How to register a business name in Australia
Business names in Australia are registered nationally with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) under the Business Names Registration Act 2011 (Cth). You must first obtain an Australian Business Number (ABN), check the proposed name is available, then register online through ASIC Connect for either a one-year or three-year period.
The framework
Business Names Registration Act 2011 (Cth). Section 18 — application to register. Section 20 — Registrar's decision. Section 40 — renewal. Section 18(4) requires each applicant to hold an ABN or have applied for one.
The process
Check whether you need a business name
You do not need to register a business name if you trade only under your own legal name (or the registered name of a company). If you use any other trading name, registration is required under s 18.
Obtain an ABN
Apply for an Australian Business Number through the Australian Business Register at abr.gov.au. The ABN is a prerequisite for business name registration.
Search name availability
Use ASIC Connect Search to check the proposed name is not identical or near-identical to an existing registered business name, company name, or prohibited word.
Check trade mark conflicts
Search IP Australia's Australian Trade Mark Search. A registered trade mark may prevent use of a name even if ASIC accepts the registration.
Register for ASIC Connect
Create an ASIC Connect account at asic.gov.au. This is the portal for business name registration and subsequent updates.
Complete the registration application
Provide the ABN, the proposed name, the holder's details, and the registration period (1 or 3 years). Disclose any adverse character matters if requested.
Pay the ASIC fee
Pay the Commonwealth fee for 1 or 3 years. Fees are set by the Business Names Registration Fees Act 2011 (Cth) and indexed annually.
Receive the registration certificate
Once ASIC registers the name, you receive a Record of Registration confirming the business name, holder, and expiry date.
Display the name as required
Business names must be displayed on public premises and in communications as required by s 18 of the Business Names Registration Act.
Renew or update the registration
Renew before expiry under s 40. Notify ASIC of changes in holders, address, or details within 28 days as required by s 37.
Forms and templates
- ASIC Connect — Register a Business Name
- ASIC Connect — Renew Business Name
Common mistakes
- Registering a business name but forgetting to check trade marks
- Not updating ASIC within 28 days of a change of holder or address
- Letting the registration lapse, losing priority over the name
- Assuming a business name gives trade mark rights (it does not)
- Applying before obtaining an ABN
Get this process right with Quillio
Quillio reviews proposed business names against ASIC and IP Australia databases and prepares application packs with ABN and trade mark checks. See /practice-areas/commercial-lawyers.
General information only — not legal advice. Business name registration does not confer proprietary rights — a trade mark registration may be required for brand protection.
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Quillio drafts the forms, checks against current requirements, and surfaces the relevant authority — all in one place. The free trial requires no sales call.
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