Starting a business
Business Name Registration in Australia
Go straight to the official registration service — and understand what registering a name does, and does not, do.
In short
You can register a business name yourself through the Australian Government Business Registration Service or ASIC. You generally need registration if you trade under a name other than your legal name, and you need an ABN or an ABN application reference number. Registering a name does not create a company or give you exclusive brand rights.
For a straightforward business-name registration, go directly to the government service. You do not need to pay a lawyer simply to lodge the application. This guide separates the registration process from the legal decisions about ownership, brand protection and contracts.
Official application: Register through the Australian Government Business Registration Service. For instructions and the ASIC pathway, see business.gov.au's business-name registration guide.
Do you need to register a business name?
A sole trader operating under their full personal name generally does not need a separate business name. A partnership using all partners' names, or an Australian company using its registered company name, may also fall within the exceptions. If you use another trading name, check ASIC's registration requirements before trading.
The holder is the person or entity operating the business. A trading name is not a substitute for choosing whether that operator should be a sole trader, partnership, company or trustee.
How to register a business name in Australia
- Identify the holder. Use the person or legal entity that will actually operate the business, rather than assuming the trading name is an entity of its own.
- Check the proposed name. Start with ASIC's business-name availability guidance. Also check existing brands and trade marks; an available business name is not clearance to use someone else's brand.
- Have an ABN or an application reference number. If needed, use the official ABN application guidance. An ABN application is free through the government; business-name registration is a different process.
- Gather the holder's details. Follow the government's prompts for identity, addresses and relevant entity information.
- Apply through the government. Use the Business Registration Service or follow ASIC's application instructions. Check current registration periods and fees on the official service before paying.
- Keep the registration current. Save the confirmation, record the renewal date and update the holder's details when required.
Business name, company name and trade mark: the differences
- Business name: the name used to trade. It does not create a separate legal entity or exclusive rights to the brand.
- Company name: the registered name of an incorporated company. The company is the legal entity; it may also register a different business name.
- Trade mark: an intellectual property right that can protect a brand for specified goods or services. It does not replace any required business-name registration.
See ASIC's business names vs trade marks explanation and IP Australia's trade mark information. For entity identifiers, read ABN vs ACN and how to check an ABN.
What does Co mean in a business name?
“Co” commonly abbreviates “company”, but its appearance in a trading name does not establish that the operator is a registered company or has limited liability. Check the underlying entity, not just the brand. Our Pty Ltd vs Ltd guide explains formal company-name terminology.
Which name should appear on your contracts?
Identify the actual contracting person or entity and include the trading name where helpful. A company might be described as “[registered company name] Pty Ltd, ACN [number], trading as [business name]”. A sole trader remains the individual, even if the business has a separate brand. Where a trust operates the business, identify the appropriate trustee and its capacity rather than treating the trust's trading name as a company.
Confirm the entity and identifiers before entering important agreements. If you buy a business or change its ownership structure, deal with any required transfer or new registration through ASIC; do not assume the trading name moves automatically with the assets.
Registration you can do yourself; legal decisions worth checking
For the application itself, use the official government links above. Legal advice is a separate decision where you need to choose an ownership structure, assess brand risk or put contracts in place. Our guides to business structures, trade mark protection and business contracts cover that work. Any Envision Legal engagement has a defined scope and fixed fee agreed upfront; it is not needed simply to register a business name.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I register a business name in Australia?
Use the Australian Government Business Registration Service or ASIC's business-name registration pathway. You can complete a straightforward registration yourself; a lawyer is not required simply to lodge it.
Do I need an ABN to register a business name?
ASIC requires an ABN or an ABN application reference number. An ABN application is separate from a business-name registration and depends on your eligibility.
Does registering a business name protect my brand?
No. Business-name registration does not give exclusive rights to the name. A registered trade mark can protect a brand for specified goods or services, subject to trade mark law.
Is a business name the same as a company?
No. A business name is a trading name, not a separate legal entity. A registered company is a separate legal entity and can trade under its registered company name or another registered business name.
What does Co mean in a business name?
Co commonly abbreviates company, but the word in a trading name does not itself prove that the business is incorporated or has limited liability. Check the actual legal entity and its ABN or ACN.