In Australia, if you trade under any name other than your own personal name (or your registered company name), you must register a business name with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
This guide provides a complete, step-by-step walkthrough of the registration process, costs, and ongoing obligations.
Step 1: Determine if You Need a Registered Business Name
You need to register a business name if:
- You are a Sole Trader and want to trade as 'Sydney Coffee Co.' instead of 'John Smith'.
- You are a partnership (e.g., 'Smith & Jones Consulting').
- You have a Pty Ltd company but want to trade under a different name than your registered company name (e.g., company is 'XYZ Holdings Pty Ltd' but trades as 'Fresh Bites Cafe').
You do NOT need to register a business name if:
- You trade under your own personal name (e.g., 'John Smith').
- You trade under your exact registered company name (e.g., 'Fresh Bites Cafe Pty Ltd').
Important: Registering a business name does NOT give you exclusive trademark rights. For brand protection, you also need to register a trademark with IP Australia.
Step 2: Check Business Name Availability
Before applying, search ASIC's Business Names Register (free online tool) to ensure your desired name isn't already taken.
Also check:
- Australian Trade Mark Register: To avoid infringing on existing trademarks.
- Domain name availability: For your website (e.g., .com.au).
- Social media handles: To maintain brand consistency.
Rules for acceptable names:
- Cannot be identical or 'deceptively similar' to an existing business name.
- Cannot contain restricted words (e.g., 'Bank', 'Trust', 'Royal', 'University') without approval.
- Cannot be offensive or misleading.
Pro tip: Have 3–5 alternative names ready in case your first choice is unavailable.
Step 3: Gather Required Information
Before starting the online application, prepare the following:
- Your ABN (Australian Business Number): You cannot register a business name without an ABN (or you can apply for both simultaneously).
- Principal place of business address: Physical address in Australia (not a PO Box).
- Postal address: Where ASIC will send correspondence.
- Applicant details: Full name, date of birth, TFN (for Sole Traders) or ACN (for companies).
- Business activity description: A short description of what your business does (e.g., 'Retail sale of clothing').
Step 4: Apply via ASIC Connect or a Registered Agent
You can register through:
- ASIC Connect (online): The cheapest and fastest method. Go to connect.asic.gov.au. Create an account, select 'Business Names', and follow the prompts.
- Registered Business Name Broker: Some agents charge a fee (e.g., $50–$100) to handle the process, but you can easily DIY.
- Through your tax agent or accountant: Many offer business name registration as part of their services.
The application will ask for your ABN, proposed name, addresses, and contact details.
Double-check everything for accuracy.
Step 5: Pay the Registration Fee
ASIC fees (as of 2025–2026):
- 1-year registration: $42
- 3-year registration: $98 (most popular – better value)
- These fees are non-refundable. Payment accepted via credit card (Visa/Mastercard) or direct debit.
Once payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation email. The business name is usually registered instantly.
Step 6: Receive Your Business Name Certificate
ASIC will issue a digital Certificate of Registration. This document includes:
- Your registered business name.
- Your ABN (linked to the business name).
- Registration expiry date (1 or 3 years from issue).
- Your unique Business Name Number (not commonly used).
Save this certificate. You will need it to open business bank accounts, sign leases, and apply for permits.
Step 7: Display Your Business Name Correctly
Australian law requires you to display your registered business name:
- On all invoices, receipts, and quotes.
- On your website and social media pages.
- At your place of business (e.g., shopfront sign).
- On promotional materials (brochures, business cards).
You must also include your ABN on these documents.
Step 8: Renew Before Expiry
ASIC will send a renewal notice 30 days before expiry. You can renew online through ASIC Connect for the same fees ($42 for 1 year, $98 for 3 years).
If you do not renew, your business name becomes available for anyone else to register.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Registering before getting an ABN: You can apply for both ABN and business name simultaneously through the Australian Business Register (ABR).
- Choosing a name too similar to an existing business: This could lead to legal action for 'passing off'.
- Forgetting to update ASIC when you move: You must update your principal and postal addresses within 28 days.
- Using a business name without registering: Penalties can exceed $1,000.
Final reminder: Business name registration with ASIC is not the same as trademark registration. To stop others from using your brand, you need a trademark from IP Australia (starting at $250 per class).
Follow these eight steps, and your Australian business name will be legally registered, protected, and ready for trading.