Franchise Your Business in Illinois
Franchising in Illinois means complying with both the FTC Franchise Rule and the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act of 1987 (IFDA). Illinois is a registration state—you must register your FDD with the Illinois Attorney General before offering or selling franchises in the state.
Working with an Illinois franchise lawyer ensures your FDD, agreements, and compliance systems are built on a solid legal foundation and aligned with your growth strategy.
Why Work With an Illinois Franchise Lawyer?
Our attorneys guide you through:
- Preparing and registering your FDD with the Illinois Attorney General’s office
- Annual renewals (expire 120 days after fiscal year-end) and amendments for material changes
- Structuring franchise agreements that comply with IFDA and Illinois relationship rules
- Trademark protection and brand strategy
- Financial assurance solutions (deferral, escrow, surety bond/guaranty/CD) for thinly-capitalized franchisors
- Multi-state growth while staying compliant at home
For a national overview of how franchise legal counsel can help you expand nationwide, see our Franchise Lawyer page.
Illinois Franchise Law — What You Need to Know
Under IFDA, Illinois asserts jurisdiction broadly. A sale is considered made in Illinois when any of the following applies:
- The offer is made in Illinois (accepted in or outside Illinois),
- The offer is made outside Illinois and accepted in Illinois,
- The offeree is domiciled in Illinois, or
- The franchised business is or will be located in Illinois.
Renewal clock: Registration expires 120 days after fiscal year-end; renew before expiry. Amendments: file after material changes (material $100, immaterial $25).
Learn more about Illinois Franchise Law.
Our Franchise Legal Services (Fixed-Fee)
Franchise Your Business
FDD drafting, franchise agreements, trademarks, Item 19 guidance, and Illinois registration—aligned with your sales narrative.
Franchise Growth Counsel
Ongoing updates, renewals, Illinois amendments, multi-state filings, and deal support.
FranIQ® Compliance Platform
Track Illinois deadlines, filings, and documents in one dashboard.
Illinois Franchise Lawyer FAQs
Yes. Illinois requires registration before offers or sales occur.
Your registration expires 120 days after fiscal year-end; renew before that date.
$500 initial, $100 renewal; amendments are $100 (material) or $25 (immaterial).
Illinois may require deferral of initial fees, escrow, surety bond, guaranty of performance, or a certificate of deposit as financial assurance conditions.
The Illinois Attorney General’s Franchise Bureau (Springfield).
Illinois has produced nationally recognized and iconic franchise brands, including:
- Jimmy John’s (Charleston, IL) — first shop opened in 1983; the system began franchising in 1994.
- Dairy Queen — the very first DQ restaurant opened in Joliet, Illinois in 1940.
- Rosati’s Pizza — Chicago-area roots (Mount Prospect/Arlington Heights); began franchising in 1979; now 200+ locations nationwide.
- ServiceMaster — founded in Chicago (1929); evolved into a multi-brand franchisor (e.g., ServiceMaster Clean, Merry Maids).
- McDonald’s (milestone) — Ray Kroc opened his first McDonald’s franchise in Des Plaines, IL in 1955, catalyzing national expansion.
Talk to an Illinois Franchise Lawyer Today
We support franchisors across Illinois and nationwide. Many Illinois brands expand regionally to Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, and Michigan, and nationally to California, Texas, Florida, and New York. Ranked the #1 Franchise Law Firm (Entrepreneur Magazine), we’ve helped 350+ brands structure, register, and grow with confidence.
Call (800) 976-4904 or Schedule Your Free Franchise Strategy Call.