How to register a business name with ASIC

If you already have an ABN, you can apply to register a business name with ASIC.

Before you start

To register a business name, you must have an ABN or have applied for one. If you have applied but not received one yet, you will need the ABN reference number you got when you applied.

If you have not already, you can use the Australian Taxation Office service to apply for an ABN.

To register a business name with ASIC, you will need to create an account if you don't have one already. Find out how to do this:

ASIC Connect information for business name holders

You can ask someone else to register the business name for you. You will need to give them written authorisation. This could be a professional like an accountant or lawyer, via online website, or a family member or friend. These people are called authorised lodgers.

We suggest you ask them to enter your contact details rather than theirs when they register for you. That way, we will be able to contact you about your registration, and it will be easier for you to meet your obligations.

Authorised lodgers for business names

If you’re worried about your safety, you can ask us to hide some of your information from the public. Read this page before you register:

Hide personal details on the business names register

Registering a transferred business name

If you are registering a business name that is being transferred to you by the previous business name holder, you will need the transfer number.

Fees

There is a fee to register a business name. You must pay the fee within 10 business days of your application being approved, or we will refuse your application, and you will need to reapply.

The current fees to register a business name are:

{BZA} for 1 year
{BZB} for 3 years.

Steps to register a business name with ASIC

Log in to your account

Start transaction

Select the ‘Licences and Registrations’ tab.
If you're logging in for the first time, say 'No', you do not have a current business.
You do not need an ASIC key to register.
Select ‘Business name registration’ and select ‘Go’
Tick the boxes once you have read and understood the information.
Select the 'Get started' button.

Enter your details

Enter the ABN or the ABN reference number without any spaces.
Select the ‘Next’ button.
Enter the business name exactly as you want it to appear on the register. Business names are case sensitive, so you should be careful about capital letters (like B) and lower-case letters (like b).
If you're using a business name that is being transferred to you, enter it exactly as it currently appears on the register. Then enter the transfer number.
Choose whether to register the business for 1 or 3 years.
Enter the business name holder's details.
Enter the address of the business.
Confirm that the business name holder is eligible. They must not be disqualified from managing corporations or convicted of certain criminal offences.

Review and confirm

Review your application. Make sure the business name is spelt correctly, and all your details are correct.

Declare and submit

Read the declaration to make sure you agree with it. You will also need to tell us that you are authorised. If you agree and are authorised, select the boxes.
Select the 'Next' button.

Pay

Pay and confirm your transaction. If you do not pay within 10 business days, we will refuse your application, and you will need to reapply.
After you have paid, you will see a confirmation screen.

User guides

For more detailed instructions and screenshots, see our user guides:

Next steps

Once payment has been made, your business name should be registered within 48 hours. We will email you a record of registration.

If you do not receive your record of registration

Check your spam or junk folder. Emails are sent from ASIC.transactions.no-reply@asic.gov.au.

If you have not got the email, contact us. Tell us that you have not received your record of registration and give us:

your business name
the transaction reference number
the account number for your business name
your receipt number (if you have paid your fee)
your phone number.