A business name is the name your business operates under. You need to register a business name if you conduct business under a name other than your own.
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Before you register a business name
Before you register a business name there are some things to consider. Find out what to do before you start.
You can also watch our YouTube video to learn more about registering a business name.
Video transcript: Registering a business name
When I first started thinking about opening a café, I went onto the business.gov.au website to check out their guide to starting a new business. It turns out that unless you’re using your own name to run your business, you actually have to register your business name with ASIC.
I originally wanted to call the business ‘Café Coffee’, but when I checked with ASIC, it turned out that the business name was already registered. So I came up with the name ‘The Coffee Party’, which thankfully was available.
I also checked with IP Australia, to make sure that the name wasn’t registered as a trade mark because registering a name with ASIC doesn’t mean you own it.
Before I registered the name, I got an Australian Business Number, or ABN.
I signed up for an AUSkey at the same time. My AUSKey means I don’t have to remember a different user name and password for each government agency. I use my AUSKey for my updates to ASIC and the ATO.
It’s also a good idea to check with the Australian Business Licence and Information Service that you have all the licences you need to trade.
Then I checked that the domain name I wanted was free, so the café could have its own website. It’s lucky that I had my ABN already sorted because you need one if you want to buy a ‘.com.au’ or ‘.net.au’ domain name.
And then I was ready to register the business name. It only takes about 15 to 20 minutes, as long as you have your ABN to hand. You’ll also need the addresses of your proposed business name, for example an address for service of documents, a principal place of business address and an email address.
You can register your business name for one or three years. There’s a different fee depending on what you choose. To pay the fee, you can either use your credit card, or request an invoice that you can pay using BPAY or at Australia Post. Just make sure that you pay it within 10 business days.
Once your business name appears as registered on the Business Names Register, you’re ready to start trading! ASIC will also email you a record of registration.
So, you can see that it’s a pretty simple process. But, if you get stuck, just check out the user guides on ASIC’s website. They’re very helpful. You should also check out ASIC’s other videos on YouTube.
Business Registration Service
The Australian Government Business Registration Service combines several business and tax registrations in one place, making it even easier to start a business. You can apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN) and register your business name online.
Use the Business Registration Service
Other ways to register a business name
ASIC Connect – If you already have an ABN, you can apply for a business name directly with us by using ASIC Connect.
Private service provider – You can choose to register or renew your business name with a private service provider (PSP). This could be your accountant, your solicitor, or another business that provides online services with ASIC. They will usually charge a fee for their services above what ASIC would charge.
Find out more about private service providers.
Support for business names
Need help? See our support for business names page for step-by-step user guides.
You can also download our Regulatory Guide 235 or refer to our Top call centre questions.
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