 flat fee covers the entire publication process from newspaper designation through Certificate of Publication filing — including the $50 DOS filing fee. No hidden fees, no recurring charges, no registered agent requirement. Check the pricing page for details or compare options in the best publication services guide.
For the Certificate of Publication filing specifically, this includes collecting both affidavits from designated newspapers, completing Form DOS-1708 with verified LLC details, assembling the filing package, mailing to the Department of State, and tracking processing. Browse all articles or visit the FAQ for common questions.
Learn how the process works | Start your publication | Contact us with questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Form DOS-1708?
Form DOS-1708 is the Certificate of Publication form for domestic limited liability companies in New York. You file it with the New York Department of State after your LLC notice has run in two county clerk-designated newspapers for six consecutive weeks. The form is two pages — the certificate itself and a cover sheet — and must be submitted with both affidavits of publication and a $50 filing fee.
Can I file my Certificate of Publication online?
No. As of 2026, the New York Department of State does not accept online filings for the Certificate of Publication. The only filing method is by mail to the Division of Corporations at One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12231. There is also no option for in-person filing.
How long does it take the Department of State to process the Certificate of Publication?
Standard processing takes approximately 2-4 weeks. Expedited options are available: 24-hour processing for $25, same-day for $75, or 2-hour for $150 (each in addition to the $50 filing fee). After processing, the Department of State mails you a Filing Receipt, which adds another few business days for delivery.
What happens if the Department of State rejects my Certificate of Publication?
The most common rejection reason is a name mismatch — the LLC name on the form does not exactly match the Department of State's records. Other reasons include a missing affidavit, incorrect formation date, or missing payment. If rejected, you must correct the issue and resubmit. The Department of State returns the filing package with an explanation of the problem.
Do I need both affidavits of publication before I can file?
Yes. Section 206 of the NY LLC Law requires publication in two newspapers, and the Certificate of Publication must include affidavits from both. If one newspaper has not yet sent your affidavit, contact them directly to request it before you file. Submitting with only one affidavit will result in rejection.
Is the $50 filing fee included in your $385 service?
Yes. Our $385 flat fee covers everything — newspaper designation, coordinating with both newspapers, monitoring publication for six weeks, collecting both affidavits, preparing Form DOS-1708, and filing it with the Department of State. The $50 DOS filing fee is included. There are no additional or hidden costs.
What is the Filing Receipt and why is it important?
The Filing Receipt is the official document from the Department of State confirming that your LLC has satisfied the publication requirement. It is the only proof that your publication is complete. The Department of State does not issue replacement copies, so keep the original and a digital backup in a safe place. Banks, investors, and other entities may request it as proof of compliance.
Can I file the Certificate of Publication after the 120-day deadline?
Yes. If you miss the 120-day deadline, your LLC's authority to conduct business is suspended, but you can complete the publication process and file at any time. Once the Department of State processes your Certificate of Publication, the suspension is annulled and your LLC's authority is fully restored. There is no late penalty fee — the process and cost are the same whether you file on time or years late.
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, consult with a qualified attorney. Westchester County LLC Publication provides publication services and administrative filing assistance — I am not a law firm and cannot provide legal advice.