Register business name in Australia: step-by-step guide

Published Wednesday 22 April 2026

Table of contents

• What is a business name?
• Do you have to register a business name?
• Australian Business Number requirement
• What information you need to register
• Choosing and checking a business name
• How to register a business name
• FAQs on registering a business name in Australia

Key takeaways

• Obtain an Australian Business Number (ABN) before you register a business name, as it's a required step in the registration process through either the Business Registration Service or ASIC Connect.
• Check your chosen business name for availability, restrictions, and existing trademarks before applying, using ASIC's free tools and IP Australia's trademark search to avoid rejections and legal issues.
• Register your business name if you trade under anything other than your exact personal name, including when you add descriptive words like "Plumbing" to your name.
• Choose between a one-year ($45) or three-year ($104) registration and renew before the expiry date, as trading under an expired business name is not legal.

What is a business name?

A business name is the official trading name that identifies your business to customers and government agencies. It appears on your legal documents, invoices, website, and signage. Your business name is a core part of your brand identity, so choose one that's memorable and easy to spell.

Business names can take several strategic approaches:

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

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?

Yes, you must register your business name unless it matches your exact personal name or a company name already registered with ASIC. The ATO requires all trading names to be registered to continue operating legally.

You need to register when you're:

• trading as anything other than your full legal name
• adding descriptive words to your personal name
• using a completely different business name

Here's when registration isn't required:

• Sole traders: No registration needed when using your exact personal name (like 'Juanita Brown'). Add descriptive words like 'Juanita Brown Plumbing' and you must register. Registration is required if you shorten or alter names in any way.
• Partnerships: No registration needed when the business name includes all partners' full legal names exactly.

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

You need an Australian Business Number (ABN) before you can register a business name. An ABN is a unique 11-digit number that identifies your business to the community and makes it easier for businesses and all levels of government to interact. Learn more about registration obligations for businesses. You can also proceed with an ABN application in progress.

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.

What information you need to register

Gather these details before you start registration:

• your ABN or ABN application reference number
• your chosen business name (already verified as available)
• your preferred registration period (one or three years). See ASIC's business name registration page for current fees ($45 for one year and $104 for three years)
• contact details including email and physical address for documents
• your business location addresses

Choosing and checking a business name

Check your business name is available and compliant before you apply. This avoids costly rejections and delays.

Run these checks before registration:

• Check availability: Confirm the name isn't already registered or nearly identical to one cancelled in the last four to six months. See ASIC's rules for acceptable business names
• Check restrictions: Verify no prohibited words are included
• Check legal compliance: Confirm any industry-specific requirements are met

Understanding what names are prohibited will help you avoid rejection.

Name restrictions

Prohibited business names fall into two main categories:

Undesirable names:

• offensive or inappropriate language
• false government connections that suggest official agency status
• misleading royal or charity associations

Restricted names:

• words requiring special authorisation, such as 'Bank,' 'University,' and 'Charity'
• professional terms with their own rules. For example, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand members can only include 'Chartered' in a registered business name under specific conditions
• industry-specific terms needing licences, such as 'Architect,' 'Builder,' and 'Lawyer'
• terms that mislead consumers about your business type

Other laws may also affect what you can call your business. You can read more about industry and professional terms on the ASIC website, and check name availability and restrictions before you apply.

Once you understand the restrictions, you can check whether your preferred name is already in use.

How to find out if a business name is taken

Use free government tools to check if your business name is available. Two options let you verify your name before applying:

• Business Registration Service: Checks name availability and whether matching domain names are available
• ASIC Connect: Checks if your name is restricted, already registered, undesirable, or contains invalid characters

Beyond checking availability, you should also verify whether your chosen name has trademark protection.

How to find out if a business name is protected

A registered business name doesn't give you exclusive rights to use it. If someone else has registered it as a trademark, they may have legal priority. Business name registration and trademark registration are separate processes. Check your proposed name with IP Australia for existing trademarks before you register.

How to register a business name

Two registration methods are available:

• Business Registration Service: Best for new businesses needing ABN and business name together in one application
• ASIC Connect: Best for existing businesses that already have an ABN

Use the Business Registration Service if you're starting fresh and need both an ABN and business name.

Business Registration Service method

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

Use ASIC Connect if you already have an ABN and just need to register your business name.

ASIC Connect method

1. Create an ASIC Connect account for online access
2. Gather your ABN and business details
3. Enter your business name, owner details, and addresses
4. Pay the registration fee
5. Receive confirmation

FAQs on registering a business name in Australia

Here are answers to common questions about business name registration.

How long does business name registration take?

Business name registration is usually instant when you register online through the Business Registration Service or ASIC Connect. You'll receive your registration certificate immediately after payment.

Can I register the same name as another business?

Yes, you can register a business name that's already in use by another business in Australia. However, this doesn't give you exclusive rights to use that name. If the name is trademarked, the trademark owner may have legal priority.

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

Your business name expires if you don't renew it before the expiry date. You can't legally trade under an expired business name. ASIC sends renewal notices 28 days before expiry, so make sure your contact details are current.

Can I change my business name after registration?

You can't change a registered business name. You need to register a new business name and cancel the old one. You'll pay the full registration fee for the new name.

Do I need a business name if I have a company?

Companies don't need to register a business name if they trade under their registered company name. You only need to register a business name if your company trades under a different name.