(a) (1) Unless registration of an offer of a franchise is renewed for a 1-year term as provided in this section, the registration expires on the first anniversary of its effective date.

(2) However, the Commissioner by regulation or order may set a different term of registration.

(b) (1) Before registration expires, the registrant periodically may renew it for an additional 1-year term, if the registrant:

(i) at least 15 business days before the expiration of registration files with the Commissioner:

1. a renewal application on the form that the Commissioner provides; and

2. a prospectus;

(ii) otherwise is entitled to be registered; and

(iii) pays a renewal fee of $250.

(2) The registrant shall sign and verify the renewal application.

(3) The Commissioner by order may allow a registrant to submit a renewal application after the 15th business day before expiration of the registration.

(c) The Commissioner shall renew the registration of an offer of a franchise if it meets the requirements of this section.

(d) Unless a stop order or other order is in effect under this subtitle, renewal of the registration of the offer of a franchise automatically takes effect at:

(1) noon on the day when the previous registration is due to expire; or

(2) an earlier time that the Commissioner sets.