Register your new business name.
**How to Check a Business Name in Australia: A Comprehensive Guide**
When starting a new business in Australia, one of the crucial steps is registering your business name. This process ensures that your business operates under a unique and distinct identity. However, before you register your business name, it is essential to check if the name is available. In this article, we will explore the steps to check a business name in Australia.
### Checking Business Name Availability
To check if your proposed business name is available, you can use the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) business names register. You can visit the ASIC website and select the “Check business name availability” option. Enter your proposed business name in the search box, and you will receive one of three results:
1. **Green**: The name is available for registration.
2. **Amber**: The name requires manual review and assessment by ASIC.
3. **Red**: The name is not available due to existing registration or other restrictions.
### Business Name Availability Tests
ASIC uses several tests to assess the availability of a business name. These tests include:
1. **Undesirable Names**: Names that are offensive or suggest a connection with government bodies, charitable organizations, or other restricted entities are not available for registration.
2. **Restricted Words**: Certain words and expressions, such as “Incorporated” or “Charity,” are restricted and require permission or authorization for use in business names.
3. **Existing Registrations**: Names that are identical or nearly identical to existing registered names are not available.
### How to Check Business Name Availability
To check business name availability, follow these steps:
1. Visit the ASIC website and select “Check business name availability.”
2. Enter your proposed business name in the search box.
3. Review the results to determine if the name is available, requires manual review, or is not available.
### Tips for Choosing a Business Name
When choosing a business name, consider the following tips:
1. **Make it Memorable**: Choose a name that is easy to remember and stands out.
2. **Check for Domain Availability**: Ensure that the domain name corresponding to your business name is available.
3. **Avoid Confusion**: Avoid names that are too similar to existing businesses or trademarks.
### Registering Your Business Name
Once you have checked the availability of your business name, you can register it through ASIC or a private service provider. The fees for registering a business name vary depending on the duration of registration:
1. **1 Year**: $42
2. **3 Years**: $98
### Conclusion
In conclusion, checking a business name in Australia is a crucial step in starting a new business. By using the ASIC business names register and following the tips outlined above, you can ensure that your business operates under a unique and distinct identity. For more information on registering your business name, visit [register.biz.au](https://register.biz.au).
Remember, it is best to register your new business name in Australia by using “register.biz.au” to ensure a smooth and efficient process. Click the link to get started today.
