Michigan Franchise Law Guide: Notice Filing (MCL 445.1501) & the Attorney General
What a prospective franchisee should know about Michigan’s franchise notice filing and disclosure before signing.
Last reviewed: May 26, 2026 by the BizLeaseCheck Editorial Team
General information, not legal advice.
Overview
Michigan regulates franchises under the Franchise Investment Law (MCL 445.1501 et seq., Act 269 of 1974), administered by the Department of Attorney General, Corporate Oversight Division.
Unlike full-registration states, Michigan requires only an annual notice filing — the Attorney General does not review or approve the FDD. The federal 14-day disclosure rule still applies.
What to check
Before offering or selling a franchise in Michigan, a franchisor must annually file a notice with the department and pay the fee; on compliance, it may lawfully offer and sell.
Michigan states that a notice on file does not constitute approval, recommendation, or endorsement, and the Attorney General does not review FDDs for compliance.
Michigan AG — Franchises (Corporate Oversight Division)The notice-filing requirement appears in the Franchise Investment Law (for example, the notice provision at MCL 445.1507a).
MCL 445.1527 lists provisions that are void and unenforceable in Michigan franchise agreements, which can protect franchisees regardless of the agreement’s text.
Michigan Legislature — MCL 445.1527 (void provisions)Because Michigan does not review FDDs, the notice filing is not a quality check — read the FDD carefully yourself.
Review MCL 445.1527’s void-provision protections with a franchise attorney; you received the FDD at least 14 days before signing under the federal rule.
Michigan Legislature — Franchise Investment Law (Act 269 of 1974)Key takeaways
- Michigan requires an annual notice filing, not full FDD registration.
- The Attorney General does not review or approve FDDs in Michigan.
- A notice on file is not approval, recommendation, or endorsement.
- MCL 445.1527 makes certain franchise-agreement provisions void in Michigan.
- You should receive the FDD at least 14 days before signing (federal rule).
Official resources
Legal-review notes
Guide confidence marker: High confidence.
- Confirm the current Michigan notice-filing procedure and fee with the Attorney General’s Corporate Oversight Division.
- Verify the current text and application of MCL 445.1527 void-provision protections.
Frequently asked questions
Does Michigan require franchise registration?
No — Michigan requires an annual notice filing under the Franchise Investment Law, not full FDD registration, and the Attorney General does not review the FDD.
Does a Michigan notice filing mean the franchise is approved?
No. Michigan states that a notice on file does not constitute approval, recommendation, or endorsement by the Attorney General.
Does Michigan void any franchise-agreement terms?
MCL 445.1527 makes certain provisions void and unenforceable in Michigan franchise agreements. Confirm how it applies with a franchise attorney.