1. Build a Strong FDD
Your FDD and franchise agreement need to be ready for examiners before you file. A clean first draft means fewer comment letters and a faster approval.
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Multi-State Compliance
The franchise registration states are the 13 states that make you file your Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) with a state office before you can offer or sell a franchise there. In the other states, the federal FTC Franchise Rule still applies, but some ask for a simpler filing. This guide shows which states require what, who you file with, and how The Franchise and Business Law Group helps franchisors sell in every state the right way.
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If you want to sell in one of these states, your FDD must be filed and approved (or, in Michigan and Indiana, noticed with the state) before you make an offer. That includes ads and sales calls aimed at buyers in that state. Most registrations must be renewed every year, and each state has its own deadline and review process.
| State | Who You File With | State Guide |
|---|---|---|
| California | Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) | California franchise attorney |
| Hawaii | Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs | FDD registration help |
| Illinois | Attorney General, Franchise Bureau | Illinois franchise attorney |
| Indiana | Secretary of State, Securities Division | FDD registration help |
| Maryland | Attorney General, Securities Division | Maryland franchise attorney |
| Michigan | Attorney General (notice filing) | FDD registration help |
| Minnesota | Department of Commerce | FDD registration help |
| New York | Department of Law, Investor Protection Bureau | New York franchise attorney |
| North Dakota | Securities Department | FDD registration help |
| Rhode Island | Department of Business Regulation, Securities Division | FDD registration help |
| Virginia | State Corporation Commission, Division of Securities and Retail Franchising | FDD registration help |
| Washington | Department of Financial Institutions, Securities Division | FDD registration help |
| Wisconsin | Department of Financial Institutions, Securities Division | FDD registration help |
Michigan and Indiana use a simpler notice-style filing instead of a full review. South Dakota used to be counted as a registration state, but it now uses a filing. Rules change, so confirm your plan with a franchise attorney before you sell.
Some states do not review your FDD, but they still want paperwork. Texas, Florida, Utah, Kentucky, Nebraska, and South Dakota ask franchisors to file a notice or claim an exemption, often under their business opportunity laws. A few more, like Connecticut, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Maine, may require a filing if your main trademark is not registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
That is one reason we register your trademark early in our franchise launch process. It can save you filings in several states. Based in Utah? See our Utah franchise attorney page for Utah's exemption filing.
Your FDD and franchise agreement need to be ready for examiners before you file. A clean first draft means fewer comment letters and a faster approval.
We file through each state's system, often NASAA's online depository. Examiners send comments. We answer them and update your FDD and state addenda.
Most states tie renewal to your fiscal year end. California is 110 days. New York and Illinois are 120 days. Our renewal team tracks every deadline so you never have a gap in sales.
There are 13: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Michigan and Indiana use a simpler notice filing.
No. Texas does not review your FDD. But franchisors usually file an exemption notice with the Texas Secretary of State under its business opportunity law.
No. Utah is a filing state. Franchisors typically file an annual exemption with the state. Our Salt Lake City team handles this for Utah franchisors.
No. You only register in the states where you plan to offer or sell. Many new franchisors start with their home state and a few target states, then add more as they grow.
It depends on the state and how clean your FDD is. Some approvals come quickly. Others take a few months, especially if the examiner sends comments or asks for fee deferral.
Headquartered in Salt Lake City · Serving Franchisors in All 50 States