Question 1

What's included in the fee?

Accepted Answer

Our fee covers preparation and submission of your application to each state. State fees are charged separately at cost.

For registration states only: If regulators provide feedback or comments, we include up to 1 hour of response work.

For filing-only states: No regulator feedback process—just file and done.

All packages include up to 30 minutes of consultation time for questions about the process, strategy, or compliance matters.

Question 2

Which states require registration versus filing-only?

Accepted Answer

Registration States (full substantive review by state regulator): These states conduct a detailed review of your FDD and may request changes or additional information before approval. The review process typically takes 4-12 weeks. • California • Hawaii • Illinois • Indiana • Maryland • Michigan • Minnesota • North Dakota • New York • Rhode Island • South Dakota • Virginia • Washington • Wisconsin Filing-Only States (notice filing without substantive review): These states only require you to file a copy of your FDD for their records. No review process—typically processed within 1-3 weeks. • Connecticut • Florida • Kentucky • Maine • Nebraska • North Carolina • South Carolina • Texas • Utah Non-Registration States: All other states require no state-level filing—FTC compliance only.

Question 3

How is pricing shown?

Accepted Answer

Our professional fee is $1,050 per registration state and $750 per filing-only state, plus each state's official fee (varies by state). The total updates automatically as you select states. All fees are displayed transparently before checkout.

Question 4

How do you handle regulator comments?

Accepted Answer

We guide next steps if comments or deficiency letters are issued. Up to one hour of response work plus 30 minutes of consultation time is included in the initial fee. Additional regulator correspondence or consultation beyond the included time can be handled through additional consultation bookings—view consultation options and pricing.

Question 5

How quickly will my filing be completed?

Accepted Answer

We submit your initial application within 3-5 business days after receiving your completed information and FDD. State processing times vary:

• Filing-only states: typically 1-3 weeks
• Registration states: 4-12 weeks depending on state workload and whether comments are issued

We'll keep you updated throughout the process and notify you immediately when approval is received.

Question 6

Who prepares and submits my filing?

Accepted Answer

Your FDD registration, renewal, or filing is prepared and submitted by licensed US attorneys with extensive franchise law experience.

Our team has:
• 15+ years handling multi-state FDD registrations and renewals
• Deep experience with regulator workflows in NY, CA, WA, and other full-review states
• Track record of minimizing deficiency letters through thorough initial submissions

You're working with experienced franchise counsel, not a document service.

Question 7

What information do you need from me?

Accepted Answer

For initial registrations or filings, we typically need:

• Your final FDD (PDF format)
• Completed state application forms (we can provide templates)
• State-specific exhibits (financial statements, salesperson registrations, etc.)
• Authorization to file on your behalf

For renewals, requirements are typically simpler—usually just your updated FDD and renewal fee. We'll send a detailed checklist after you order.

Question 8

How do annual renewals work?

Accepted Answer

Most registration states require annual renewals with updated FDDs. Our renewal service includes:

• Submitting your updated FDD and renewal application
• Paying renewal state fees (lower than initial registration fees)
• Tracking renewal deadlines to avoid lapses
• Handling any regulator questions

Select 'Renewal Registration / Filing' when ordering, and we'll handle the rest. Many clients set up annual renewal reminders with us to stay compliant.

Question 9

Can I add the FDD review and amendments service?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We offer a comprehensive FDD review and amendments service for $5,000 as an optional add-on. This includes:

• Thorough review of your FDD for compliance and accuracy
• Amendments to address legal, disclosure, or formatting issues
• Updates to align with current FTC and state requirements
• Preparation of a clean, filing-ready FDD

This is especially valuable before renewal filings or if your FDD is more than one year old. Select this option during checkout.

Question 10

What if I need consultation or advice during the process?

Accepted Answer

Your filing includes up to 30 minutes of consultation with our franchise attorneys for: • Understanding regulator comments or deficiency letters • Discussing exemptions or exclusions • Reviewing disclosure strategy • State-specific compliance questions If you need additional consultation time beyond the included 30 minutes, you can book additional consultations with flexible durations and transparent pricing. View consultation packages and pricing. Many clients use this for complex regulator negotiations or multi-state strategy.

Question 11

What makes this different from filing myself?

Accepted Answer

DIY filings are risky—states frequently issue deficiency letters for incomplete applications, missing exhibits, or non-compliant FDDs, causing delays of months.

Our service provides:
• Experienced franchise counsel who know what regulators expect
• Complete application packages that minimize deficiency letters
• Professional representation with state regulators
• Fast response to any regulator questions
• Transparent, fixed-fee pricing with no surprises

You're not just paying for filing—you're buying speed, accuracy, and peace of mind.

Question 12

Do you handle exemptions (like North Carolina's trademark exemption)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Several states offer exemptions that reduce or eliminate filing requirements:

• North Carolina: trademark exemption if you have a registered trademark
• Other states: various exemptions for certain franchise structures

If you believe you qualify for an exemption, note it in the additional details during checkout. We'll review your eligibility and handle the exemption application if appropriate.

Question 13

What happens after my filing is approved?

Accepted Answer

Once your registration or filing is approved:

1. We'll send you the official approval letter or receipt from the state
2. You can legally offer and sell franchises in that state
3. We'll provide guidance on effective dates and renewal deadlines
4. You'll receive a complete file of all submitted documents
5. We can set up renewal reminders for next year

Your approval is yours to use for the registration period (typically one year for registration states).

Question 14

Can I add more states later?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many franchisors start with a few key states and expand as they grow.

To add states later:
• Simply return to this page and select additional states
• Choose whether it's an initial filing or renewal
• We'll coordinate with your existing filings to ensure consistency

We offer reduced rates for clients adding states to existing multi-state filings in some cases.

Question 15

Is my FDD and business information kept confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All information you provide is:

• Handled with strict attorney-client confidentiality
• Stored securely with encryption
• Only shared with state regulators as required for filing
• Never disclosed to third parties without your consent

Note that filed FDDs become public record in most states—regulators may publish them or provide them in response to public records requests. This is standard for all franchise registrations.

Question 16

What if my FDD needs amendments during the registration process?

Accepted Answer

If regulators require changes to your FDD during review: • We'll advise you on what changes are needed and why (using your included 30 minutes of consultation time) • You can make the amendments yourself, or we can assist • For registration states: We include up to 1 hour of response work to address regulator comments • We'll resubmit the amended FDD to the regulator If you need assistance beyond the included time, you can book additional consultation time for drafting support or complex amendments. For pre-filing FDD preparation or major amendments, consider adding the FDD Review & Amendments service ($5,000) at checkout.

FDD Filing &
Registration Service

How it Works

Select Your States & Filing Type

Provide Details & Checkout

We Prepare & Submit

Get Started in 60 Seconds

Why Choose Us for FDD Registrations, Renewals & Filings

State‑Ready Filings

Clear, Fixed Pricing

Pass‑Through State Fees

Guidance on Feedback

Compliant & Secure

Multi‑State Experience

Meet Your Expert Team

Eleanor Vance

Kenji Tanaka

Alicia Rodriguez

Trusted by Franchisors

Your Questions, Answered

FDD Filing &Registration Service