The Registration Process
Broker-dealers must almost always register at a federal level, in addition to meeting state registration requirements. The only way that registration is permitted only at the state level is if all transactions and all aspects of the transactions are conducted or expected to be conducted within state boundaries. Since the vast majority of broker-dealers will at some point use third-party services located out of their state, virtually no broker-dealers choose to go this route.
To federally register, a broker-dealer must use the Central Depository Registration system to file a Form BD. This form requires important background information on the broker-dealer including key personnel, contac