Register a business name with ASIC: fees and steps
You can register an Australian business name through ASIC Connect or the government's Business Registration Service. From 1 July 2026, ASIC's fee is $47 for one year or $108 for three years. The registration attaches the name to its holder; it doesn't create a company.
Before applying, settle who will hold the name and check that the name is suitable. Changing those decisions after ordering signs, stationery and a website can cost much more than the registration.
Check whether you need a separate name
ASIC's business-name registration guidance describes the main exceptions: an individual using their first name and surname alone, a partnership using all partners' personal names, or a company trading under its registered company name.
For an illustrative example, a sole trader called Ava Martin might operate under that personal name. Adding “Garden Care” creates a different business-name question. For a company, check the exact company name rather than assuming a shortened brand is identical.
If the legal structure isn't settled, use our business structure comparison first. Registering a name for an individual doesn't establish ownership by a company you might create later.
Choose the holder before completing the form
The holder should be the entity carrying on the business. Make sure the ABN belongs to that entity, not simply to the person filling in the application.
Write the legal name, structure and ABN on a small registration sheet before you start. Add the proposed business name separately. This is especially useful when an adviser is helping several related businesses.
If the numbers are confusing, our ABN vs ACN guide explains the difference. If you're applying for the ABN at the same time, keep the application reference separate from an issued number.
Check availability and trade marks
Use ASIC's name-availability check, then investigate relevant trade marks and existing brands. A name clearing one check doesn't settle every other right to use it.
ASIC's availability system can return available, needing assessment or unavailable results. An assessment may be required for an unusual word as well as for other naming issues. Don't make non-refundable branding commitments on the assumption that every submitted name is immediately approved.
Business-name registration and trade mark protection are different. Our trade mark guide explains the separate process. If a similar brand already operates in your market, get advice before paying for signage or promoting the name.
Gather the application information
Have the holder details, ABN or application reference, proposed name and contact details ready. Use an email address the business will retain access to. If somebody helps lodge the application, agree who will receive official correspondence afterwards.
ASIC requires address information and makes some details public. Check its current requirements and options before entering a home address. Don't put a false address on the application to avoid publication.
Keep control of the application's references and final documents. If an adviser submits it, ask for the completed record rather than only a screenshot saying the payment went through.
Compare the term and total charge
ASIC's current fee schedule lists:
| Registration term | Government fee from 1 July 2026 |
|---|---|
| One year | $47 |
| Three years | $108 |
At today's rates, three separate one-year payments total $141, compared with $108 upfront for three years. Future fees may change. Choose the term based on your plans and budget rather than treating the comparison as a forecast.
You can pay a private provider to help with registration. Ask for the government fee and their service charge separately, including the total payable and any ongoing commitments. The government ABN application is free for eligible applicants; assistance with it may be a paid service.
Submit through the official service
Start from ASIC's registration page, which links to its current portal and the government's registration service. Review the proposed holder and spelling carefully before declaring the information and paying.
Use the official screen instructions for the current process. Keep the transaction reference and payment evidence. Registration is completed after the application requirements are met and payment clears; follow up with ASIC if the confirmation doesn't arrive as expected.
Don't assume an application reference means the name is already registered. Check the resulting record before using the registration as evidence for a bank, supplier or customer.
After registration
Save the record of registration and note the renewal date. Check how the business name and ABN should appear on your documents, and update the website, invoice template and other customer-facing records consistently.
If you use different software for quotes and invoices, check both. It is easy to update the accounting system while leaving an old legal name on a sales proposal template.
Make someone responsible for official notices and changes to registered details. If the person who applied leaves the business, move that responsibility before their email account is closed.
Renewal and changes of owner are separate jobs
A registered name can be renewed for one or three years. ASIC normally sends an email notice, but can post one where it has no email address recorded. A paper notice alone isn't proof of a scam. Verify the record and payee independently.
Our business-name renewal guide explains the process and how to assess optional private renewal services.
If you sell the business or move it into a company, check the transfer process instead of simply changing contact details or paying a renewal. The registered holder matters. Get the proposed transfer and timing clear before the changeover.
Key takeaways
- Register the name against the correct legal holder.
- Check availability and trade marks before committing to branding.
- Compare the government charge with any additional service fees.
- Retain the record, renewal date and access to official correspondence.
Where to get help
Use ASIC's registration instructions for the application and a lawyer for uncertain brand rights or ownership arrangements. Our business registration hub connects names, ABNs, company costs and ongoing obligations.
Where to go from here
Company setup costs in Australia: ASIC fees and a budget
Continue the “apply and compare the costs” reading sequence.
5 min readDirector ID: What It Is and How to Get One (Free)
Continue the “apply and compare the costs” reading sequence.
9 min readHow to Trademark Your Business Name in Australia
Next in “register the business and protect its name”.
12 min read
Frequently asked questions
How much does ASIC business-name registration cost?
From 1 July 2026, ASIC charges $47 for one year or $108 for three years. Private providers may charge additional service fees.
Do I need a business name as a sole trader?
You generally need to register if you trade under something other than your first name and surname alone. Adding descriptive words, such as a service name, changes that position.
Can I register a business name without an ABN?
ASIC Connect accepts an ABN or an ABN application reference number. You can also apply for an ABN and business name together through the government's Business Registration Service.
Does registering a business name protect my brand?
Registration doesn't provide the same protection as a trade mark or protect you from infringing someone else's rights. Check trade marks separately before committing to a brand.
General information only. This guide doesn't take your personal or business circumstances into account and isn't financial, legal or tax advice. Rates and thresholds change — check the official sources linked in this guide and get qualified advice where your circumstances require it.