A franchise registration state is a state that requires franchisors to submit their Franchise Disclosure Document for review and approval before they may lawfully offer or sell franchises within the state. These states have their own franchise laws, filing requirements, examiner reviews and fees.
A franchisor cannot sell a franchise in these states until the state issues formal clearance, by either acknowledgment, clearance, or permit (varies by state).
Registration states include California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia and Washington.
Registration states protect franchise buyers by:
reviewing the FDD for compliance
ensuring required disclosures are present
flagging unfair terms or missing information
enforcing renewal deadlines
requiring amendments when material changes occur
Franchisors must follow these rules carefully to avoid penalties or unlawful offers.
Registration state regulators:
review the franchisor’s FDD
issue comments or correction letters
approve the filing once compliant
require annual renewal filings
monitor amendments caused by material changes
Approval is often called “registration” or “effective status.”
Below is a state-by-state list of the agencies responsible for reviewing franchise registrations, issuing comments, processing renewals, receiving notice filings, and maintaining public franchise disclosure records.
California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation
Handles franchise registrations, renewals, amendments, exemption notices, and enforces California Franchise Investment Law. The Department provides full instructions on how to file a complete franchise application in California. Once complete, applications to register in California are filed on the Franchise and Securities Electronic Submissions (FRANSES).
Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs — Business Registration Division
Accepts franchise registrations and annual renewals under Hawaii franchise investment laws. The Department provides general guidance on how to file a complete franchise application in Hawaii. In Hawaii, completed applications are filed on the DCCA BREG Securities Online Portal
Illinois Attorney General — Franchise Bureau
Oversees franchise registration review, form submission, and enforcement of Illinois franchise statutes. The Attorney General's office provides guidance on how to file a complete franchise application in Illinois. Applications are generally submitted on the Electronic Filing Depository.
Indiana Secretary of State — Securities Division
Processes franchise registrations and amendments under Indiana’s franchise and securities laws. The Secretary of State maintains a complete guide on how to file a franchise application in Indiana. Application materials are submitted through the Illinois Securities Portal.
Maryland Attorney General — Securities Division
Conducts detailed examiner review, comments, renewals and amendments under Maryland franchise requirements. Applications in Maryland are generally submitted on the Electronic Filing Depository.
Michigan Department of Attorney General
Oversees franchise notice filings and statutory compliance for franchisors offering in Michigan. The Department does not require a formal application or copy of the FDD to register. Instead, permission is requested through a letter to the Department describing the franchise and making payment. The Department provides instruction for mailing a notice of intent to sell franchises in Michigan.
Minnesota Department of Commerce — Securities Division
Processes franchise registrations, examiner comment letters, renewals and compliance oversight. Minnesota has compiled a page for instructions and tips when filing a franchise application in Minnesota. Applications are filed directly on Minnesota's Commerce Portal and required payments are mailed.
New York Attorney General — Investor Protection Bureau
Reviews franchise registration filings, amendments, and renewal submissions; enforces New York’s Franchise Sales Act. New York has compiled guidance on New York franchise regulation and has a page dedicated to New York franchise registration forms. Applications in New York are generally submitted on the Electronic Filing Depository.
North Dakota Securities Department
Administers franchise registrations, annual renewals and maintains public records. The Department provides instruction for filing a franchise registration application in North Dakota. Applications in North Dakota are generally submitted on the Electronic Filing Depository.
Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation — Securities Division
Accepts franchise registrations, amendments and renewals under Rhode Island’s franchise law. Applications in Maryland are generally submitted on the Electronic Filing Depository.
Division of Insurance & Securities Regulation
Administers franchise registrations, amendments and renewals under South Dakota's Codified Law. The Division provides instruction for filing a franchise registration application in South Dakota and applications are generally submitted on the Electronic Filing Depository.
Virginia State Corporation Commission — Division of Securities & Retail Franchising
Conducts examiner reviews, issues comment letters, manages renewals, amendments and public franchise records. The SCC has compiled franchise registration and renewal instructions in Virginia. Applications in Virginia are generally submitted on the Electronic Filing Depository.
Washington State Department of Financial Institutions — Securities Division
Processes franchise registrations, renewals, examiner comments and enforces Washington’s Franchise Investment Protection Act. The Department offers general guidance on filing a franchise application in Washington. Applications are submitted directly on Fortress, the Departments dedicated system.
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions — Securities Division
Oversees franchise registration filings, amendments, annual renewals and compliance requirements. The State of Wisconsin provides the quickest way to register by filing the FDD on the Wisconsin e-filing franchise system.
Franchise Disclosure Document
FDD Renewal
Material Change
Franchise Examiner
Franchise Exemption
Notice Filing State
Non Registration State
Stop Order
Franchise Registration Management
Franchise Territory Mapping
Integrated Document Signing
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Last updated: November 26, 2025
