How Long Does It Take to Get an ABN in Australia?
Most online ABN applications are approved instantly. When it is not, why the ABR holds it for review, how long that takes, and how to speed things up.
By Timothy Hirou GaschereauPublished 8 min read
You are ready to start your business or side hustle and you need an ABN before you can invoice anyone. Good news: for most people it is one of the faster pieces of government admin you will ever do. But not everyone gets it instantly, and it helps to know which camp you are likely to be in.
Here is exactly how long it takes, why some applications are held up, and how to make sure yours goes through first time.
🎯 The essential: Most complete online ABN applications through the ABR at abr.gov.au are approved immediately, with the 11-digit ABN shown on screen and emailed to you, and the whole thing takes about 15 minutes. If the ABR cannot verify your identity or details automatically, your application goes to manual review, which can take up to 20 business days (the ABR cites up to 28 days as the outer limit), and you get a reference number in the meantime. Applying direct is free, so never pay a third-party site for it.
The fast answer: most applications are instant
The short version: most people get their ABN on screen the moment they finish the online application. You submit your details at abr.gov.au, the system verifies your identity in real time, your 11-digit ABN appears on the confirmation page, and it is emailed to you. That is the usual outcome for sole traders who have their myID set up (or their TFN handy) and whose personal details match their ATO records exactly.
When it is not instant
If the ABR cannot automatically verify your identity or some of your details, your application moves to manual review, and the timeframe becomes up to 20 business days (the ABR's FAQ notes up to 28 days as the outer limit). You will know this has happened because you will not see an ABN on the confirmation screen; instead you get a reference number. That number matters: it means your application is under review, not rejected.
| Situation | Timeframe | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Complete application, identity verified | Immediate, on screen | Start using your ABN straight away |
| Identity or details need checking | Up to 20 business days | Keep your reference number; call 13 92 26 if no update |
| Previously cancelled ABN | Up to 20 business days | Have your old ABN details ready |
| Outstanding ATO lodgements or debts | Up to 20 business days | Resolve them, then follow up |
Why applications get held for review
If yours is not instant, one of these is usually why:
- Identity could not be verified automatically against ATO records in real time.
- You have a previously cancelled ABN the ABR needs to review first (see our guide on reactivating a cancelled ABN).
- Missing or inconsistent details: a name spelled differently from your ATO records, a mismatched date of birth, or an incomplete address.
- You do not clearly meet the enterprise test: you must be genuinely carrying on or starting a business, not pursuing a hobby.
- Outstanding lodgements or debts with the ATO can put a hold on the application.
How to apply, and speed it up
Apply directly at abr.gov.au (free, about 15 minutes). Have ready your myID or TFN, your correct personal details (full legal name, date of birth, residential address, all matching your ATO records exactly), your main business activity and start date, and genuine intent to carry on an enterprise. To avoid delays, use myID for the strongest identity check, make sure every detail matches your ATO records, and write a clear, specific business activity ("freelance graphic design services" beats "consulting").
Applying for an ABN at abr.gov.au is completely free. Third-party websites that charge $50 to $200+ to "help" are not affiliated with the government, cannot speed up your application, and do nothing you cannot do yourself for nothing. Always apply direct. And once you have the number, do not confuse it with a company number: our ABN vs ACN guide clears that up.
Your reference number, and following up
If your application is not instant, screenshot or write down the reference number immediately, because it is your only way to track the application. Wait up to 20 business days; the ABR will contact you if they need more information. If you have not heard back after that, call the ABR on 13 92 26 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm) with your reference number ready. You can also nominate a start date when you apply (today, a future date, or a past date if you have already been trading, with records to back it up), and your ABN is only valid on invoices from that effective date.
Next steps once you have your ABN
The ABN is step one. Start invoicing with it straight away, because if you do not quote an ABN the payer must withhold 47% of the payment (see how to invoice as a sole trader). Register for GST if your turnover is $75,000 or more ($150,000 for non-profits, or from the first dollar for rideshare and taxi), register a business name with ASIC if you trade under anything other than your own name, and keep your ABN details up to date within 28 days of any change. For the whole money side of going solo, our sole trader tax guide pulls it together.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get an ABN in Australia?
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Most complete online applications are approved immediately, with the ABN shown on screen straight away. If the ABR needs to verify your identity or details, it can take up to 20 business days, and the ABR's own FAQ cites up to 28 days as the outer limit for manual processing.
Can I use my ABN straight away?
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Yes. Once your ABN is issued you can use it on invoices and for all business purposes immediately. There is no waiting period after it is issued.
What is the reference number I received instead of an ABN?
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A reference number means your application is under review, not rejected. The ABR needs to verify some details before issuing your ABN. Keep the reference number safe and call the ABR on 13 92 26 if you have not heard back after 20 business days.
Why was my ABN application not instant?
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Common reasons include identity verification issues, a previously cancelled ABN, missing or inconsistent details, not clearly meeting the enterprise test, or outstanding lodgements or debts with the ATO.
Is applying for an ABN free?
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Yes. Applying through the ABR at abr.gov.au is completely free. Be cautious of third-party websites that charge a fee: they are not affiliated with the Australian Government and cannot do anything you cannot do yourself for free.
Do I need a myID to apply for an ABN?
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You do not strictly need one, but using myID (formerly myGovID) gives the strongest identity verification and is the most likely path to an instant decision. You can also apply using your TFN and personal details.
Can I backdate my ABN?
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Yes. You can nominate a start date in the past if you have already been operating as a business. Make sure you have records (invoices, contracts, bank statements) to support the date you nominate, because the ABR can ask for evidence.
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The Barefoot Investor
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Making Money Made Simple
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Some links above are affiliate links. If you buy through them, Snowball Invest may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend books we'd suggest anyway.
Sources
- Australian Business Register, applying for an ABN
- ATO, registering for GST
- business.gov.au, register a business name
General information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. It does not take your circumstances into account. ABN entitlement rules and government fees change, so verify current details with the ABR, ATO and ASIC before you apply.
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General information only. This article is educational and does not constitute personal financial advice. It does not account for your circumstances. Consider your own situation and seek advice from a licensed adviser before acting. Read our full disclaimer.
Timothy Hirou Gaschereau
Founder of Snowball Invest, not a financial adviser.
I write about what I'm learning myself, because nobody ever taught us how to take control of our own money. It's a skill, not a mystery, and it's never too late to learn it. The best day to start was yesterday, the second best is today.
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