Can I upgrade my business to a company and use the same name?

In most cases, yes!

If you registered a business name after 28 May 2012…

1. On the first screen of the company registration, type your preferred name

2. You will be asked to prove that you hold the business name by entering the ABN attached to it

3. Finally, the holder of the business name MUST be included as a company entity (even just a minimal shareholder)

If you registered a business name before 28 May 2012…

1. On the first screen of the company registration type your preferred name

2. You will be asked to prove that you hold the business name by entering your Business Name Registration Number next to the state in which it was registered

3. Finally, the holder of the business name MUST be included as a company entity (even just a minimal shareholder)

N.B. Prior to 28 May 2012, business names were registered on a state-by-state basis. If there is another active business name matching yours, you will not be able to use this as your company name BUT you can continue to use the business name.

All information provided on this webpage is general information about our products and services. Nothing on this webpage is intended to be professional advice of any kind and should not be relied on as such. You should obtain specific financial, legal or other professional advice before relying on the content of this webpage. By not seeking such advice, you accept the risk that the information on this webpage may not meet the specific needs of your business. Our liability is limited to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law in accordance with our website terms and conditions.

Updated — Aug 30, 2018