National business names register

From the end of May 2012, the new National Business Names Register will replace state and territory schemes, so that businesses will now only need to register their name with a single national register.  This is because the Victorian Government has agreed to the Commonwealth taking responsibility for the registration of business names and the administration of a new national business names register.

Under the new scheme, people or entities wishing to register a business name must now apply through the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), rather than Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV). 

CAV has provided information on how the transition to the new register will work for Victorian organisations (see link below).

Importantly, if you are an existing business name holder in Victoria, your details will be automatically transferred to the new national register. When it is time for renewal, ASIC will contact you directly.

If your organisation wishes to apply for a new business name under the new scheme, you will need an Australian Business Number (ABN).

For information on whether your organisation should register for a business name and/or an ABN, click here. 

Resources

ASIC - business names information

Consumer Affairs Victoria - transition to national business names register