How to Register a Business Name with ASIC in Australia: ABN, Fees and Online Steps

When do you need to register a business name in Australia?

You generally need to register a business name when you carry on business under a name that is different from your own legal name. A business name is the name customers see when you trade, advertise or identify the business.

For example, a sole trader operating only as Joe Smith may not need to register a separate business name, while Joe Smith Plumbing generally would. A company that trades using its exact registered company name generally does not need an additional business name, but using another trading name normally requires separate registration.

Business names are administered nationally by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Once registered, the business name can be used across Australian states and territories without separate state-by-state business name registrations.

At a glance: ASIC business name registration

Do you need an ABN before registering a business name?

You must have an Australian Business Number or have applied for one before registering a business name. ASIC states that if you have applied for an ABN but have not yet received it, you can use the ABN reference number provided with your ABN application when using its business name registration process.

If you are starting a new business, the Australian Government Business Registration Service can be used to complete relevant business registrations. An ABN and a business name are different registrations and should not be treated as the same thing.

How do you check if a business name is available?

Before applying, search ASIC's business names register and use the available name-checking service. ASIC applies legal rules when deciding whether a proposed business name is available.

A name can be unavailable if it is identical or nearly identical to an existing business name or company name, a pending application or transfer, certain recently cancelled names, names reserved for companies, some government names or certain names recorded on other prescribed registers.

Does changing spelling, punctuation or plurals make a name different?

Not necessarily. ASIC's comparison rules disregard some differences when assessing names. For example, singular and plural forms can be treated as equivalent, articles such as the or a may be ignored, and differences involving capitalisation, spaces, accents and punctuation may not make a proposed name sufficiently different.

Are some words restricted in Australian business names?

Yes. ASIC has rules for undesirable and restricted words and expressions. Some terms cannot be used, while others require consent before ASIC can register the name.

Depending on the restricted term, consent may need to come from ASIC, the relevant Australian Government minister or the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority. If your proposed name contains a restricted expression, check the applicable consent process before lodging the registration.

Does ASIC business name registration protect your brand?

No. Registering a business name gives you the legal registration needed to trade under that name, but it does not give you exclusive intellectual property rights to the name or brand.

If brand exclusivity is important, check existing trade marks and consider whether separate trade mark registration with IP Australia is appropriate. Business name registration and trade mark registration are different procedures.

How much does it cost to register a business name in Australia?

From 1 July 2026, ASIC business name registration costs $47 for 1 year or $108 for 3 years. The same amounts apply when renewing a business name for the corresponding period.

ASIC fees are indexed periodically, so the applicable fee should be checked again when a future registration or renewal becomes due.

How do you register a business name online?

You can register through the Australian Government Business Registration Service. ASIC also provides an online registration process for applicants who already have an ABN or have applied for one.

When registering through ASIC Connect, you enter the ABN or ABN application reference number, enter the proposed business name exactly as you want it recorded, choose a 1-year or 3-year registration period and provide the holder and business address information requested.

If someone else is completing the application for you, such as an accountant, lawyer, family member or other representative, ASIC permits an authorised lodger to act with your written authorisation.

How long does ASIC business name registration take?

The Australian Government states that completing an online business name application takes around 10 to 15 minutes.

If all required information is provided, including the ABN, and payment is completed, confirmation should generally arrive within 2 business days when paying by credit card. For BPAY, EFT or bank transfer, confirmation should generally arrive within 5 business days.

An application can take longer if ASIC needs additional information, the proposed name requires consent or there is another issue preventing automatic processing.

Can one business have more than one registered business name?

Yes. Australian Government guidance confirms that multiple business names can be linked to the same ABN. Each business name is separately registered and has its own renewal obligations.

What happens after your business name is registered?

Once registration and payment have been processed, the business name is recorded on ASIC's national business names register. The register includes information such as the business name, registration date, next renewal date and whether the registration is current.

You should keep the holder's contact and business details current and retain registration information needed to manage the name through ASIC's online services.

How often do you need to renew a business name?

A registered business name must be renewed if you want to keep using it. You can renew for either 1 year or 3 years.

ASIC sends a renewal notice at least 30 days before the registration is due to expire, usually by email. You can renew using ASIC's Business name renewal service or through ASIC Connect.

After payment is received, the business names register is updated with the next renewal date and ASIC emails a record of registration.

What happens if you do not renew the business name?

If you do not renew the business name, ASIC may cancel the registration. To continue legally carrying on business under that name, make sure renewal is completed when required.

Can you change a registered business name?

The registration relates to the specific name that was approved. If you want to operate under a different business name, that different name generally requires its own registration rather than simply editing the registered name itself. You can, however, update other registration details through ASIC's business name services where the applicable change is permitted.

What if the business changes owner or ABN?

If a business is sold and the new owner wants to use the same business name, the current holder must start a business name transfer through ASIC. A transfer can also be required when a change in business structure results in a new ABN.

The current holder receives a transfer number to give to the new owner. The new owner then registers the name using that transfer number. The new owner chooses a new 1-year or 3-year registration period because the previous registration period does not carry over.