If you’re planning to partner with someone, purchase a business, or simply confirm who owns a trading name, here’s everything you need to know.
What Is the Business Name Holder – Persons Search?
The Business Name Holder – Persons Search is a public ASIC search designed to reveal which business names are held by an individual. It provides transparency into a person’s trading history, including both active and formerly registered business names.
This search is especially useful for:
- Verifying sole trader identities
- Checking who legally owns a business name
- Reviewing historical business name registrations
- Conducting risk assessments and compliance checks
Start your search via ASIC’s online services:
https://asic.gov.au/online-services/search-asics-registers/
Where Can You Find It?
You can access this tool through ASIC Connect, the platform for searching and managing business names.
Steps:
- Visit the ASIC Connect homepage
- Select “Search business names register”
- Choose the Business Name Holder – Persons Search
Start here: https://asicconnect.asic.gov.au
What Information Will You See for Free?
ASIC provides a substantial amount of information at no cost, making the tool extremely valuable for business checks.
You can view:
- Current person name details
- Roles held by the individual
- All current business names linked to them
- Former state and territory business registrations
- Address for service of documents
- Current principal place of business
- Holder type (e.g., sole trader, joint partner)
- Joint venture or partnership details
This free snapshot alone provides a solid overview for verifying business identity and ownership.
What Information Can You Purchase?
For more detailed insights, ASIC offers purchasable extracts. These documents provide deeper historical information and are often used for legal reviews, contract preparation, or business purchasing decisions.
Available for purchase:
- Current or Current & Historical Business Name Extracts
- Business name holder (person or organisation) extracts
⚠️ Note: Some business name holder extracts are not yet available online.
Learn more here: https://asic.gov.au/for-business/business-names/
Using Information Brokers
If you need additional data such as credit checks or detailed trading history, ASIC-approved information brokers can help. They often combine ASIC data with other information sources to provide comprehensive business intelligence reports.
Find ASIC-listed brokers here:
https://asic.gov.au/online-services/information-brokers/
Why This Search Matters
Understanding who legally holds a business name helps you make safer, more informed business decisions. It can protect you when:
- Entering new partnerships
- Hiring subcontractors
- Buying a business or business assets
- Evaluating a sole trader’s legitimacy
- Conducting compliance and risk assessments
A simple search can save you from costly mistakes and ensure you’re dealing with the correct legal entity.
Ready to Search?
✔ Start your ASIC business name search:
https://asic.gov.au/online-services/search-asics-registers/
✔ Learn more about business names and compliance:
https://asic.gov.au/for-business/business-names/
