{"id":4909,"date":"2021-09-10T14:45:44","date_gmt":"2021-09-10T19:45:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/what-is-an-llc-license.html"},"modified":"2025-10-29T00:34:00","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T05:34:00","slug":"what-is-an-llc-license","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/what-is-an-llc-license.html","title":{"rendered":"What Is an LLC License?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Is an LLC License?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Tim Kelly, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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A limited liability company<\/span> (LLC) does not require a specific \u201cLLC license<\/span>\u201d to operate. However, an LLC must register its business entity<\/span> with the secretary of state<\/span>. While most LLCs need this registration, some states require special licenses for professional LLCs (PLLCs) formed by doctors or lawyers.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, you will not need to obtain a license for a limited liability company<\/span> (LLC)<\/a>. LLCs are business entities<\/span> that have been registered with the state by filing articles of organization<\/span>. Casually, some business owners<\/span> might refer to their document filings with the state as an “LLC license<\/span>.” However, while their LLC is indeed organized and registered with the state, “LLC license<\/span>” is often just a common phrase, not a state-issued license in the technical sense.<\/p>\n

There are, however, some instances where states do require licensure for a limited liability company<\/span><\/a>. LLCs operating in more regulated industries such as accounting, legal, or medical services, might need to apply for state-issued licenses in their field of practice. Here, owners form what is known as a professional limited liability company<\/span> (PLLC). Both entities provide some liability protection<\/span> for business debts<\/span>. The critical difference between LLCs and PLLCs is that members of PLLCs can be sued for professional malpractice.<\/p>\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h3>\n