Register business name: Step-by-step guide for Australian businesses

Published Tuesday 20 January 2026

Table of contents

• What is a business name?
• Do you have to register a business name?
• Australian Business Number requirement
• Choosing and checking a business name
• What information you need to register
• How to register a business name
• Registration fees and costs
• Manage your business finances with Xero
• FAQs on registering a business name

Key takeaways

• Verify your business name availability and restrictions before registration by using ASIC's name checking tools and IP Australia's trademark search to avoid costly rejections and legal issues.
• Obtain an Australian Business Number (ABN) first, as it's required before you can register any business name through either the Business Registration Service or ASIC Connect.
• Register your business name if you trade under anything other than your exact personal name, including when adding descriptive words like "Plumbing" to your personal name.
• Choose between one-year registration ($45) or three-year registration ($104) based on your business planning timeline, and ensure you renew before expiration to maintain legal trading status.

What is a business name?

A business name is the official trading name that identifies your business to customers and government agencies. This name appears on all your legal documents, invoices, website, and signage, making it a crucial part of your business identity.

Business names can take several strategic approaches:

• Personal name: Jane Wells (simple and personal)
• Descriptive name: Morgan Adams Bookkeeping (clearly shows the service)
• Location-based name: Alice Springs Snake Removal (targets a local market)
• Creative name: Xero (memorable and brandable)
• Acronym name: Totally Awesome Plumbing Services (TAPS) (professional yet memorable)

As an example to another approach, ACME became a popular business name in the early days of alphabetised telephone directories. Businesses that started with an “A” often appeared closer to the front of the directory, which many saw as a way to suggest quality and stand out.

Whatever you come up with, your business name is part of your brand so it should reflect that. Make it memorable, easy to pronounce and spell, and preferably make it something that inspires you every day.

Do you have to register a business name?

You must register your business name unless it matches exactly with your personal name or an existing registered company name with ASIC.

When registration is required:

• Trading as anything other than your full legal name
• Adding descriptive words to your personal name
• Using a completely different business name

Sole traders don't need registration when using their exact personal name (like 'Juanita Brown'). You must register your business name if you add any descriptive words, such as 'Juanita Brown Plumbing'.

Partnerships don't need registration when the business name includes all partners' full names exactly as they appear legally.

Unsure of what your business structure will be? The Business Registration Service has more information about the various options and what business and tax registrations you should also apply for.

Australian Business Number requirement

Before you can register a business name, you need to have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or have an ABN application in progress. The ABN is a unique 11-digit number that identifies your business to the government and community, and according to the Australian Taxation Office, it makes it easier for businesses and all levels of government to interact.

If you don't have an ABN yet, you can apply for one as part of the business name registration process. You can learn more from guides on what an ABN is and how to apply for one.

Choosing and checking a business name

Name selection requires careful verification before you commit to any choice. Check availability and restrictions first to avoid costly registration rejections.

Essential checks before registration:

• Availability: Make sure the name is not already registered
• Restrictions: Check that no prohibited words are included
• Legal compliance: Confirm any industry-specific requirements are met

Name restrictions

Prohibited business names fall into two main categories:

Undesirable names:

• Offensive or inappropriate language
• False government connections (suggests official agency status)
• Misleading royal or charity associations

Restricted names:

• Words requiring special authorisation include terms like 'Bank,' 'University,' and 'Charity.' Additionally, some professional bodies have their own rules; for instance, members of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand cannot include “Chartered” in a registered business name.
• Industry-specific terms needing licenses: 'Architect,' 'Builder,' 'Lawyer'
• Terms that mislead consumers about your business type

And some other laws may impact what you want to call your business. Using industry and professional terms like 'architect' or 'builder' may be restricted to those who are licensed and registered.

You can read more about name availability and restrictions on the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) website.

How to find out if a business name is taken

Once you've decided on a few options, it's time to find out if they're available. The Business Registration Service search tool will check the names you've chosen and also check if domain names are available.

ASIC also has a tool that checks the availability of a business name. It checks your proposed name isn't restricted, already registered, undesirable, or contains invalid characters. It's an easy way to save yourself a lot of hassle.

How to find out if a business name is protected

Be aware though, even if the name you've chosen is available to register, you don't have exclusive rights to use it if someone else has already registered it as a trade mark. They're separate processes. So also check your proposed business name with IP Australia for any existing trade marks.

What information you need to register

Having your information ready will make the registration process much smoother. Before you start, make sure you have the following details on hand:

• Your ABN or ABN application reference number
• The business name you want to register
• The registration period you want (one or three years)
• Contact details for the business, including an email and physical address for service of documents
• The business location addresses

How to register a business name

Business name registration requires an ABN (Australian Business Number) before you can proceed. You must either have an active ABN or an ABN application reference number.

Two registration methods available:

• Business Registration Service: One-stop solution for ABN and business name together
• ASIC Connect: Direct registration with existing ABN

Business Registration Service method

1. Access: Visit the Business Registration Service website
2. Apply simultaneously: Register business name and ABN in one application
3. Add tax registrations: Include goods and services tax (GST) and pay as you go (PAYG) withholding if needed
4. Complete startup tasks: Handle multiple business requirements together

Best for: New businesses needing ABN and multiple registrations.

ASIC Connect method

1. Create account: Register for ASIC Connect online access
2. Prepare information: Have your ABN and business details ready
3. Submit application: Enter business name, owner details, and addresses
4. Receive confirmation: According to ASIC, once payment is made, your business name should be registered within 48 hours.
5. Start trading: Use your registered business name legally

Best for: Existing businesses with ABN already established.

Registration fees and costs

Registration costs and duration:

• One year registration: $45
• Three year registration:$104 for 3 years
• Renewal required: Before expiration date to maintain legal status
• National coverage: Single registration covers all Australian states and territories

Current fees are available on the ASIC website with multiple payment options accepted.

Manage your business finances with Xero

Once your business name is registered, you can focus on building your business while Xero accounting software helps you manage your finances.

Try Xero for free to see how easy it is to run your business, not your books.

FAQs on registering a business name

Here are answers to some common questions about registering a business name.

Is it free to register a business name?

No, there is a fee to register a business name in Australia. The cost depends on whether you choose to register for one year or three years. You can find the current fees on the ASIC website.

Should I register my small business name?

Yes, if you conduct business in Australia under a name that is not your own individual name, you are legally required to register it. For example, if your name is Sam Jones and you trade as 'Sam Jones', you don't need to register. But if you trade as 'Sam's Gardening', you must register the name.

How long does business name registration take?

If you register online and provide all the correct information, the process is usually quite fast. You can often receive confirmation of your registration within a few business days.

Can I register multiple business names?

Yes, you can register more than one business name under a single ABN. This is useful if you want to operate several distinct businesses or brands.

What happens if I don't register my business name?

To comply with the law and avoid penalties, make sure you register your business name before you start trading. This helps customers identify and trust your business.