29. What is a business name?

The new national business names registration service commenced on 28 May 2012. This service is managed by ASIC and it creates a platform upon which business names can be registered, updated and searched online. You can no longer register a business name through the Department of Fair Trading in any State or Territory.

• Businesses can register their name with a single national register. That means that you only have to register a name once to obtain national effect.
• Business name searches, registrations and renewals can be done online.
• Under the 2012 legislation non-legal entities can register a business name. Examples include partnerships, trusts, superannuation funds and joint ventures.
• A new business name cannot be registered without an ABN.
• The service provides a link to ABN registration.
• Business name information can be searched online for free.

If the new business does not have an ABN the first port of call is www.abr.gov.au to apply for an ABN. You are not able to apply for a business name without one. There is a hyperlink at the end of the ABN application to the ASIC website.

If you already have an ABN head to www.asic.gov.au to start the business names registration.

ASIC advises that the registration process should take approximately 15-20 minutes if you have all the necessary information on hand.

To make changes to business name registration details you must set up an ASIC Connect account. The keys will issue when the business name is registered. There is link on the front page of the ASIC website for business name maintenance/update transactions.

The existing or proposed business name holder can authorise any person to lodge applications or manage business name details.

You can ask us to manage business name registration for you.

Our service fee in this regard will be $77 per transaction.

If you have any questions regarding the new Business Name Register please contact us on 92612100.

To register your business name click here