Once a business name is registered you cannot change it without cancelling it, making another application and paying another fee.
Apply online
Please note: We will not accept any online business name registrations after Tuesday, 22 May 2012. If you wish to register your business name after this date, please register on the ASIC website from 28 May 2012. For more information, view our Transition to national business names register page.
Complete the business name online application form and pay the fee using your credit card on our Business name application page.
If you have an overseas address, you will not be able to apply via our online service. Please download the Business name application (PDF, 459KB) and lodge via post, fax or email.
Tips for applying online:
- Do not use the ‘back’ button on your internet browser. This can result in the application failing to complete.
- If you exit the system without completing your application and paying the fee, you will need to wait two hours before trying again.
- Please choose your business name carefully. Alternative names are optional, but if included, will be tested for availability in the order provided. The first available name will be registered automatically or referred for assessment. Once your application is submitted, you cannot change your mind.
Print and complete an application form
Please note: We will not accept any business name registrations by post or fax after Tuesday, 22 May 2012. However, you can register in person at the Victorian Consumer & Business Centre until 5:00 pm on 25 May 2012. If you wish to register your business name after this date, please register on the ASIC website from 28 May 2012. For more information, view our Transition to national business names register page.
Print, complete and submit your Business name application (PDF, 459KB). Instructions on how to submit your application are listed on the form.
The standard processing time is five working days.
You cannot apply for a business name over the phone.
What happens after I submit my application?
We will process your application as follows:
- Automated assessment (online applications only). If your chosen name fails the automated assessment - for example, because it is too similar to a name already registered - the system will allow you to try other names.
- Final acceptance determination stage - the name is checked by our staff to ensure it can be registered.
- We issue a certificate of registration and send it to you via mail, usually the next day.
We will advise you by letter of your options if we cannot register the name you have requested.
Please note: We must receive written confirmation of an agreed alternative business name by 22 May 2012 in order to transfer your registration details to the new national register. If you have not provided confirmation by this date, you will need to reapply to ASIC after 28 May 2012.
We are unable to assess name availability over the phone.
For more information, view our Transition to national business names register page.
Last updated: 16/05/2012