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Franchise law guide

Indiana Franchise Law Guide: IC 23-2-2.5 Registration & the Secretary of State

What a prospective franchisee should know about Indiana franchise registration and disclosure before signing.

Last reviewed: May 26, 2026 by the BizLeaseCheck Editorial Team

General information, not legal advice.

Analyze a franchise disclosure document (FDD) All franchise-law states

Overview

Indiana regulates the offer and sale of franchises under the Indiana Franchise Act (IC 23-2-2.5), administered by the Secretary of State Securities Division. A separate Deceptive Franchise Practices Act (IC 23-2-2.7) addresses the relationship.

Franchisors generally must register before offering or selling a franchise in Indiana, and the federal 14-day disclosure rule still applies.

What to check

Indiana law is the Indiana Franchise Act (IC 23-2-2.5)High confidence

The Indiana Franchise Act (IC 23-2-2.5) governs franchise registration and disclosure, and is administered by the Indiana Secretary of State Securities Division.

The Deceptive Franchise Practices Act (IC 23-2-2.7) separately addresses unfair acts in the franchise relationship.

Indiana Secretary of State — Securities Division (franchise)
Registration, renewals, and material changesHigh confidence

Franchise registrations and renewals are filed on the Indiana Securities Portal.

A registered franchise must file an amended disclosure statement within 30 days after a "material change" as defined in IC 23-2-2.5-13.1(b), such as certain termination or non-renewal thresholds or changes in control.

Indiana Secretary of State — franchise law changes
What this means for a franchiseeNeeds lawyer verification

Confirm the franchisor’s Indiana registration is effective and that you received the FDD at least 14 days before signing.

The Deceptive Franchise Practices Act may offer relationship protections; confirm specifics with a franchise attorney.

Indiana Secretary of State — Securities Division

Key takeaways

  • Indiana regulates franchises under the Indiana Franchise Act (IC 23-2-2.5).
  • The Secretary of State Securities Division administers registration.
  • A separate Deceptive Franchise Practices Act (IC 23-2-2.7) covers the relationship.
  • Registered franchises must amend within 30 days of a material change.
  • You should receive the FDD at least 14 days before signing (federal rule).

Official resources

FTC Franchise Rule (16 CFR Part 436) 16 CFR Part 436 — full rule (eCFR) Indiana Secretary of State — Securities (franchise) Indiana Secretary of State — franchise law changes

Legal-review notes

Guide confidence marker: High confidence.

  • Confirm current Indiana registration and renewal procedures with the Secretary of State Securities Division.
  • Verify the current material-change and Deceptive Franchise Practices Act standards before relying on them.

Frequently asked questions

Does Indiana require franchise registration?

Yes. Under the Indiana Franchise Act (IC 23-2-2.5), franchisors generally must register with the Secretary of State Securities Division before offering or selling a franchise in Indiana, unless an exemption applies.

What is a material change in Indiana?

IC 23-2-2.5-13.1(b) defines material changes (for example, certain termination, closing, or non-renewal thresholds, or changes in control), which require an amended disclosure within 30 days.

Does Indiana protect the franchise relationship?

The Deceptive Franchise Practices Act (IC 23-2-2.7) addresses unfair acts in the relationship. Confirm specifics with a franchise attorney.