Overview

You may need this registration if you intend to carry on a business in Australia.

You must register your business name unless you trade under:

  • your own individual name
  • all the individual names of the partners in a partnership
  • a company or registered body name.

This national registration service replaces past state and territory services, so that all businesses in Australia only need to register each name once on a single national register.

Please note that there are various words that are restricted for use in business names unless an application is made.

Eligibility

To be eligible for registration of a business name you will need an Australian Business Number (ABN), or if your application for an ABN is pending, a statement to that effect and the reference number for the ABN application.

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Application process

Lodge

Please complete the online application and provide supporting documentation.

Transfer process

Transfer

You may transfer a business name to a new owner. Once the request to transfer is submitted, your registration will be cancelled within 28 days. If the new owner intends to use the name, they will need to register it using the transfer number.

Contact details

For any questions about this topic.

Customer Contact Centre

Registry

Australian Securities and Investments Commission

Phone: 1300 300 630

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Related laws

Act(s) name:

Business Names Registration Act 2011 Australian Government

Regulation(s) name:

Business Names Registration Regulation 2011 Australian Government