Use ASIC's free business name availability search at ASIC Connect, or check at the same time as registering through the Australian Government's Business Registration Service. Enter your proposed name and you will get an immediate green, amber, or red result, telling you whether it is available, needs manual review, or is already taken [ASIC, asic.gov.au].
What the traffic light result actually means
Green
Green means the name is available and can be registered as submitted.
Amber
Amber means the application needs manual review by an ASIC staff member, usually because the system cannot automatically determine whether the name conflicts with an existing one [ASIC, asic.gov.au].
Red
Red means the name is not available, generally because it is identical or nearly identical to an existing registered business name [ASIC, asic.gov.au].
What counts as "too similar" to an existing name
This is where people get caught out.
ASIC does not just check for exact duplicates. A name can be rejected if it is too similar in sound, structure, or meaning to an existing one, even with minor wording changes [Sleek, sleek.com]. Small additions, like inserting "the" or changing a single word, do not always create enough difference to pass.
A few automated checks also apply regardless of similarity to other names: certain restricted words require special government approval, including terms suggesting a connection to government, royalty, or specific protected names and organisations [PhysioInq, physioinq.com.au].
Business name search is not the only check you need to run
This is the part most new business owners miss.
A clear result on the ASIC business name availability search only confirms the name is not already registered as a business name. It does not check three other things that matter just as much before you commit to a name.
Trade mark availability
A business name registration gives you no exclusive rights to that name. It is simply a disclosure that tells the public who is behind the brand [Lawpath, lawpath.com.au].
If you want actual legal protection preventing others from using a similar name, you need a separate trade mark search and registration through IP Australia.
Domain and social media availability
ASIC's search has no connection to whether the matching .com.au domain or social handles are free. Check these separately before settling on a final name.
Existing company names
If you also intend to register a company, note that the business names register and the companies register are separate systems.
A name can be available on one register and not the other, and a company name has its own ASIC name availability check.
How to actually register the name once it is confirmed available
You need an ABN or an ABN application reference number before registering a business name.
Registration is done through ASIC Connect, and the fee is $45 for one year or $105 for three years.
If you are not ready to register yet
You can reserve a business name for up to two months while you finalise other decisions, rather than registering it immediately and risking it sitting unused.
Where your address fits into this
When you register a business name, you provide a postal address (which can be a PO Box) and your principal place of business, which must be a real street address.
If that address is your home, note that ASIC will only show your suburb, state, and postcode publicly rather than your full address, provided you operate as an individual.
If you would rather use a separate, professional address from the outset, set this up before registering your business name.
Space Penguin offers virtual addresses in Sydney and Melbourne from $20 per month plus GST, suitable for business name and ABN registration purposes. Visit spacepenguin.io/virtual-address for current details.
FAQs
Is checking business name availability free?
Yes, the availability search itself through ASIC Connect is free.
Does an available business name mean I can use it without restriction?
No. Availability on the business names register only confirms no one else has registered that exact or near-identical name as a business name. It does not give you trade mark protection or confirm domain availability.
What if my result comes back amber?
This means ASIC needs to manually review your application before confirming availability. It is not a rejection, but it does mean processing will take longer than an instant green result.
Can I reserve a name before registering it?
Yes, for up to two months, which is useful if you are still finalising other parts of your setup.
Do I need a different name search if I am also registering a company?
Yes. The business names register and the companies register are separate. Run a company name availability check separately if you intend to register a Pty Ltd company.