If you trade under any name other than your exact legal name, you must register that name with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). This is a legal requirement under the Business Names Registration Act 2011.

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Registration costs $45 for 1 year or $104 for 3 years. It is done online through ASIC Connect (if you already have an ABN) or the Business Registration Service (if you are setting up a new business). Most applications process the same day.

At a Glance

• You must register a business name if you trade under anything other than your exact personal name (sole trader) or registered company name.
• You need an ABN before you can register a business name.
• Cost: $45 for 1 year or $104 for 3 years (ASIC 2025-26 schedule).
• Two pathways: Business Registration Service (new businesses) or ASIC Connect (existing ABN holders).
• A registered business name does not protect your brand. For that, you need a trademark through IP Australia.

Do You Need to Register a Business Name in Australia?

The rule is simple: if your trading name is not your exact legal name, you must register it.

If you are unsure, the test is straightforward: does your trading name match your legal name exactly, with no additions, abbreviations, or alterations? If not, register.

How to Register a Business Name (Step by Step Process)

There are two pathways depending on whether you are starting from scratch or already have an ABN.

Path A: New Business (No ABN Yet)

Use the Australian Government's Business Registration Service (BRS). This single form lets you apply for an ABN, register your business name with ASIC, and set up GST registration all in one transaction.

1. Go to the Business Registration Service and create an account
2. Start the combined application for ABN + business name + GST in one form
3. Select your business structure (sole trader, partnership, company, trust)
4. Choose your business name and check availability during the application
5. Pay the ASIC fee ($45 for 1 year or $104 for 3 years)
6. Your ABN and business name process together, often the same day

Path B: Existing ABN Holder

Use ASIC Connect to add a business name to your current ABN.

1. Check name availability using the ASIC business names search tool
2. Search for existing trademarks on IP Australia to avoid legal conflicts
3. Log into ASIC Connect and select "Register a Business Name"
4. Enter your existing ABN and complete the application
5. Pay the fee ($45 for 1 year or $104 for 3 years)
6. Your name appears on ABN Lookup once processed (usually same day, sometimes 2-5 business days)

After registration, ASIC will send you an ASIC Key by post or email. This is a unique password you need to manage your business name online (renew, cancel, transfer, update details). Keep it safe. If you lose it, you can request a replacement through ASIC Connect, but there may be a processing delay, and you cannot make changes to your name record until you have it.

Business Names You Cannot Register With ASIC

ASIC restricts certain words and phrases. You cannot register a name that:

• Is identical or nearly identical to an existing registered business name or trademark
• Contains restricted words like "Olympic," "ANZAC," "Royal," "Commonwealth," or "Chartered" without written approval from the relevant authority
• Implies a connection to the Australian Government or a state/territory government
• Suggests you hold qualifications or a corporate structure you do not have (for example, a sole trader cannot include "Pty Ltd" in their business name as this implies a company structure)
• Contains offensive or misleading terms

Before you apply, use ASIC's free name search tool to check availability. Also search IP Australia's trademark register to avoid choosing a name that someone else already has legal protection over.

Business Name vs Company Name vs Trademark

These are three different things. Confusing them is the most common mistake new business owners make.

If you only register a business name, ASIC will generally not allow another business to register an identical or nearly identical name nationally. However, business name registration 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 brand protection matters to you, a registered trade mark through IP Australia is the only way to secure it.

Unregistered Trading Names No Longer Appear on ABN Lookup

Since 1 November 2025, the ABR has removed all unregistered "trading as" names from the public register. If your business has been using an informal trading name without a formal ASIC registration, that name no longer appears when anyone searches your ABN. Register it with ASIC ($45 per year) or it does not exist publicly.

For more on how this affects existing businesses, see upcover's guide on changing your business name on your ABN.

Renewal, Transfer, and Cancellation

Renewal: Your business name registration expires after 1 or 3 years depending on what you chose. ASIC sends a renewal notice before expiry. If you do not renew, ASIC cancels the name. You have up to 6 months to request restoration. After that, the name is gone and anyone can register it.

Transfer: If you are selling your business or transferring the name to a new entity, both parties need an active ABN and an ASIC Connect account. The current holder initiates the transfer, and the new holder accepts it. You will need your ASIC Key to begin the transfer process.

Cancellation: If you stop trading under the name, cancel it through ASIC Connect to avoid unnecessary renewal fees.

What to Do After You Register Your Business Name

Registration is step 2 in a longer setup sequence. Here is the full path from idea to trading:

Get your insurance right from day one. When your insurer issues your policy, the Named Insured field on your Certificate of Currency must match your registered business name and ABN. If you are a sole trader registered as "Alistair Vance" with a business name of "Elite Flow Plumbing," your CoC should read something like "Alistair Vance T/A Elite Flow Plumbing." If it only shows your personal name, contractor management portals like Cm3, Felix, and Pegasus may reject it because the name does not match your ABN Lookup record.

Tell your insurer your registered business name when you take out your policy. If you register a new name later, update your insurer immediately so your CoC stays aligned.

For more on running multiple business names under one ABN, see upcover's guide.

How upcover Arranges Insurance for New Businesses

upcover is a digital-first insurance broker helping Australian sole traders, partnerships, and small businesses arrange public and products liability, business pack, and professional indemnity insurance. upcover arranges cover across 4,000+ occupations with access to 80+ insurance partners, and issues a Certificate of Currency instantly on policy confirmation.

• 70,000+ businesses covered across Australia.
• 4.9/5 customer rating.
• Instant Certificate of Currency matching your registered business name.

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 to register a business name in Australia?

Yes, if you trade under any name other than your exact legal name. Sole traders using their full first and last name do not need to register. But the moment you add a word (for example, "Smith Plumbing" instead of "John Smith"), registration with ASIC is required.

How much does it cost to register a business name?

$45 for 1 year or $104 for 3 years (ASIC 2025-26 schedule). You need an ABN before you can register. The fee applies per business name, not per ABN, so each additional name costs separately.

How long does business name registration take?

Most applications processed through ASIC Connect or the Business Registration Service are approved the same day. Some take 2 to 5 business days if ASIC needs to review the application.

What is the difference between a business name and a company name?

A business name is a trading name registered with ASIC. It does not create a legal entity or limit your personal liability. A company name (Pty Ltd) creates a separate legal entity with its own ACN, costs $611 to register, and comes with director and reporting obligations.

Do I need insurance after registering my business name?

Most businesses do. If you work on client sites, sell products, or subcontract to builders, your clients and head contractors will ask for a Certificate of Currency showing public liability insurance before they engage you. Make sure the Named Insured on your CoC matches your registered business name from day one.

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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. ASIC business name registration fees reflect the 2025-26 schedule and may be indexed annually. References to the Business Names Registration Act 2011, ASIC processes, and ABR requirements are based on publicly available information current at the time of writing and may change. 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.}