How to register a business name with ASIC

Last reviewed 2026-07-17

A business name is the name you trade under. If it is not your own personal name, you generally must register it with ASIC.

When you need one

• Trading as “Jane Smith” → usually no business name needed
• Trading as “Sunrise Cleaning” → register the business name
• Company trading as its exact company name → may not need a separate business name
• Company trading as a different brand → register that brand as a business name

ASIC — Register a business name

Before you register

1. Get an ABN (or ABN application reference).
2. Search the business names register for availability.
3. Check the name is not confusingly similar to a big brand (trade mark risk).
4. Decide 1-year or 3-year registration.

ASIC — Search business names register

How to register

1. Log in to ASIC Connect (create an account if needed).
2. Start a business name registration.
3. Enter ABN / reference, proposed name, addresses and holder details.
4. Pay the fee and keep the confirmation.

What registration does NOT give you

• It is not a trade mark — it does not give exclusive brand rights Australia-wide
• It is not a company registration
• It does not replace licences or council permits for your industry