Does Gold Star require registration in California?
Gold_Star Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| STATE | EFFECTIVE DATE |
|---|---|
| California | No Registration |
| Hawaii | No Registration |
| Illinois | No Registration |
| Indiana | Pending |
| Maryland | No Registration |
| Minnesota | No Registration |
| New York | No Registration |
| North Dakota | No Registration |
| Rhode Island | No Registration |
| South Dakota | No Registration |
| Virginia | No Registration |
| Washington | No Registration |
| Wisconsin | No Registration |
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 53–163)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Gold Star Franchise Disclosure Document, Gold Star does not require registration in California. The FDD lists states that require franchise registration or filing, or are exempt from registration. For California, the effective date is listed as "No Registration," meaning that Gold Star is not required to register its franchise offering with the state before offering or selling franchises there.
This lack of registration simplifies the process for Gold Star to offer franchises in California, as it avoids the need to comply with California's specific franchise laws and regulations, which can be extensive and time-consuming. For prospective franchisees in California, this potentially means a quicker and less bureaucratic path to opening a Gold Star franchise.
However, it is important to note that even though Gold Star is not required to register in California, it must still comply with federal franchise laws and provide prospective franchisees with a Franchise Disclosure Document at least 14 days before signing any agreement or paying any fees. Prospective franchisees should carefully review the FDD and seek legal and financial advice before investing in a Gold Star franchise, regardless of the registration status.