How to Register a Business Name in Australia In 30 Minutes [2026 Guide]
Ready to make your business official? This step-by-step guide walks you through exactly how to register your business name in Australia - from getting your ABN to completing your ASIC registration in about 30 minutes.
What You Need Before Registering Your Business Name
Before you dive into registration, you'll need:
An ABN (Australian Business Number)
Your personal identification
Payment method for registration fees
A shortlist of potential business names
Quick tip: Set aside about 30 minutes and around $44 for your business name registration fee once you've got everything ready.
Step-by-Step Guide to Register Your Business Name
1. Get Your ABN
First You'll need an ABN before you can register your business name. Don't have one yet? Here's the quick version:
Here is a screenshot of the official ABR web page - it should look similar to this
Head to the Australian Business Registrar (ABR)’s government website (WARNING: do not register on any other website, they are either scams or on-sellers!)
Select 'Apply for an ABN'
Follow the prompts (it's free!)
Save your ABN number once approved
Woohoo! You’ve now got a sexy ABN, not so hard hey?
2. Check if Your Business Name is Available
Before falling in love with a name:
Brainstorm a list of keywords and names you’re open to
Visit ASIC's business name register
Search your list of names
Check similar names that might cause confusion
Look up domain name availability (hint: go to VentraIP and type in your name ideas to see if the domain is available)
Ultimately, you would want your business name to be available as a domain (.com ideally or .com.au at the very least) AND it’s available to register on ASIC. That is to say, it’s not already registered by someone else. Otherwise, it’s back to the creative drawing board. It’s not easy but you will eventually get there! People are creating new businesses every day around the world, you will find the right one for you.
Choosing a Great Business Name
Before you register, ask yourself:
Is it easy to spell and pronounce?
Does it work as a web address? (Sometimes multiple words combined as a domain might spell or be pronounced something different!)
Is it available on social media?
Could it limit your business growth?
Does it need explanatory taglines?
While we're on the topic of the practical steps of registering your business name above, let's dig into some fascinating research from data-backed marketing blog Science Says about how to choose a memorable brand name. Some tips:
Use strong consonants like P, T, K, B, D, or G (think PayPal or our own beloved Boost Juice) to help your name take root in people's minds.
Love a bit of wordplay or alliteration? Think DoorDash or Krispy Kreme. However, their research warns against blending two words (like 'Intellivision') as this can make your name wither in people's memory. While creative spelling might seem trendy, their studies suggest customers aren't keen unless there's a strategic reason.
The most fruitful business names often have a natural connection to your product or service, helping customers instantly understand what you're all about.
How to Register Your Business Name: The Actual Process
Once logged into ASIC Connect, look for the ‘Register a business name’ link!
Create an ASIC Connect account
Select 'Link your ABN'
Choose 'Register a Business Name'
Enter your preferred business name
Select registration period (1 or 3 years)
Pay the registration fee
Download & save your registration certificate once it comes through
Once your registration has been processed, you’ll receive the official certificate via email. Your business name will be searchable on the public register, and you can start using your registered name legally!
Don’t forget to register your domain name (note: you’ll need your ABN if you’re buying a .com.au domain) and your social media accounts. Even if you don’t plan to use social media immediately for your business, it is worth “saving” your name on the platforms so you own the handle - e.g. @yourbusinessname or similar.
You now also have all that you need to set up your business bank account!
Business Name Registration FAQ
Do I need a business name registration? Not always. If you're trading under your exact legal name (like "Jane Smith"), you don't need to register a business name. But if you want to trade as anything else (like "Jane's Design Studio"), you'll need to register.
How long does registration take? Usually just minutes if you have all your documents ready. Your business name is registered instantly once payment is processed. You normally receive your formal certificate within 24 hours too.
How much does it cost to register a business name?
Current ASIC registration fees: 1 year for $44 vs 3 years for $102
ABN is Free
Domain name for your website, usually $15-25 annually
Does my business name renew automatically? No, you’ll need to renew by paying for it again after the registration ends, depending on whether you originally registered for 1 or 3 years. We recommend 3 years if you can afford it, as you will receive a small discount and it will save you the hassle from more banking admin down the track. ASIC send reminders prior to expiry, but we recommend setting a calendar reminder as well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Forgetting to check domain availability first: you registered the business name but someone owns the .com and/or the .com.au? Awkward. Make sure to check the website domain availability first before business registration.
Not understanding the difference between business name and company: your business name ≠ company structure. You're still a sole trader (or partnership) unless you register a company. This is a separate, more involved process.
Choosing a name that's too specific: for example, "Melbourne Wedding Flowers" limits your growth. We recommend keeping it flexible unless you’re 100% certain that you wouldn’t want to expand into other related services in your niche.
Forgetting to renew: set that calendar reminder now, a week or two before the registration is due. Losing your business name because you forgot to renew is painful.
Just registered your business? Congrats! 🎉
Now what? You'll need a website, domain setup, an SEO strategy, and a marketing plan to attract customers. We can help!
