How to register a business name with a transfer number
Download the full user guide (including screenshots) as a PDF (2.53MB)
ASIC Connect is the online system used to manage your business name.
You can lodge an application for a business name online from your ASIC Connect account.
Before you start, you must have the transfer number from the previous business name owner. If you have not received the transfer number you will need to contact the previous business name owner.
You must have an ABN or an ABN application reference number to apply for a business name (unless an exemption applies).
You can pay for your business name registration fee online by credit card or later by BPAY or invoice.
This example is for an individual business name owner (sole trader). Other business name owner types will result in different screens and questions being asked.
Further assistance using ASIC Connect can be accessed via the Help button at the top right-hand side of the screen.
Get started
To get started, visit the ASIC website at www.asic.gov.au.
- Click on the blue ASIC Connect box. This will take you to ASIC Connect.
Go to ASIC Connect and select 'Log in'.
- If you do not have an ASIC Connect account select 'Sign up'.
Log in
Log in using your email address and password.
If you do not have an ASIC Conect select 'Sign up'.
- If you are logging in for the first time, make sure you select 'No' you don't have a business name.
- You can refer to our user guide How to sign up for an ASIC Connect account.
Apply for a business name
Select the 'Licenses & Registrations' tab at the top of the screen.
- Select 'Business names registration' from the drop-down box.
- Select 'Go' to continue.
Read the information about applying for a business name.
- Tick the boxes under 'Things to be aware of' after you have read and understood the information.
- Select 'Get Started' to start your application.
ABN options
To apply for a business name, you must have either:
- an ABN or
- an ABN application reference number.
Select the 'Relevant option'.
- Enter the 'ABN' or 'ABN application reference number' with no spaces in the field provided.
- Select 'Next' to continue.
Business name transfer
Enter the business name being transferred. Ensure the name is entered exactly as it appears on our register. Select 'Check name availability'.
- 'Enter the transfer number'. The transfer number is provided by the previous business owner and is your authority to register the business name. Without this number you cannot complete your application.
Once obtained, enter the transfer number in the format provided - the number '1' followed by 11 digits (e.g. 1-12345678912). - Select your preferred registration period (1 year or 3 years).
- Select 'Next' to continue.
Business name owner details
Enter the business name owner details in the fields provided.
- Select 'Next' to continue.
Addresses
You must provide an address for service of documents, a principal place of business address and an email address. These addresses are mandatory. An SMS address is optional.
Under the Actions column click on '+Add' to enter the relevant information.
- Select whether the address is a street or postal address from the drop-down box.
- Enter the address details in the fields provided.
- Select 'Save address' to save the entered addresses.
This is how the information will appear after you've added your address details. If you need to make a change, click on 'Edit' beside an address.
- Select 'Next' to continue.
Eligibility
Read the eligibility requirements of a business name holder.
- Tick the boxes next to the eligibility statements to proceed.
- Select 'Next' to continue.
Review
Check that the information displayed is correct. If not select 'Edit' to change any details that are incorrect
- Select 'Submit' to continue.
Declare
Read the declaration to ensure you agree with the conditions of the transaction.
- Tick the boxes next to the declaration to proceed.
- Select your authority for submitting the transaction.
- Select 'Next' to continue.
Payment
You can choose to pay for your registration using a credit card or BPAY. Alternatively, you can request an invoice to be sent to you.
- Select the 'Pay now' option.
- Select 'Pay now' to continue.
Enter your credit card details.
- Select 'Submit' to process the payment.
If you want to pay at a later date, you can do so by using BPAY or requesting an invoice to be sent to you.
- Select the 'Pay later' option.
- Select the 'Invoice' or 'BPAY' option.
- If you select 'Invoice', it will be sent to the email address recorded.
- If you select 'BPAY' you will need to print or make note of the BPAY details and process your payment.
- Select 'Pay Later'.
Confirmation
This screen confirms your transaction has been submitted.
- Select 'Print the transaction' to download a printable PDF version of the transaction.
- Select one of the links under What else can I do for more information about other services or
- Select 'Home' to return to the ASIC Connect home page.