Guide
ACN Lookup Australia: How to Find & Verify a Company Number
Free ways to check a company's ACN — and when to pay for the full extract.
An ACN lookup takes 30 seconds and can save you tens of thousands. If you're about to sign a contract, extend credit, or accept a personal guarantee, the ACN is the master key to every public record about that company. This guide covers the free search paths, what each field means, and when to pay for a full extract.
What an ACN Is
The Australian Company Number is a 9-digit identifier issued by ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) to every company registered under the Corporations Act 2001. It's on the company's certificate of registration, on every invoice and contract they issue, and printed on every share certificate.
Free ACN Lookup — Two Options
1. ASIC Organisations and Business Names Search
Free public search at asic.gov.au → Search ASIC's registers. Enter the ACN or company name. You get:
- Legal name and any former names
- Registration status
- Registration date and jurisdiction
- Company type (Pty Ltd, Ltd, No Liability, etc.)
- Whether it's under external administration
Everything else — directors, shareholders, registered office, share structure — needs a paid company extract.
2. ABN Lookup
Free at abr.business.gov.au. The company's ABN is usually 2 digits + its 9-digit ACN, so if you have one you can often derive the other. See our ABN Lookup guide for detail.
What the Company Status Field Means
| Status | What to do |
|---|---|
| Registered | Company is live. Safe to contract, but check external administration. |
| Strike-off action in progress | ASIC is about to deregister. Do not extend credit or sign long-term contracts. |
| Under external administration | Liquidator or administrator appointed. Contact them before doing anything. |
| Deregistered | Company legally does not exist. Any contract signed in its name is unenforceable. |
Verifying a Company You've Been Given
Real-world workflow before signing with a new counterparty:
- ACN on the contract? If not, ask. A company must display its ACN on every public document (s 153 Corporations Act).
- Free ASIC search — confirms status.
- ABN Lookup — confirms GST and tax standing.
- Paid current extract ($9 from ASIC) — reveals directors, shareholders, registered office. Match director names against the person signing.
- PPSR search (see our PPSR search NSW guide) if you're taking security or buying assets.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Very recent registration combined with a large deal — could be a shell.
- Multiple former names — worth asking why.
- Registered office is a serviced address — not disqualifying, but combine with other signals.
- Sole director resigned recently — dig into what happened.
- Company name doesn't match the trading name on the invoice — get it fixed before paying.
ACN vs ABN vs Business Name — Quick Reference
| Identifier | Issued by | What it identifies |
|---|---|---|
| ACN (9 digits) | ASIC | A company |
| ABN (11 digits) | ATO | Any entity carrying on an enterprise |
| Business name | ASIC | A trading name (not an entity) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I look up an ACN for free?
Two places, both free: ASIC's Organisations and Business Names search (asic.gov.au) and ABN Lookup (abr.business.gov.au). Both let you search by ACN or company name and confirm registration status.
What does the ACN number actually mean?
The ACN is a 9-digit identifier ASIC assigns to a company when it's registered. It's unique, permanent, and never reissued — even after deregistration. The digits themselves are sequential and have no hidden meaning.
Is ACN the same as ABN?
No. ACN is issued by ASIC to companies only. ABN is issued by the ATO to any entity carrying on an enterprise. A company has both — its ABN typically starts with 2 digits followed by its 9-digit ACN.
Can I check if a company is in liquidation via ACN lookup?
Yes — the free ASIC search shows the company's status: 'Registered', 'Deregistered', 'Under external administration' or 'Strike-off action in progress'. For the full appointment history and creditor notices you need a paid ASIC extract.
Next Step
Diligence on a target or a new counterparty? See our business acquisitions page, or book a 15-minute call.
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