How to check if a company is registered in Australia
Free, official, source-cited — updated 2026-06.
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How do I check if a company is registered in Australia?
To check if a company is registered in Australia, search its name or registration number on ABR (https://abr.business.gov.au). An "active" status plus a matching legal name confirms the entity is currently registered. All basic verification is free.
Step-by-step
- 1
Open the official ABR
Go to https://abr.business.gov.au. This is the primary government-operated source.
https://abr.business.gov.au - 2
Search by name or number
Enter the trading name or the registration number. ABR returns exact and near matches.
- 3
Check status and legal name
A registered company shows an "active"/"registered" status and a legal name that matches the entity you're checking.
- 4
Cross-check the registered address
Compare the registered office address on ABR with the address the company advertises. Mismatches are the fastest signal something is off.
- 5
Download the official extract (optional)
Most registers let you download a formal extract or certificate. Use this for KYC, procurement, or contract files.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a company is registered in Australia?
Search the company's name or registration number on ABR at https://abr.business.gov.au. A matching entry with an "active" or equivalent status confirms the company is currently registered. The check is free and needs no account.
How can I check if a Australia company is still active?
Read the status field on the company's ABR record. "Active"/"registered" means it is currently on the register; "dissolved", "struck off" or "liquidation" means it is not. Also check the most recent filing date — a nominally active entity years behind on filings is a warning sign.
Is a Australia company with a website automatically registered?
No. A website, email domain or invoice letterhead proves nothing. The only authoritative proof is a current entry in ABR with a matching legal name and registration number.
What proves a Australia company is legally registered?
An entry in ABR with an "active" or equivalent status is the definitive proof. The registration number returned by ABR is the authoritative identifier.
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 check if a company is registered 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.
How can I check if a Australia company is legitimate?
Look the company up on the ASIC / Australian Business Register. If the entity returns an "active" (or equivalent local status) result, matches the registered address on its invoices, and its listed directors match who is signing your contract, it is a real registered entity. Anything reported as "dissolved", "struck off" or "in liquidation" should be treated with caution.
What information can I get about a Australia company for free?
Free public data from the ASIC / Australian Business Register typically includes: legal name, registration number, incorporation date, registered address, current status, business type, and current directors / officers. Historical filings and certified copies may carry a small fee.
Related guides and tools
More Australia guides
- Search companies by name
Find any registered company from a partial name — free, no signup.
- Search the company register
What the official register holds, and how to search it free.
- Search the business registry
Match a trading name to the registered legal entity behind it.
- Find the right entity
Tell apart several entities registered under near-identical names.
Australia data
- Australia company search
Search every ASIC / Australian Business Register record.
- ABR guide
Australian Business Register