Does Illinois Allow Professional LLCs (PLLC)?
Yes. Illinois permits professional limited liability companies (PLLCs) under the Professional Limited Liability Company Act (805 ILCS 185/). PLLCs are available to licensed professionals regulated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, provided their profession is authorized to operate through this entity structure.
Who Can Form a PLLC in Illinois?
Only licensed professionals may form a PLLC in Illinois. Eligible professions are those licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and authorized to operate as professional LLCs under 805 ILCS 185/. Common eligible professions include law, medicine, dentistry, accounting, architecture, and engineering—though you must verify your specific profession's eligibility with the Department before filing.
All members and managers of a PLLC must be licensed professionals in the profession the PLLC practices. This requirement distinguishes PLLCs from standard LLCs and ensures professional accountability standards.
Formation Requirements & Fees
Illinois PLLCs file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State under 805 ILCS 180/5-5 and 180/5-40. The filing fee is $150.00, with standard processing taking approximately 10 business days for online filings. Expedited 24-hour processing costs an additional $100.00.
Your Articles must include:
- LLC name with an approved Illinois designator (LLC, L.L.C., or Limited Liability Company)
- Principal place of business address
- Registered agent name and Illinois registered office address
- Names and business addresses of initial managers or member-managers
- Organizer information and signatures
At least one organizer (age 18 or older, or another business entity) is required to form a PLLC. Foreign owners are permitted as members.
Key Considerations
Professional Liability: Members of a PLLC remain personally liable for their own professional negligence and misconduct. The entity structure provides liability protection for other members' acts, but not for your own professional conduct (805 ILCS 185/).
No Publication Requirement: Illinois does not require publication of PLLC formation notices.
Delayed Effective Date: You may choose a delayed effective date for your PLLC if desired.
Series LLCs: Illinois also permits series LLCs (805 ILCS 180/37-40), which allow separate series with distinct assets and liabilities within one LLC—potentially useful for multi-practice professional entities.
Next Step: Confirm your profession's eligibility with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation before filing your Articles of Organization.
This is general information, not legal advice.