You cannot edit your business name directly inside the Australian Business Register. Business names are managed by ASIC, not the ABR. To change your trading name, you register a new business name through ASIC Connect ($45 per year), link it to your existing ABN, and the ABR updates automatically within a few business days.

Your ABN stays the same as long as your business structure stays the same. A sole trader changing their brand name keeps their ABN. A sole trader becoming a company does not. That is a structure change, and it requires a new ABN.

At a Glance

• Your ABN belongs to your legal entity (you as a sole trader, or your company). Changing your trading name does not change your ABN.
• ASIC business name registration costs $45 for 1 year or $104 for 3 years.
• Since 1 November 2025, unregistered "trading names" no longer appear on ABN Lookup. You must hold a formally registered business name with ASIC for it to display publicly.
• If your business name changes but your insurance Certificate of Currency still shows your old name, contractor portals may reject it and claims may be delayed.

Do You Need a New ABN or Just a New Name?

Before logging into any portal, work out what you are actually changing. A name change and a structure change are two different things with different processes.

How to Register a New Business Name on Your ABN

If You Are a Sole Trader Rebranding

1. Check availability. Search the ASIC business names register to confirm your new name is not already taken.
2. Register the new name. Log into ASIC Connect, select "Register a Business Name," enter your existing ABN, and pay the fee ($45 for 1 year or $104 for 3 years).
3. Run both names during transition. Keep your old name active for a short period while you update your invoices, bank accounts, website, and insurance. This avoids a gap where clients or suppliers cannot find you.
4. Cancel the old name. Once your transition is complete and everything is updated, cancel your old business name through ASIC Connect.
5. Update the ABR. Log into the Australian Business Register and update your details within 28 days of the change.

If You Are Changing a Company Name (Pty Ltd)

Changing a company's legal name is more formal. You need to pass a special resolution of shareholders (75% majority vote required), then lodge ASIC Form 205 (Notification of Resolution). ASIC typically processes the change within 2 to 5 business days, and the ABR updates automatically.

If You Just Need to Fix a Typo

If you misspelled your business name when registering, you do not need to pay for a new registration. Submit a "Request to correct registry details" to ASIC with supporting identification (such as a driver's licence). The correction is free.

Why Unregistered Trading Names No Longer Appear on ABN Lookup

The ABR retirement of informal "trading as" names is now fully in effect. If your business has been operating under an unregistered name without a formal ASIC filing, that name has been wiped from the public register. Anyone searching your ABN (clients, suppliers, contractor portals) will only see your legal entity name. Your brand, as far as the public record is concerned, does not exist.

To restore it, register the name formally with ASIC ($45 per year). If you leave it unregistered, there is nothing stopping someone else from taking it.

A Registered Business Name Is Not a Trademark

Registering a business name with ASIC satisfies the legal requirement to trade under that name. ASIC will generally not allow another business to register an identical or nearly identical business name nationally. However, business name registration does not give full brand ownership. It does not stop similar names, does not replace trade mark registration, and does not prevent legal issues if the name infringes someone else's trade mark.

If you want legal protection over your brand, you need to apply for a registered trade mark through IP Australia. That is a separate process with separate costs and provides stronger national protection than a business name registration alone.

What to Update After Changing Your Business Name

Your government registrations update through ASIC and ABR, but everything else requires manual action. Work through this checklist as soon as your new name is registered:

• ABR details (within 28 days of the change)
• Bank accounts and payment gateways (Square, Stripe, Xero, PayPal)
• Insurance policies and Certificate of Currency (see below)
• Invoices, quotes, and contracts (update templates immediately)
• Website, domain name, and email (.com.au domains require a match or clear link to your ABN or registered business name)
• Social media accounts and Google Business Profile
• Signage and business cards
• Licences, permits, and industry registrations tied to your old name
• Suppliers and clients (notify them of the change in writing)

Update Your Insurance When You Change Your Business Name

This is the step most small businesses forget during a rebrand, and it causes real problems on the ground.

Insurance policies are legal contracts tied to a specific named insured entity. If you register a new business name with ASIC but do not update your insurer, your Certificate of Currency still shows your old name while your ABN Lookup shows your new one.

Problem 1: Contractor portal rejections. Automated procurement platforms like Cm3, Felix, and Pegasus cross-reference the name on your Certificate of Currency with your live ABN Lookup record. If they do not match, your CoC is rejected. You may be barred from entering a commercial job site or starting a project until the mismatch is resolved.

Problem 2: Claim delays. If you lodge a claim under your new business name but your policy still lists your old name, the insurer may need to verify the entity connection before processing. This can delay the outcome while the mismatch is investigated, subject to policy terms.

The fix is straightforward. Contact your insurer as soon as your new name is registered with ASIC.

Rebranding? Update your insurance the same day. upcover arranges business insurance for Australian small businesses and can update your policy details and issue a new Certificate of Currency so your CoC matches your ABN Lookup from day one.

When Do You Actually Need a New ABN?

Only when your business structure changes. Your name can change as many times as you like without affecting your ABN.

When you do not need a new ABN:

• Sole trader changing business name
• Sole trader adding a second business name
• Company changing its legal name (Form 205)
• Sole trader closing one business and starting another (still sole trader)

When you do need a new ABN:

• Sole trader becoming a company
• Partnership becoming a company

If you are making a structure change, see upcover's guides on switching from sole trader to company and how to get an ABN. If you are wondering whether you can run multiple businesses under one ABN, see using one ABN for multiple businesses.

How upcover Helps During a Rebrand

upcover is a digital-first insurance broker helping Australian small businesses arrange public and products liability, business pack, and other commercial insurance. If you are changing your business name, upcover arranges policy updates and issues a new Certificate of Currency so your insurance matches your ABN Lookup record without delay.

• 70,000+ businesses covered across Australia.
• 4.9/5 customer rating.
• Instant Certificate of Currency on policy confirmation.

upcover Pty Ltd ABN 17 628 197 437 is a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR 1299211) of Experience Insurance Services Pty Ltd ABN 41 657 596 506, AFSL 539078.

FAQ

Do I need a new ABN if I change my business name?

No. Your ABN is tied to your legal entity, not your business name. If you are changing your trading name but keeping the same structure (sole trader stays sole trader, company stays company), your ABN stays the same. You only need a new ABN if you change your business structure, such as moving from sole trader to company.

How much does it cost to change a business name in Australia?

Registering a new business name through ASIC costs $45 for 1 year or $104 for 3 years. Cancelling your old name is free. If you just need to fix a typo, you can submit a correction request to ASIC at no cost.

Can I have multiple business names under one ABN?

Yes, as long as all businesses operate under the same entity structure. A sole trader can register multiple business names under their personal ABN. A company can register multiple names under its company ABN. Each additional name costs $45 per year.

What happens to my old business name if I do not cancel it?

It stays registered and linked to your ABN. You will need to pay the renewal fee when it comes due. If you do not renew, ASIC will cancel it after a grace period. If you no longer need the old name, cancel it through ASIC Connect to avoid unnecessary fees.

Do I need to update my insurance when I change my business name?

Yes. Your insurance policy and Certificate of Currency must match your registered business name. If they do not match, contractor portals like Cm3 and Felix may reject your CoC, and claims processing may be delayed while the insurer verifies the entity connection, subject to policy terms. Contact your insurer as soon as your new name is registered.

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_{The information in this article is general in nature and provided for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, tax, or business advice. References to ASIC, ABR, and ATO processes are based on publicly available information current at the time of writing and may change. Business name registration fees reflect the ASIC 2025-26 schedule. Always confirm specific requirements with ASIC, the ATO, or a qualified professional. All insurance products arranged through upcover are subject to the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions contained in the relevant policy wording and Product Disclosure Statement. Before deciding whether a particular insurance product is right for you, please read the relevant PDS and consider your personal circumstances. upcover Pty Ltd ABN 17 628 197 437 is a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR 1299211) of Experience Insurance Services Pty Ltd ABN 41 657 596 506, AFSL 539078. upcover arranges insurance products with selected insurers and underwriters and does not compare all general insurers or insurance products available in the market.}