Search the business registry

    Australia business registry search

    Source-cited registry guidance — access and document fees vary by source.

    Search Company Records in Australia

    Free basic search · no sign-up required.

    Reviewed by LemReveal Research TeamContent reviewed June 2026Primary source: ABR

    How do I search the business registry in Australia?

    Use ABR as a starting source for Australia, then check its scope for the business form you need. Types can include Proprietary Limited (Pty Ltd), Public Company (Ltd). A trading name may need a separate source or document; it does not automatically identify a legal entity. Official access requirements vary.

    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

    Australia: choosing and checking the right record

    Choose the correct source
    Use ABN Lookup for ABN status, entity name and GST information. Use ASIC for company and business-name registrations and company extracts. These services answer different questions; an ABN entry is not a company extract.
    Confirm the entity
    An ABN has 11 digits; an ACN has nine. Compare the legal entity name rather than just a business name. ABNs can identify sole traders and other non-company entities, so do not assume every result has directors.

    Check current access and document options on the official ASIC / Australian Business Register site. For search limitations and missing-result guidance, see the Australia registry guide.

    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?

    Some sources index trading names; others require the legal name or a separate business-name search. Ask for the contracting entity's legal name and identifier when the relationship is unclear.

    Is a business registry search free in Australia?

    LemReveal's basic lookup is free where supported. Official searches, records and documents have their own access conditions; check ABR's current terms.

    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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