Register a business name

You need to register a business name if you conduct business under a name other than your own. A business name, also known as a trading name, is a name or title under which a person, or other legal entity, carries on business. 

When you register a business name, you register it nationally. This means you can operate your business in any state or territory in Australia.

At the Australian Government's Business Registration website you can register a business name using one online form. The form will also:

• tell you what information you need to complete your registration
• allow you to save your progress and come back later
• give you other helpful information related to business names
• let you make other business registrations you may need.

Registering a business name will prevent others from registering the exact business name, but not from trading with a similar business name or likeness. For that, you'll need to register a trademark.