Get an official company extract

    How to get a company extract in Australia

    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 get an official company extract in Australia?

    Start with ABR at https://abr.business.gov.au to identify the entity and available company extract. An ordinary extract, historical filing and certified copy are different documents. Check the recipient's requirements and official access conditions before ordering. A LemReveal PDF is not a government-certified extract.

    Step-by-step

    1. 1

      Confirm the entity first

      Search by name or registration number and confirm you have the right legal entity before paying for anything.

    2. 2

      Choose the evidence required

      Ask the recipient whether it needs an ordinary extract, historical filing, certified copy, translation or legalisation. A free summary is not automatically sufficient.

    3. 3

      Follow the official document route

      Use https://abr.business.gov.au to find the issuing authority or authorised service and its current fees. Check what the document actually certifies.

      https://abr.business.gov.au
    4. 4

      Check the issue date

      Ask what issue date the recipient accepts; there is no universal three-month validity period. Retain the issue date, retrieval date and source.

    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

    Do I need a paid extract to verify a Australia company?

    Compare available public information with official document options and the recipient's requirements. Free lookup does not guarantee complete or certified evidence.

    What does a Australia company extract contain?

    Contents vary by document. Check whether it covers current identity, officers, representation or historical filings. A registration certificate does not necessarily describe today's appointments.

    Is a LemReveal PDF an official extract?

    No. It is a third-party research record. Obtain an official or certified document through the relevant authority or authorised service when required.

    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 get an official company extract 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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