How To Get A Business Name

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Steps to register your business name

You can register a business name using the Australian Government's Business Registration Service. BRS combines several business and tax registrations in one place, making it even easier to start a business.

How to register a business name using ASIC Connect
Video tutorials
What to do if you have not received your record of registration or invoice
Once registered, what do I need to do?

How to register a business name using ASIC Connect

You can also register a business name directly with ASIC by using ASIC Connect. For a visual guide, read our 'How to register a business name' user guides.

Step 1 - Log in to ASIC Connect and select the 'Licences and Registrations' tab at the top of the page

If you don't have an ASIC Connect account, you can register online.
If you're logging in for the first time, make sure you say 'No', you don't have a current business. You don't need an ASIC key to register.

Step 2 - Select 'Business name' from the drop-down box

Select 'business name' from the drop-down box and select 'Go'. Read the information and make sure you tick the boxes. Select 'Get started'.

Step 3 - Enter your Australian Business Number (ABN)

You must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or have applied for an ABN to register a business name. Select the relevant option, enter your ABN, and select 'Next'. You must enter your ABN without any spaces.

Step 4 - Enter the proposed business name

Enter the proposed business name exactly as you would like it to appear on our register. Business names are case sensitive.

Step 5 - Select the registration period

You can register a business for one year or three years. After this period, it must be renewed.

Step 6 - Enter the business name holder's details.

Enter the proposed business name holder details (e.g. the holder's date of birth)

Step 7 - Enter the proposed business name's addresses

Enter the addresses of the proposed business name.

Step 8 - Confirm the eligibility to hold the business name.

To hold a business name, the holder cannot be disqualified or convicted of criminal offences outlined in the Business Names Registration Act 2011.

Step 9 - Review your application

Review your application; make sure your business name is spelt correctly. Complete the declarations and confirm you're authorised to submit the application.

Step 10 - Make payment and confirm your transaction.

You can pay by credit card, BPAY, or request an invoice. If you don't pay within 10 days, your application will be cancelled and you will need to reapply.

Once you've made payment, you'll see a confirmation screen. Once payment has been made, your business name should be registered within 48 hours.

Video tutorials

You can watch our video tutorial to learn more about registering a business name for the first time using ASIC Connect.

You can also watch our video tutorial on how to register a business name using ASIC Connect.

What to do if you have not received your record of registration or invoice

Once your business name is registered, you will receive a record of registration.

If you choose to pay for your business name registration via invoice, we will email it to you within 48 hours. You must pay within 10 business days.

Find out what to do if you haven't received your record of registration, invoice, or renewal notice.

Once I've registered, what do I need to do?

Once the business name has been registered, we'll email you a copy of your record of registration. You can then trade using the name.

If your details change, you must update your details with us. (for example, if you've moved addresses).

You must prominently display your business name wherever you're open to the public, like at your storefront. You must also update your business correspondence, such as invoices or purchase orders, to include your registered business name and ABN.