Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

General questions

My business is already registered with a State or Territory. What do I need to do?

I have identical names registered in multiple states and territories? Do I still need them all?

What happens if the same business name has previously been registered by different business name holders in different States/Territories?

What happens if I have an existing business name registered without an Australian Business Number (ABN). Can I keep my business name?

What is the ASIC identifier number?

What is a transaction?

What is an ASIC key?

I've changed my email address. Does this change my username and how do I notify ASIC?

What if I forget my password?

Registering a business name

Do I need an ABN before I can apply for a business name?

How can I register for a business name under the new ASIC business name service?

How much does it cost to register a business name?

Who can apply for a business name on behalf of a business?

Can ASIC send my ASIC key to another party, such as a registered agent?

How can I check whether the business name I want to register is available?

How will ASIC determine if a business name can be registered?

What happens if my business name is rejected?

Can I appeal the decision if my proposed name is rejected?

Will ASIC issue a business name certificate and do I need to display it?

How does the new system deal with franchise names?

Renew a business name

How will I know when to renew my business name registration?

My business has a registered business name but doesn’t have an ABN. Will I still be able to renew my business name?

I have a business that has the same business name registered in two or more states, and all are registered on different dates. What should I do?

I own several different business names. Can I align my registration periods?

What will happen if I do not pay my renewal fee on time?

My record of registration does not display my residential address. Why not?

Registered agents

Can I use my existing ASIC online lodgement account to complete my business name transactions?

Will business name transactions be available through my current software?

Can a business name be linked to more than one online user account?

I have a number of employees who represent multiple business names -do they all need to create their own accounts?

How can I get an ASIC key for the business names I represent?

Who will ASIC give a 'bulk' list of ASIC keys to?

Do I need to keep signed copies of documents when acting on behalf of a business name client?

If an employee who is linked to a business name leaves my organisation, can they transfer their account and linked business names to another employee?

Can I pay several renewal fees on behalf of my clients at the same time?

What payment options are available?