If you are licensed by the IDFPR to provide professional services, this may apply to you! This includes those in healthcare, counseling, and other occupational industries.
Most* limited liability companies licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) must now be registered as a Professional LLC (PLLC) by the Illinois Secretary of State. This means that if you are already registered as an LLC, you must amend your Articles of Organization to form a PLLC instead. (The good news is that there is not a fee associated with amending your formation documents!)
This also means that if you are starting a new business offering professional services (licensed by the IDFPR), you must file with the Secretary of State as a PLLC before registering with the IDFPR.
You might be wondering why you haven’t heard about this…
Well, this statute change actually went into effect in August of 2018, but it was largely unenforced — until now.
The IDFPR has started cracking down. They are rejecting new license applicants who register as an LLC instead of a PLLC.
What about those professionals that are already registered and licensed with the IDFPR?
It is suspected that deficiency notices will be sent out, and you may not be able to renew your license without your PLLC registration.
*There are some LLCs that offer professional services that are exempt from the new regulations. We strongly suggest you reach out to your attorney and inquire about the PLLC requirements for your business.