- ASIC company extracts help verify a company before you commit
Before signing contracts, making payments, or entering agreements, an ASIC extract confirms the company’s legal status, identity, and who is authorised to act. - The type of extract determines how much risk you can see
A current extract shows the latest details, while a historical extract reveals past changes in directors, ownership, and structure, critical for due diligence and high-value decisions. - Using the wrong or outdated extract defeats the purpose
Selecting the wrong company or relying on old data can lead to incorrect verification, exposing you to legal, financial, or compliance risks.
ASIC company extract is the quickest way to verify a company’s details before you sign contracts, make payments, or enter agreements. But using the wrong or outdated information can expose you to serious financial and legal risks.
In this guide, you’ll learn what an ASIC company extract includes, how much it costs, and how to get it quickly in Australia. And if you need it done right the first time, how a registered ASIC agent can handle it for you.
Always match the ACN first, not just the company name, similar names are common, and this is where most verification mistakes happen.
What is an ASIC company extract in Australia?
An ASIC company extract is an official document issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) that provides a snapshot of a company’s registered details at a specific point in time.
It pulls information directly from ASIC’s public registers and is commonly used to verify a company’s identity, legal status, and structure before entering into agreements or transactions.
Depending on the type of extract, it can:
- Show current details
- Include historical changes
making it a key tool for due diligence, compliance checks, and confirming who has authority to act on behalf of a company.
What information does an ASIC company extract include?
An ASIC company extract gives you a detailed snapshot of a company’s registered information, helping you verify exactly who you’re dealing with.
Here’s what you’ll typically find:
Key company details
- Company name and Australian Company Number (ACN)
- Registration date
- Current status (e.g. registered, deregistered)
Read more: ACN Registration in Australia: How to Get Your Company Registered Fast
Addresses
- Registered office address
- Principal place of business
Directors and officeholders
- Names of current directors and secretaries
- Appointment dates
Share structure and shareholders
- Share classes and structure
- Shareholders (for proprietary companies)
Document history
- Records of documents lodged with ASIC
- Key changes to the company over time
What are the types of ASIC company extracts (and which one do you need)?
Not all ASIC company extracts are the same. The right choice depends on how much detail you need and what you’re using it for.
Feature | Current company extract | Historical company extract |
What it shows | Latest company details only | Current and past company details |
Includes changes over time | No | Yes |
Directors information | Current directors only | Current and past directors |
Addresses | Current addresses | Current and previous addresses |
Shareholding details | Current structure | Changes in shareholding over time |
Best for | Quick verification, compliance checks, onboarding | Due diligence, investigations, high-risk decisions |
Cost | Lower | Higher |
Which ASIC company extract should you choose in Australia?
- Choose a current extract if you need to verify company details quickly
- Choose a historical extract if you need deeper insights before making an important decision
Most users only need a current extract, but if you’re investing, signing high-value contracts, or assessing risk, a historical extract can give you a more complete picture.
An ASIC extract is only a snapshot at that moment; company details can change quickly, so always use the most recent extract for important decisions.
When do you need an ASIC company extract in Australia?
An ASIC company extract is typically needed at key decision points, when verifying a business is critical before you move forward.
1. You’re about to sign a contract
Before entering any agreement, you need to confirm you’re dealing with the correct legal entity and that the person signing has the authority to do so.
2. You’re making a payment
Whether it’s a supplier, vendor, or partner, verifying company details helps reduce the risk of fraud or payment errors.
3. You’re onboarding a new supplier or client
Businesses often use an extract to confirm the company is active, registered, and legitimate for compliance and record-keeping.
4. You’re applying for finance or entering a partnership
Lenders and partners may request an extract to validate the company’s structure, status, and key personnel.
5. You’re doing due diligence
If you’re investing in or acquiring a business, an extract helps you assess credibility, history, and potential risks.
How to get an ASIC company extract in Australia
You can obtain an ASIC company extract online in just a few steps using ASIC’s public registers or through a service provider.
Option 1: Get it yourself via ASIC
- Go to the ASIC Registers website
- Search for the company using its name or ACN
- Select the correct company from the results
- Choose the type of extract (current or historical)
- Pay the required fee
- Download the extract as a PDF
Option 2: Use a registered ASIC agent
If you want to save time or avoid errors, you can use a registered ASIC agent to handle it for you.
They can:
- Ensure you select the correct company and extract type
- Retrieve the document quickly
- Help you interpret the details if needed
Should you use ASIC directly or a registered agent?
- Use ASIC directly if you’re confident and only need a basic extract
- Use an agent if you want speed, accuracy, and peace of mind, especially for important decisions
Get accurate ASIC extracts without the guesswork
How much does an ASIC company extract cost in Australia?
The cost of an ASIC company extract depends on the type of extract you choose.
Type of extract | Price online | Price by mail |
Current company extract | $10 | $13 |
Historical company extract | $20 | $23 |
If you request the extract by mail, ASIC adds a $3 service charge. If you use a service provider or registered agent, the total cost may be higher depending on their service fees. ASIC fees can also change over time due to indexation.
What affects the cost of an ASIC company extract?
- The level of detail (current vs historical)
- Whether you purchase directly from ASIC or through a service provider
What are the common mistakes when using an ASIC company extract?
Even though an ASIC company extract is straightforward, small mistakes can lead to serious financial or legal issues.
1. Selecting the wrong company
Many businesses have similar names. If you don’t match the ACN correctly, you could verify the wrong entity entirely.
2. Using an outdated extract
Company details can change frequently. Relying on an old extract may mean you’re working with incorrect directors or addresses.
3. Not checking company status
Failing to confirm whether a company is active or deregistered can lead to invalid contracts or payment risks.
4. Ignoring director authority
Just because someone represents a company doesn’t mean they’re authorised to act on its behalf. The extract helps confirm who can legally bind the company.
5. Overlooking key changes
If you’re making a high-value decision, not reviewing historical changes can mean missing red flags or risks.
The real value of an ASIC extract isn’t just in the data, it’s in spotting what’s changed over time, which is often where the biggest risks are hidden.
ASIC company extract vs certificate of registration: What’s the difference?
These two documents are often confused, but they serve different purposes.
Feature | ASIC extract | Certificate of registration |
Purpose | Shows current or historical company details | Confirms the company was registered |
Information included | Directors, addresses, shareholders, company status, document history | Company name, ACN, registration date |
Updates over time | Updated as company details change | Does not change after issue |
Use case | Used for verification, due diligence, and compliance checks | Used as proof of incorporation |
When you need it | Before contracts, payments, onboarding, or risk checks | When you need evidence the company exists |
A certificate of registration confirms that a company was set up. An ASIC company extract helps you understand its current position and whether you can rely on it today.
How Sleek helps you get ASIC company extracts quickly and accurately
Sleek helps Australian businesses access ASIC company extracts without the hassle of searching, selecting, and verifying details, so you can avoid mistakes and move forward with confidence.
- Fast and accurate extract retrieval
We handle the process end to end, ensuring you get the correct company extract based on your needs, whether it’s a current or historical extract. - Verification you can rely on
As a registered ASIC agent, we help ensure you’re pulling details for the right entity, including checking key information like company status, directors, and registration details. - Save time and reduce risk
Instead of navigating ASIC systems yourself, Sleek streamlines the process so you can avoid delays, confusion, or costly errors. - All-in-one compliance support
Beyond company extracts, Sleek supports your business with ASIC compliance, accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, and tax, so everything is managed in one place.
Whether you’re verifying a company before a transaction or completing due diligence, Sleek helps you get the right information quickly, so you can act with confidence.
Our agents are here to assure you.
450,000
businesses worldwide.
from 4,100+ reviews.
satisfaction rate from
16,000 surveyed clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ASIC company extract used for?
An ASIC company extract is used to verify a company’s legal details, including its status, directors, and registered information before signing contracts, making payments, or conducting due diligence.
How long does it take to get an ASIC company extract?
You can usually get an ASIC company extract instantly after purchase online. If you use a registered ASIC agent, the process can be handled for you quickly and accurately.
How much does an ASIC company extract cost?
A current company extract costs $10, while a current and historical company extract costs $19 when purchased directly from ASIC. Fees are set by ASIC and may change over time.
