Changing Your Company Name? Don’t Let Paperwork Slow You Down
Thinking about a change to your company name? Big Aussie brands like Telstra and Qantas have done it, and maybe it’s time for your business too. It’s a significant step, but totally manageable when you know the process.
This guide gives you everything you need for a company name change in Australia.
We’ll cover the reasons why, the crucial checks, the official ASIC steps, the costs involved, who you need to tell, and common hiccups to avoid.
Consider this your complete roadmap for a smooth change of company name, updated for 2025.
Why change your company name? Common reasons explained
Before diving into the paperwork, it’s smart to be clear on why you’re considering making a change to your company name. Understanding your reasons helps make sure it’s the right move and shapes how you manage the transition.
Is changing your company name a good idea for your business right now? Here are some common triggers:
Rebranding or repositioning
Your business has evolved, and the old name doesn’t quite fit anymore. You might be targeting a new market, want to reflect updated company values, or simply need a name that explains what you do more clearly.
Mergers and acquisitions
When businesses join forces, a new name often helps create a single, unified identity for the combined company.
Trademark or legal issues
Uh-oh. You might need a company change of name to avoid stepping on someone else’s trademark or to resolve a legal dispute. Better safe than sorry.
Negative publicity or associations
Sometimes a name gets tied to bad press. A fresh start with a new name can help leave the past behind.
Growth and expansion
Like Apple dropping “Computer” from its name, your business might have grown beyond its original scope. A new name can reflect your wider range of products or services.
Simplification
Is your current name a mouthful? Hard to spell? Too similar to competitors? A simpler, catchier name can be easier for customers to remember and find online.
Ownership structure change
Sometimes internal shifts in ownership might prompt a name change, even without a full merger.
Before you start: essential checks for your new company name
A bit of homework before you kick off the official process to change your company name can save you heaps of time, money, and headaches down the track. Don’t skip these checks!
Check name availability with ASIC
Checking your proposed name with ASIC first is non-negotiable, as they won’t let you register a name identical to one already taken. Head to the ASIC website and use their ‘Check name availability’ tool. We make business name checking quick and easy.
While ASIC checks for identical names, be aware that a name might still be too similar to another business, potentially causing confusion or legal issues later, so consider that too.
Also, remember some words like ‘bank’ or ‘trust’ have restrictions requiring special approval, and avoid names that falsely suggest a government connection.
You can check the register directly via the ASIC Search Business Names Register.
Check for existing trademarks (IP Australia)
Super important: Just because ASIC says a name is available doesn’t mean you’re legally in the clear. Someone else might have trademarked the name (or something very similar). An ASIC registration does not protect you from trademark infringement claims.
- Why check? Using a name that infringes on a trademark could put you in legal trouble, force another company to change its name, and potentially incur significant costs.
- Use the tool: Check the IP Australia database using their Australian Trade Mark Search tool. Look for your proposed name and any close variations or similar-sounding names in your industry.
- Check trademarks here: IP Australia: Australian Trade Mark Search (Note: This link goes to the official IP Australia site)
Consider domain name and social media handles
Think digital! Before you fall in love with a name, quickly check if you can get the matching website domain name (.com.au or .au) and the main social media handles (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.). It’s frustrating to finalise a change of company name only to find the online assets are taken.
Option: reserve your chosen name (ASIC form 410)
Found the perfect name but not quite ready to make the official change to your company name? You can ask ASIC to reserve it for you.
- What it does: A reservation holds your chosen name for two months, stopping others from registering it during that time.
- When it’s useful: Good if you need time to finalise things internally before lodging the main form for the company name change.
- How: Lodge an ASIC Form 410 ‘Application for reservation of a name’.
- Cost: There’s a fee for this, currently $61 (as of July 2024, but always check ASIC’s site for the latest fees).
Is Your Name Available for Business? A Comprehensive Guide
The official process: step-by-step guide to changing your company name with ASIC
Right, you’ve done your checks and you’re ready for the official part covering how to change a company name with ASIC. Here’s the company name change process in step-by-step:
Right, you’ve done your checks and you’re ready for the official part covering how to change a company name with ASIC. Here’s the company name change process in step-by-step:
Step 1: Pass a special resolution
This is the formal decision by the company’s owners (the members or shareholders) to approve the change to the company name.
You need to follow the rules set out in the Corporations Act 2001. You generally need to give members at least 21 days’ notice of the meeting where the vote will happen (or 28 days’ notice for listed companies). This notice must clearly state the intention to propose the name change resolution.
Need it faster? You can give shorter notice if members holding at least 95% of the voting shares agree beforehand.
At the meeting, the special resolution to change the company name needs to be passed by at least 75% of the votes cast by members entitled to vote.
Document the resolution properly in the meeting minutes. You’ll need this as proof of the decision for the company’s change of name.
Step 2: Lodge form 205 with ASIC within 14 days
Once the members have passed the special resolution, the clock starts ticking!
You need to tell ASIC about the decision using Form 205 ‘Notification of resolution’. This is the key form for notifying an ASIC change of company name. You must lodge it with ASIC within 14 days of the special resolution being passed, so don’t miss this deadline!
If you lodge late (even by one day), ASIC will charge late fees. These start at $96 for up to one month late and jump to $401 for over one month late (fees current as of July 2024).
The easiest way is online through ASIC Connect. You’ll likely need your company’s ‘corporate key’ to log in. Attach a copy of the special resolution when you lodge.
Before you hit submit, triple-check the spelling of the new company name on the form. ASIC won’t correct typos after it’s registered. If you get it wrong, you’ll have to go through the whole company name change process again (including paying the fee!).
Step 3: Pay the ASIC lodgement fee
Yep, there’s a fee for the official change of company name. The ASIC change of company name fee for lodging Form 205 is currently $491 as of July 2024. This is the standard change company name ASIC fee.
Disclaimer: ASIC fees can change (usually on 1 July each year), so always double-check the current fee on the ASIC website before lodging.
You’ll usually pay this online when you lodge the form via ASIC Connect.
Step 4: Wait for ASIC approval
Once lodged, ASIC will review your application for the change of company name in Australia.
- Processing Time: This isn’t instant. Processing times can vary – it might take a few business days, or sometimes a couple of weeks, depending on ASIC’s workload. It’s best not to assume a specific timeframe; check ASIC’s website for current estimates if needed.
- Approved? Great! ASIC will issue a new Certificate of Registration showing your company’s new name. The company name change is effective from the date shown on the certificate.
- Rejected? If there’s an issue (e.g., the name is no longer available, there’s an error on the form), ASIC will notify you and explain why. You may need to choose another name or fix the error and re-lodge. Your initial fee might cover a re-lodgement in some cases, or you can request a refund.
What documents do you need? your checklist
Keep these handy for your company change of name process:
- Meeting Minutes: Documenting the meeting where the special resolution was passed.
- Signed Special Resolution: The formal resolution stating the old name and the approved new name.
- Completed ASIC Form 205: Ready for lodgement (or proof of online lodgement).
- Proof of Fee Payment: Your receipt from the online lodgement.
- (Potentially) Updated Company Constitution: Check if your company’s constitution mentions the company name specifically. If it does, you’ll likely need to update it to reflect the new name. This usually involves passing another resolution (check your constitution’s rules for amendments). It’s a separate step but often done alongside the change of company name.
Who do you need to inform when you change a company name in Australia?
Getting the tick from ASIC is a big step, but you’re not quite done. Now comes the crucial part: letting everyone know about your change of company name. Missing someone important can cause confusion, payment delays, or legal issues. Use this checklist:
Internal Updates
- Your employees (update contracts, handbooks, email signatures)
Financial and Banking
- Your bank(s) (update account names, signatories if needed)
- Lenders or finance providers
- Credit card providers
- Payment gateway providers (e.g., Stripe, PayPal, Square)
- Your accountant or bookkeeper
Government and Legal
- ASIC: Done via Form 205, but double-check your details are correct on the public register after approval.
- ATO (Australian Taxation Office): ASIC usually notifies the ATO, but it’s vital you verify this has happened. Check your details on the Australian Business Register (ABR) to ensure your ABN is linked to the new company name.
- ABR (Australian Business Register): As above – confirm details are updated.
- State/Territory Revenue Offices (e.g., for payroll tax)
- Industry licensing or registration bodies
- Your company’s Superannuation Fund(s)
ABN Registration: A Comprehensive Guide
Operations and Partners
- Customers/Clients
- Suppliers & Vendors (update billing details)
- Landlord (update lease agreement if needed)
- Utility companies (electricity, water, internet)
- Insurance providers (public liability, workers comp, etc.)
- Business partners (distributors, resellers, collaborators)
Marketing and Branding
- Website (all mentions, footer, contact page)
- Email signatures
- Business cards & Stationery (letterhead, envelopes)
- Invoices, quotes, purchase orders
- Social media profiles (update names/handles where possible)
- Online directories (especially Google Business Profile, Yellow Pages online, industry directories)
- Signage (office, vehicles)
- Marketing materials (brochures, flyers, ads)
Intellectual Property
- Trademark records (if your name is trademarked, update the registration)
- Domain name registration details
What fees are involved in a company name change?
Budgeting for your company name change in Australia? Here’s a breakdown of the likely costs:
Fee Type | Who Charges | Amount (as of July 2024) | Notes |
ASIC Form 410 (Name Reservation) | ASIC | $61 | Optional, if you want to reserve the name first |
ASIC Form 205 (Name Change) | ASIC | $491 | Mandatory lodgement fee (the main ASIC change of company name fee) |
ASIC Late Lodgement Fee | ASIC | $96 – $401 | If Form 205 lodged >14 days after resolution |
Potential Indirect Costs | Various | Variable | E.g., New logo, website updates, stationery, signs |
How long does it take to change a company name?
Setting expectations is key. A company name change isn’t instant.
Here’s a rough timeline:
- Checks and Decisions: This depends on you. It could be quick or take weeks of research and internal discussion.
- Special Resolution Notice Period: Minimum 21 or 28 days (unless shortened by member agreement).
- Lodge Form 205: You have 14 days after the resolution passes.
- ASIC Processing: Variable—allow anywhere from a few business days up to potentially 2-4 weeks after lodgement for ASIC to review and approve. Check their website for current processing time guidance.
- Post-Approval Updates: Telling everyone and updating all your materials can take weeks or even months to fully complete after changing the company name.
The takeaway? Start the process to change your company name well before you actually need the new name to be fully operational.
ASIC Business Name Renewal: What You Need to Know
Common mistakes when changing your company name and how to avoid them
Want a smooth change of company name? Steer clear of these common slip-ups:
Mistake #1: Only checking ASIC name availability, forgetting trademarks.
Solution: Always check both ASIC and IP Australia’s trademark database before you commit to a name.
Mistake #2: Missing the 14-day deadline to lodge Form 205 after the resolution.
Solution: Mark the date the resolution is passed in your calendar. Lodge Form 205 online immediately or well within the 14 days to avoid late fees.
Mistake #3: Making typos on the Form 205 name.
Solution: Proofread the form meticulously before submitting. Get a colleague to double-check it. Remember, ASIC won’t fix your typos later!
Mistake #4: Assuming ASIC tells everyone about the change.
Solution: Be proactive! Use the checklist above to notify all relevant parties yourself. Don’t rely on ASIC to inform banks, suppliers, or even necessarily the ATO. Verify the change is reflected on the ABR.
Mistake #5: Forgetting to update your company constitution if the old name is written in it.
Solution: Check your constitution early in the process. If the name is mentioned, plan to pass the necessary resolution(s) to update it alongside the company name change.
Mistake #6: Not checking website domain and social media handle availability early on.
Solution: Make checking digital assets part of your initial name selection brainstorming.
Need help changing your company name?
We get it; while the steps on how to change a company name are straightforward, doing it correctly involves careful attention to detail and deadlines. It’s one less thing to worry about when you’re running a business.
Want expert help for a smooth transition?
Sleek’s registered agents can handle the ASIC lodgement and prepare the necessary documentation for your company name change. We make business admin easy so you can focus on what you do best.
Conclusion
So, changing your company name in Australia has clear steps, and now you know exactly what’s involved. It takes careful planning, from checking the name is free with ASIC and IP Australia, to passing that special resolution and telling everyone once ASIC gives the nod. This guide covers the essentials to help you handle the change of company name confidently. Remember to always check ASIC for the latest fees. Getting your company name change right allows you to focus on running your business.
FAQs about changing company name in Australia
Can I change my company name back to the old one?
Yes, but you’ll need to go through the exact same process again (special resolution, Form 205, fee).
Does changing my company name change my ACN?
No. Your Australian Company Number (ACN) is unique to your company and stays the same for its entire life, regardless of name changes.
Does changing my company name change my ABN?
No, your Australian Business Number (ABN) also stays the same. However, you must ensure the details linked to your ABN on the Australian Business Register (ABR) are updated to show the new company name. ASIC usually tells the ABR, but it’s your responsibility to check it’s been done.
What's the difference between a company name and a business name?
- A Company Name is the legal name of your registered company (e.g., “Coastal Plumbing Pty Ltd”). It ends with Pty Ltd, Ltd, etc., and is registered with ASIC.
- A Business Name is a trading name (e.g., “Coastal Plumbing Experts”). It’s also registered with ASIC (linked to your ABN) but doesn’t create a separate legal entity. You need one if you trade under a name that isn’t your exact company name (or your own name if you’re a sole trader). If your company name change also means you’ll trade under a different name day-to-day, you might need to register a new business name too.
Do I need a lawyer or agent to handle the change of company name?
It’s not mandatory. You can do it yourself by following the steps. However, if your situation involves specific legal points (e.g., constitutional changes needed, potential trademark issues) or you just want peace of mind that it’s done correctly, using a registered agent or getting legal advice can be helpful.
What if my chosen name is rejected by ASIC?
ASIC will tell you why (e.g., name became unavailable, form error). You’ll usually need to address the issue – maybe choose a different name or correct the form – and then lodge a new Form 205. Check with ASIC if your original fee can be applied to the new lodgement.
Speak with our Sydney-based team
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