Q: I want to start my business in DC, and I realized because I am a physical therapist, I need an PLLC. Can you help me with that?
Thank you to a customer from Washington DC for that great question! You’re right, all licensed professionals like physical therapists are required to form a professional limited liability company (PLLC) instead of a traditional LLC in the District of Columbia—and we’re happy to help! Like a traditional LLC, a PLLC protects members from liability, but not in all cases. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Get a Washington DC license for your profession
All the members of a Washington DC PLLC must be professionally licensed in the District of Columbia for the services the business offers. It’s important to make sure all practicing members of your PLLC are licensed and in good standing with your profession’s DC licensing board before you form your business.
What services are considered “professional” in the District of Columbia?
“Professional” services include any service offered to the public that can only be rendered legally with a license. The District of Columbia’s LLC Articles of Organization form specifically lists the following as professions requiring licenses:
- certified public accountants
- attorneys
- architects
- health professionals
- professional engineers
This is not an exhaustive list. If you’re not certain whether you need to form a PLLC for your licensed profession, you may want to reach out to the DC Corporations Division or discuss your options with a business attorney.
2. Hire a DC registered agent
All LLCs in the District of Columbia, PLLCs included, are legally required to name a Washington DC registered agent. A registered agent is a person or entity who accepts service of process on behalf of your company. Some business owners prefer to be their own registered agent, but that comes with some limitations. Instead, many businesses prefer to hire a registered agent service for privacy and convenience.
3. File the Articles of Organization for your District of Columbia PLLC
To officially form your PLLC, file Articles of Organization for Domestic Limited Liability Company with the District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Corporations Division. (All LLCs, including PLLCs, use this form.) You will need to provide:
- Name of the PLLC
- Street address for the principal office
- Name and address of registered agent
- Statement that your LLC has at least one member
- Effective date of registration (up to 90 days in advance)
- Miscellaneous provisions (this is where your PLLC’s purpose and services to be provided will be listed)
- Names and addresses of managers or members (anyone with more than 10 percent interest in the PLLC—or anyone with less than 10 percent interest but who controls the company’s finances or operations, or directs the day-to-day operations of the business)
- Name, address and signature of organizer (a member of the PLLC)
What naming requirements are there for a DC PLLC?
A District of Columbia PLLC’s name must include the words “professional limited liability company” or the abbreviations “PLLC” or “P.L.L.C.”
How do I submit my PLLC’s Articles of Organization?
You can file online, in person, or by mail.
Online: CorpOnline
In Person:
Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
Corporations Division
1100 4th Street, SW,
Washington, DC 20024
By Mail:
Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
Corporations Division
P.O. Box 92300
Washington, DC 20090
How long does it take to process a PLLC filing?
Both mail and online filings are processed within 15 business days from receipt by the Corporations Division. Walk in registrations are automatically expedited (with one- or three-day options), but additional fees apply.
What does it cost to form a Washington DC PLLC?
The District charges $220 to process PLLC Articles of Organization. Three-day expedited services cost an extra $50, and one-day turnaround requires a $100 fee.
Am I still protected from liability by a PLLC?
PLLC members are protected against the liability of other members, but remain liable for their own practice. So if one member of a PLLC is sued for malpractice, other members won’t be legally liable if they’re not involved with the circumstances of the suit.
Can I form a professional corporation in DC?
Yes. A professional corporation (PC) is organized like a corporation, with stockholders and corporate tax paid on income. And, like a PLLC, it can only be formed by licensed professionals.
Read more on the differences between corporations and LLCs.