Business names overview

Welcome to the ASIC business names homepage.

This is the central point for the latest information about the new national business names register which begins on 28 May 2012.

Our new national business names registration service will replace the current state and territory services, so that businesses only need to register their name with a single national register.

Generally, existing registered business names in the states and territories will be automatically transferred to the new register. Existing business name holders do not need to do a thing. We will contact existing business name holders when it is time to renew their name.

From 28 May 2012, you will be able to register a new business name online and in most cases receive confirmation of your registration straight away, using our new online check name availability search.

You will also be able to search for a business name online by entering a name or business details.

Costs for registering a national business name are significantly cheaper under the new online system: $30 for one year or $70 for three years.

Business names roadshow webcast
If you couldn't attend one of our roadshows, you can now watch it online.
Business name availability check
We have developed a new online name availability check to determine whether a business name is available for registration.

What is a business name?

Find out more about what a business name is and when you need to register one.

Frequently asked questions about the new business names service

Read answers to some common questions to assist you in the lead up to the commencement of the new ASIC business names register. We will continue to add to this list over time.

You can also read answers to some questions people asked us at our roadshow.

Regulatory guidance

ASIC has published Regulatory Guide 235 to help businesses understand the new laws and how ASIC will administer the new register.

Regulatory reform

The establishment of a new national business names register administered by ASIC is part of the Council of Australian Governments’ (COAG) regulatory reform agenda.

As well as a joint online registration process for Australian Business Numbers (ABNs) and business names, including trade mark searching, the program will also deliver improved online business information services – the Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS) and the Australian Business Account – to improve ongoing interactions between government and business.

More about the national business name registration legislative package

More resources on business name reform

Don’t miss our regular updates

Subscribe to our business name reform updates to keep up to date on the latest news. You will get information on important milestones like the release of information sheets and user guides or new policy updates. Updates will be emailed directly to your inbox.

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ASIC Website: Printed 05/24/2012

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