Which states with franchise laws require the Aw Franchise Disclosure Document to be registered or filed, or be exempt from registration?
Aw Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The following states have franchise laws that require that the Franchise Disclosure Document be registered or filed with the state, or be exempt from registration: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 39–40)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, certain states have franchise laws necessitating the registration or filing of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), or require an exemption from registration. These states are California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
This registration or filing requirement means that Aw has taken specific legal steps to be able to offer franchises in these states. These steps often include submitting the FDD to state authorities for review and approval, ensuring that Aw complies with state-specific franchise laws. The effective date indicates when Aw was cleared to begin offering and selling franchises in each of those states.
Prospective franchisees should be aware that franchise laws vary significantly from state to state. Registration states typically provide more oversight and protection to franchisees compared to non-registration states. If a prospective franchisee is located in a state not listed, they should inquire whether Aw is registered or exempt in their state, or if other business opportunity laws apply.