How Do You Get a PLLC in VA?

Setting Up a PLLC in Virginia
To form a Virginia PLLC, you must register your business with the State Corporation Commission (SCC) by filing Articles of Organization and paying the necessary fees. It provides all the benefits of an LLC while also offering professional malpractice protection that regular LLCs don’t offer.

Membership Requirements for a PLLC in Virginia
A Virginia PLLC is a type of limited liability company (LLC) specifically designed for licensed professionals such as lawyers, accountants, doctors, and architects who practice in the state of Virginia. It provides all the benefits of an LLC while also offering professional malpractice protection that regular LLCs don’t offer.

Pros and Cons of PLLCs
PLLs are a requirement in some states, but not all. Some states require that licensed professionals form a PLLC, while others allow a choice between PLLC and LLC. You need to check with your local licensing board or speak to an attorney in your state for clarification.


  • To start a small business in Virginia: choose a business idea, get any required licenses, file your articles of organization, and choose a registered agent.
  • Filing online is quickest. A PLLC takes longer to approve than a standard LLC.

  • You can search Washington’s business licensing contacts to find the agency you need to contact to get a professional license.
  • To form a Washington PLLC, submit a Certificate of Formation to the Secretary of State.

  • PLLC owners or employees must be licensed to provide services in at least one state where the PLLC operates.
  • In Washington, a PLLC forms by filing a certificate of formation.

  • The procedure to set up a new PLLC is the same as setting up an LLC, plus extra steps that vary from state to state.
  • In every state, a corporate name availability search and preparation and filing of the articles of organization are required.

  • You can do a ‘state name search’ to ensure your PLLC name isn’t too similar to other businesses.
  • The name should have PLLC or P.L.L.C appended at the end, and cannot be misleading or contain vulgar language.
  • You’ll also need to appoint a registered agent.

  • After submitting the Certificate of Formation, it usually takes 5-10 business days to be approved in Virginia.
  • Expedited processing is available for an additional fee.
  • Before selecting a name, check domain name availability too.

  • The main difference between a corporation and a limited liability company is ownership structure.
  • A corporation is owned by shareholders while an LLC is owned by members.

  • Having said that, if a licensed member is sued for malpractice, neither a PLLC or an LLC will offer asset protection for them personally.
  • PLLCs are a requirement in some states, but not all.
  • Some states require that licensed professionals form a PLLC.
  • Some states allow licensed professionals to choose between PLLC and LLC.
  • And some states don’t even have PLLCs.
  • Ultimately, you will need to check with your local licensing board and/or speak to an attorney in your state.

  • As per Virginia Code § 13.1-1012, there should be one or more members in your company and they must hold licenses to provide professional services.
  • Advantages Of Forming A Virginia PLLC.
  • There are several advantages of forming a Virginia PLLC over other forms of business structures.

  • Virginia permits a medical services business to organize as either a PC or PLLC.
  • In Maryland, medical services businesses must be organized as PCs and cannot elect to form as a limited liability company or a traditional corporation.
  • What is a Michigan PLLC?

  • West Virginia Professional LLC
  • The state of West Virginia has very strict regulations when it comes to who is allowed to be a member of a PLLC.
  • In this state, only certified professionals with active licenses are allowed to have ownership interests in a PLLC.
  • West Virginia PLLCs and/or their members are subject to the regulation of the relevant state professional licensing authorities.
  • If you want to form a PLLC encompassing more than one profession and have questions about whether the members practice legally compatible professions, or whether any business activity you want your PLLC to engage in is prohibited, check with a local business attorney.

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