business.gov.au update - New National Business Names Registration System
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Below we explain how the new system affects your business:
You now 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 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 continue to be free.
You do not need to do anything to transfer your business name to ASIC. Your existing business name registration has automatically been transferred over into the new system. The due date for renewing your business name will remain the same.
If you have identical business names currently registered in multiple states and territories, these identical business names have been transferred over into the new system as a single registration. You now only need to pay one renewal fee for the name to be registered nationally, instead of paying for each state and territory. Your renewal will fall due on the last date of expiration listed on any of your business name registrations.
If you have multiple different business names, or also have a registered company, you are now able to align the renewal dates for those registrations.
If you have multiple principal places of business across Australia, ASIC will notify you of which address it intends to use as the principal place of business for sending documents. You may nominate an alternative address for service through ASIC .
If your business had an identical name as another business operating in another state or territory, ASIC will provide additional information on the public register to differentiate affected businesses. This may be the state or territory your business name was first registered in. This identifier doesn't form part of your business name, but is used to allow people to distinguish between identical business names on the public register.
ASIC continues to manage and administer company registrations throughout Australia. If you also have a business name, or multiple business names registered, you can align the renewal dates for all of those registrations under the new system.
Yes. The new system allows you to search existing business names before progressing with an application for registration of a new business name. You can see if a business name is available by using the check business name availability search on the ASIC website, or by commencing an application to register a business name on ASIC Connect . A series of automated tests are applied to your query, and you will be notified immediately after your search if the name you requested is available, unavailable or if it requires further review by ASIC.
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.
Registering or renewing a business name will cost $30 for one year, or $70 for three years.
ASIC will notify you - usually within two months of your renewal due date. If your renewal was due before 28 May 2012, you must pay for the state or territory consumer affairs agency your business was registered with.
ASIC now manages and administers all business name registrations and renewals throughout Australia.
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.
< Back to Latest News