User Guide: ASIC Connect – Business names – How to apply for a business name for the first time
How to apply for a business name for the first time
You can lodge an application for a business name online through ASIC Connect.
You must have an ABN or an ABN application reference number to apply for a business name (unless an exemption applies).
You can pay for a business name application online by credit card or later by BPAY or invoice.
To get started, visit the ASIC website at www.asic.gov.au.
•	Navigate to the ASIC Connect box.
•	Select the 'Log in / sign-up' link.
You will be taken to the ASIC Connect homepage. 
•	Navigate to the Log in to ASIC Connect box.
•	Select the 'Sign up' button. 
You can also choose to sign up with an AUSkey.
If you select the 'Sign up' button, read the information about ASIC Connect.
Select the 'Sign up' button at the bottom of the page.
•	Enter your email address in the field provided. This will become your username.
•	Enter a password that is a minimum length of nine characters, consisting of three of the following – lowercase (a – z) and uppercase (A – Z) alphabetic characters, numeric characters (0 – 9) or special characters (!$#%). It cannot contain any two consecutive characters that appear in your user ID, first name or last name. It must not be one of your previous eight passwords.
•	Enter your personal details (given name, family name, phone).
•	Select a security question from the drop-down box and enter the answer.
•	Tick the box to confirm you have read and accept the terms and conditions.
•	Select 'Create account'.
We will send an activation email to the email address provided. 
This can take up to 15 minutes to reach you depending on the email provider.
After you receive the email, open it, and click on the 'Activate ASIC Connect account' link. 
Then log in using your email address and password. 

To apply for a new business name, select the 'Licenses & Registrations' tab.
•	Select 'Business names registration' from the drop-down box.
•	Select 'Go' to continue.
Read the information about applying for a business name.
•	Tick the boxes under 'Things to be aware of' after you have read each paragraph.
•	Select 'Get Started' to start your application.
Select the relevant ABN option.
•	Enter the 'ABN' or 'ABN application reference number' in the field provided.
•	Select 'Next' to continue.
Enter the proposed business name into the field provided. Select 'Check Name Availability'.
•	Select your preferred registration period (1 year or 3 years).
•	Select 'Next' to continue.
Enter the business name holder details in the fields provided.
•	Select 'Next' to continue.
You must provide an address for service of documents, a principal place of business address and an email address. An SMS address is optional.
Under the Actions column select '+Add' to add the relevant information.
•	Select whether the address is a street or postal address from the drop-down box. 
•	Enter the addresses in the fields provided. 
•	Select Save Address to save the entered address. 
•	Select 'Next' to continue.
Read the eligibility declaration to ensure you agree with the conditions of the transaction.
•	If you agree, tick the boxes next to the declaration to proceed.
•	Select 'Next' to continue.
Check that the information displayed is correct.
•	Select 'Submit' to continue.
Read the declaration to ensure you agree with the conditions of the transaction.
•	If you agree, tick the boxes next to the declaration to proceed.
•	Select your authority for submitting the transaction.
•	Select 'Next' to continue.
You can choose to pay for your registration now by credit card, or later by invoice or BPAY.
•	Select the 'Pay Now' option.
•	Select 'Pay Now' to continue.
If you are paying by credit card enter your details and select 'Submit'.
You can pay for your business name registration later, by invoice or BPAY.
•	Select the 'Pay Later' option.
•	Select the 'Invoice' or 'BPAY' option.
•	If you select 'Invoice', an invoice will be issued to the email address entered during the transaction.
•	If you select 'BPAY' you will need to print or make note of the BPAY details and process your payment.
•	Select 'Pay Later' to continue.
Your transaction is now complete and has been submitted. You can select 'Print the transaction' to download a printable PDF version of the transaction.
More information and related topics
You can find more information about using your ASIC Connect account on our website at www.asic.gov.au/business-names.
You can also find step-by-step user guides for most functions available in ASIC Connect. These include: 
•	Linking your business name to your ASIC Connect account. 
•	Renewing your business name.
•	Updating your personal details or business address.
You can access these user guides by visiting our business names support page. 
All user guides are provided in PDF and RTF formats.
Published by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Last updated in March 2015