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Franchise law guide

Virginia Franchise Law Guide: Retail Franchising Act (13.1-557) & the SCC

What a prospective franchisee should know about Virginia 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

Virginia regulates the offer and sale of franchises under the Retail Franchising Act (Va. Code § 13.1-557 et seq.), administered by the State Corporation Commission (SCC), Division of Securities and Retail Franchising.

All franchises offered or sold in Virginia must be registered or exempt, and the federal 14-day disclosure rule still applies.

What to check

Virginia law is the Retail Franchising Act (§ 13.1-557 et seq.)High confidence

The Retail Franchising Act provides presale disclosure and other protections for prospective franchisees, and is administered by the SCC Division of Securities and Retail Franchising.

All franchises offered or sold in Virginia must be either registered or exempt from registration.

Virginia SCC — Franchise Registration
The statute and rulesHigh confidence

The Retail Franchising Act is codified at Va. Code Title 13.1, Chapter 8 (§ 13.1-557 et seq.).

The Commission’s rules (21VAC5-110) govern disclosure documents, applications and reports, and escrow or deferral of franchise fees.

Code of Virginia — Title 13.1, Chapter 8 (Retail Franchising Act)
What this means for a franchiseeNeeds lawyer verification

Confirm the franchisor’s Virginia registration is effective (or a valid exemption applies) and that you received the FDD at least 14 days before signing.

Virginia’s escrow, fee-deferral, and relationship provisions are technical; confirm specifics with a franchise attorney.

Virginia Administrative Code — 21VAC5-110 (Retail Franchising Act Rules)

Key takeaways

  • Virginia regulates franchises under the Retail Franchising Act (§ 13.1-557 et seq.).
  • The SCC Division of Securities and Retail Franchising administers it.
  • All franchises offered or sold in Virginia must be registered or exempt.
  • Commission rules (21VAC5-110) govern disclosure and fee escrow/deferral.
  • 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) Virginia SCC — Franchise Registration Code of Virginia — Retail Franchising Act (Title 13.1, Ch. 8)

Legal-review notes

Guide confidence marker: High confidence.

  • Confirm current Virginia registration and exemption procedures with the SCC Division of Securities and Retail Franchising.
  • Verify 21VAC5-110 escrow, fee-deferral, and relationship provisions before relying on them.

Frequently asked questions

Does Virginia require franchise registration?

Yes. Under the Retail Franchising Act (§ 13.1-557 et seq.), all franchises offered or sold in Virginia must be registered with the SCC Division of Securities and Retail Franchising or qualify for an exemption.

Which agency regulates franchises in Virginia?

The State Corporation Commission (SCC), Division of Securities and Retail Franchising.

Where are the Virginia franchise rules?

The Commission’s rules are in the Virginia Administrative Code at 21VAC5-110.