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New National Business Names Registration System

Friday 03 February 2012

A new National Business Names Registration System will be launched later this year and will replace the current state and territory registers.

The new system is expected to commence from 28 May 2012, pending the passage of legislation through the State parliaments.

Once the new system has commenced, all business name registrations will be managed and administered by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

Below we cover how the new system will affect your business, and what to do in the lead up:

• Under the new system
  • How will it affect new businesses?
  • How will it affect existing businesses?
  • I have a company registration, will these changes affect me?
  • Before I register a new name, will I be able to check if the name I want is available?
  • How much will it cost to register or renew a business name under the new system?
  • Who will notify me when my registration is due for renewal under the new system?
  • Once the new system commences, who do I contact for information?
• Before the new system commences
  • How do I register a business name now?
  • How do I renew my business name registration now?
• Further information & updates

Under the new system

How will it affect new businesses?

You will only need to register for a business name once, instead of having to register your name in each state and territory you want to operate in. Once your name is registered, it is registered nationally.

You will need to have an Australian Business Number (ABN), or be in the process of applying for one and not have been refused, in order to apply for a business name.

ABN registrations will continue to be free.

How will it affect existing businesses?

You do not need to do anything to transfer your business name to ASIC when the new national business name system is launched. Your existing business name registration will automatically be transferred over into the new system.

If you have identical business names currently registered in multiple states and territories, these identical business names will be transferred over into the new system as a single registration. Under the new system you will only need to pay one renewal fee for the name to be registered nationally, instead of paying for each state and territory.

If you have multiple different business names, or also have a registered company, you will be able to align the renewal dates for those registrations.

I have a company registration, will these changes affect me?

ASIC will continue to manage and administer company registrations throughout Australia. If you also have a business name, or multiple business names registered, you will be able to align the renewal dates for all of those registrations under the new system.

Before I register a new name, will I be able to check if the name I want is available?

Yes. The new system will allow you to search existing business names before progressing with an application for registration of a new business name.

Before registering, you should also check that your proposed name doesn’t already have a trade mark registered against it. For more information on trade marks and business names, see our Trade marks page.

How much will it cost to register or renew a business name under the new system?

To register or renew a business name it will cost $30 for one year, or $70 for three years.

Who will notify me when my registration is due for renewal under the new system?

Once the system has commenced, ASIC will notify you. Until then your state or territory will continue to notify you when your registration is due.

Once the new system commences, who can I contact?

ASIC will manage and administer all business name registrations and renewals throughout Australia once the new system has commenced.

If you:

• have an enquiry about your registration
• need to pay your registration renewal
• need to update your business details
• wish to cancel your registration,

you will need to visit the ASIC website.

Before the new system commences

How do I register a business name now?

Until the new system is in place, you will need to follow the current process for registering a business name in your state or territory. For more information on how to register a business name, see our Register your business name page.

How do I renew my business name registration now?

You will still receive a renewal notice from the existing agency responsible for business name registration in your state or territory. You will need to pay your renewal fee to that agency.

Currently, fees for registration vary for each state and territory. To find out how much your registration fees are now, contact the agency responsible for business name registrations in your state or territory: