Setup · NZBN · NZ
Get your NZBN. Free, 5 minutes.
TL;DR
An NZBN (New Zealand Business Number) is a free 13-digit identifier for your business. It sits on your invoices and tells customers you're registered and verifiable. Sole traders apply at nzbn.govt.nz. Limited companies get one automatically when they incorporate.
Why bother
Three reasons:
- Customers trust it.An NZBN on your invoice signals professionalism. Especially when you're newer and don't have years of brand behind you.
- Suppliers prefer it.If you're buying trade-priced equipment or signing up for credit accounts, most suppliers ask for an NZBN.
- It's free and quick.Genuinely 5 minutes, no fee, no annual renewal. There's no good reason not to.
Step-by-step
- Go to nzbn.govt.nz/get-an-nzbn
- Click Get an NZBN as a sole trader (or as a partnership/trust if that applies)
- Sign in with RealMe, or set up a RealMe login if you don't have one
- Verify your identity with a NZ driver's licence or passport number
- Fill in business details — trading name (optional), business activity, address. Use a service address rather than your home address if you'd prefer that not be public.
- Submit. NZBN is issued immediately, on screen and emailed.
What to do with your NZBN
- Add it to your invoices, quotes, and email signature
- Add it to your Google Business Profile (under “Other” details)
- Mention it on your website — one line in the footer (“NZBN 9429012345678”) is plenty
- Use it when applying for trade accounts (Bunnings Trade, Mitre 10 Mega Pro, Repco etc.)
Common questions
Do I need an NZBN?
Not legally — there's no requirement to have one. But it's free, takes 2 minutes, and adds genuine credibility on invoices. Customers and suppliers (especially in trades) instantly recognise an NZBN as a sign you're a real, registered operator. Worth doing.
What's the difference between an NZBN and an IRD number?
Different identifiers. Your IRD number is for tax. Your NZBN is a public business identifier — like a registered business ID. The NZBN sits on your invoices and lets customers verify you on nzbn.govt.nz. The IRD number is private.
Can I get an NZBN as a sole trader?
Yes. Sole traders can register for an NZBN at nzbn.govt.nz. You just need a NZ driver's licence or passport for verification. Limited companies get one automatically when they incorporate.
Is my NZBN public?
The NZBN itself is public, along with your business name and trading status. Your home address is NOT public (you can use a service address instead). The register is searchable by anyone.