Search the business registry

    Australia business registry search

    Free, official, source-cited — updated 2026-06.

    Search Company Records in Australia

    3 free lookups per day. No sign-up required.

    Reviewed by LemReveal Research TeamLast verified June 2026Primary source: ABR

    How do I search the business registry in Australia?

    The Australia business registry is operated by ABR. It covers Proprietary Limited (Pty Ltd), Public Company (Ltd). Search by business name to find the registered entity behind a trading name — free, no signup.

    Step-by-step

    1. 1

      Search the trading name you were given

      Start with the name on the invoice, website or contract. It is often a trading name rather than the registered legal name.

    2. 2

      Identify the legal entity behind it

      ABR records the legal entity. Matching a trading name to its registered entity is the whole point of a registry search — the two are frequently different.

    3. 3

      Check the entity type

      Australia recognises Proprietary Limited (Pty Ltd), Public Company (Ltd). Entity type determines liability and who is legally responsible, so it matters before you contract.

    4. 4

      Note what the registry does not cover

      Sole traders and unregistered activity may not appear at all. An absent record is not automatically proof of fraud — it can simply mean the business is not required to register.

    Open ABRAll Australia records

    Frequently asked questions

    What does the Australia business registry cover?

    ABR records Proprietary Limited (Pty Ltd), Public Company (Ltd). Businesses that are not legally required to register — commonly small sole traders — may not appear.

    Can I search the Australia business registry by trading name?

    Yes, and that is usually the practical starting point. The registry will link the name to the registered legal entity where the two differ.

    Is a business registry search free in Australia?

    Yes. Name search and the public entry on ABR are free. Only certified documents are chargeable.

    What if a Australia business has no registry entry?

    It may not be required to register, or it may be trading under a different legal name. Ask for the registration number directly before assuming either.

    What is an ABN?

    An Australian Business Number (ABN) is an 11-digit unique identifier issued to all entities registered in the Australian Business Register. It's used for tax, GST, and business-to-business transactions. You can search for any ABN for free at abr.business.gov.au.

    People also ask about search the business registry in Australia

    The exact questions searchers type into Google — answered from the primary source.

    Is the Australia company register free to search?

    Yes. Basic company lookups on the ASIC / Australian Business Register are free — you can search by company name or registration number, view legal status, registered address and (usually) directors at no cost. Some jurisdictions charge a small fee only for downloading full filed documents.

    What is the official Australia business registry?

    The ASIC / Australian Business Register is the official public register of companies incorporated in Australia. It is operated by the government and is the primary source cited on this page — https://abr.business.gov.au.

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