Does Gold Star require registration in Wisconsin?
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 Gold Star's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchise registration is not required in Wisconsin. The document lists states that require franchise registration, filing, or are exempt from registration. A table specifies the effective dates for registration status in various states. For Wisconsin, 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 may reduce some administrative burdens for Gold Star when offering franchises in Wisconsin, as they do not need to comply with state-specific registration requirements. However, it's important to note that even without registration, Gold Star must still comply with federal franchise disclosure laws and provide prospective franchisees with a complete and accurate FDD within the mandated timeframe.
Prospective franchisees in Wisconsin should still conduct thorough due diligence, including reviewing the FDD carefully, seeking legal and financial advice, and contacting existing franchisees to understand the Gold Star franchise system. While the state does not require registration, franchisees still have rights and protections under federal law and the terms of the franchise agreement.