ABN Lookup
Search by Name
The Search by Name methods return a list of names that match the search criteria. Search tips has information to help you understand the ABN Lookup search.
There are five versions of the Search by Name method. The Simple Protocol versions have the same functionality as the corresponding SOAP versions but can be called using Http get/post protocols. The Search by Name methods are:
- ABRSearchByNameAdvanced2017 (SOAP only) and ABRSearchByNameAdvancedSimpleProtocol2017 - latest
- Includes Advanced2012 options plus the option to filter by active ABNs.
- ABRSearchByNameAdvanced2012 (SOAP only) and ABRSearchByNameAdvancedSimpleProtocol2012
- Includes Advanced2006 options plus the option to filter by registered business names.
- ABRSearchByNameAdvanced2006 (SOAP only) and ABRSearchByNameAdvancedSimpleProtocol2006
- Includes Advanced options plus the option to specify the maximum number of matching records to return.
- The default is 200 but can be any positive integer.
- ABRSearchByNameAdvanced (SOAP only) and ABRSearchByNameAdvancedSimpleProtocol
- Includes options to narrow the search and to limit the records returned based on a match score.
- ABRSearchByName (SOAP only) and ABRSearchByNameSimpleProtocol
The table below describes the Search by Name request.
Description of Search by Name request
| Element | Comments |
|---|---|
| Name | String to search for |
| Postcode | Match against postcode of the main business location |
| Name Type Filters legalName businessName tradingName | Restrict search to selected name types – i.e. Legal name and/or business name. Valid values are "Y" , "N" or blank. By default all Name Types are searched. If none of the options are "Y" (i.e. they are all "N" or blank), then all Name Types are included in the search |
| State Filters NSW, SA, ACT, VIC, WA, NT, QLD, TAS | Restrict search to selected states in the main business location. Valid values are "Y", "N" or blank. The default is to include all states. If none of the options are "Y" (i.e. they are either "N" or blank), all states are included |
| authenticationGUID | GUID provided when you registered for access to the web services |
| searchWidth | Defines the search strategy. Only available in the advanced name search. Valid values are "Typical" and "Narrow" |
| minimumScore | The lowest acceptable score. Only available in the advanced name search. Accepted values are positive integers between 50 and 100 |
| maxSearchResults | The maximum number of records to return from the search. Default is 200. Only available in the advanced 2006 name search. Must be a positive integer |
| activeABNsOnly | Restrict search to only active ABNs. Only available in the advanced 2017 name search. Valid values are "Y", "N" or blank |
The table below describes the validation rules for the Search by Name request.
Validation rules Search by Name request
| Element | Error Condition | Exception Text |
|---|---|---|
| Name | An ABN is entered | An ABN is invalid in a name search |
| Name | An ASIC number is entered | An ASIC Number is invalid in a name search |
| Name Type Filters | Invalid value – i.e. not "Y", "N" or blank | The name type element has an invalid value according to its data type |
| State Filters | Invalid value – i.e. not "Y", "N" or blank | The state element has an invalid value according to its data type |
| postcode | Exceeds 12 characters | The 'postcode' element has an invalid value according to its data type |
| authenticationGUID | GUID not found | The authenticationGUID is invalid |
| searchWidth | Invalid value | The 'searchWidth' element has an invalid value according to its data type |
| minimumScore | Invalid value | The 'minimumScore' element has an invalid value according to its data type |
| maxSearchResults | Invalid value | The 'maxSearchResults ' element has an invalid value according to its data type |