Do I need a Type 2 NPI for my LLC?

Answer: Only if the LLC bills payers under its own name and EIN. A solo provider who formed an LLC for liability or tax reasons but contracts and bills as an individual needs only a Type 1. A single-member LLC that payers contract with as an entity, or a practice with more than one clinician, needs a Type 2 as well.

The test

Ask: whose name and tax ID will be on the payer contract and the claim as the billing provider? If it is you personally, Type 1 only. If it is the LLC, you need a Type 2 for the LLC and your Type 1 goes on the claim as the rendering provider.

Sole proprietors are different

A sole proprietorship (no LLC or corporation) is an individual in CMS's eyes, even with a DBA and an EIN. Sole proprietors get one Type 1 and cannot get a Type 2. Forming an LLC or PLLC creates a separate entity that can.

Getting a Type 2

Apply at nppes.cms.hhs.gov for the organization with its legal name, EIN, and you as the person authorized to act for it. SimpleNPI files Type 1 applications; the free NPI lookup covers both types.

Need an NPI?

Option 1 · Free · Easiest

SimpleNPI files it for you

One short form: name, license, contact, address, identity and an e-signed authorization. About 3 minutes, no CMS account to create.
A person checks your license and address, then files the application with CMS under your signed authorization.
Your NPI arrives by email and text, with all the documentation, usually within 10 minutes. Filed after midnight Eastern? It issues around 6 am Eastern.

Usually within 10 minutes after the form is complete.

Start the free application

Option 2 · Free

Apply yourself at NPPES

Create an Identity & Access account at nppes.cms.hhs.gov.
Choose Apply for an NPI for myself, Individual (Type 1).
Enter identity, addresses, taxonomy code and license number, then certify and submit.

Usually a few business days; often minutes when the Social Security match passes.

Go to NPPES

Written by Ammon Hardin, LMT, who grew a massage practice to ten locations, built a veteran therapy network, and credentialed a large number of providers along the way. Updated Tue Oct 27, 2026. Free to read, free to use; SimpleNPI files NPI applications for free.