Apply to register an incorporated association

Introduction

An incorporated association is a legal entity in its own right, separate from its members. This means the members are protected against any claims made against the association such as debts, or compensation for negligence. 

Note: Incorporation of an association is not compulsory. You may wish to seek advice from a solicitor, accountant, governing or funding body on whether incorporation is appropriate for your association. 

For more information about incorporated associations, visit the NSW Fair Trading website:

• About associations
• Starting an association
• Before incorporating a new association. 

Eligibility

• An incorporated association must have at least 5 members in order to be registered.
• The application form must be completed by a person who resides in NSW and has been appointed as the first public officer of the proposed incorporated association.
• If you need help with completing your application, call 1800 502 042.

What you need

• 3 proposed names for the association that have not been registered by someone else
• details of the association including:
  • a detailed explanation of its purpose
  • principal activities
  • financial details
• a copy of the association constitution (if not adopting the model constitution)
• a copy of the special resolution (if applicable)
• your payment of the lodgement fee that appears on the form
• the PDF form – 'Application for registration of an incorporated association (Form A2)'.

How to apply

1. Check the eligibility requirements.
2. Gather the required documents.
3. Select the 'Download PDF form' button.
4. Complete the form and submit it with your payment either:
   1. at a Service NSW Centre, or 
   2. by mail or email using the details on the form.

More information

• Obligations for incorporated associations include annual reporting, maintaining minutes, proper financial and membership records and registers
• An association must establish a committee to manage its affairs.
• The committee must include 3 or more members aged 18 or over, and at least 3 committee members residing in Australia (or 7 members if your committee adopts the model constitution).
• An association must have a public officer who is aged 18 or over and resides in NSW.
• The public officer may or may not be a member of the committee.
• An association should only be engaged in small-scale, non-profit and non-commercial activities.
• An association's members may only receive legitimate payments for service from the association.

Payment methods

The amount payable and methods of payment are shown on the form. You can also find options for payment at a service centre on our payment methods page.