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March 27, 2026
8 min read

How to Enroll with AUSTRAC: Step-by-Step Guide for Tranche 2 Businesses

From 1 July 2026, real estate agents, accountants, lawyers, and other professional services must enroll with AUSTRAC. Here's exactly how to do it — and what you need before you start.

Important Dates

  • 31 March 2026: AUSTRAC opens enrollment for Tranche 2 businesses
  • 1 July 2026: Tranche 2 compliance mandatory — you must be enrolled by this date
  • Recommendation: Enroll in April or May to avoid the June rush

Who Needs to Enroll?

If your business provides any of these services, you're a "reporting entity" under Tranche 2 and must enroll with AUSTRAC:

Real Estate

Agents, auctioneers, property management

Accounting

Public accountants, tax agents, bookkeepers (when providing certain services)

Legal

Lawyers, conveyancers, settlement agents

Finance & Bullion

Trust/company service providers, precious metal/stone dealers

Not sure if you need to enroll? If you handle client money, provide services involving property transactions, or deal with high-value goods, you're likely covered. Check AUSTRAC's decision trees or contact them directly.

What You'll Need Before You Enroll

Don't start the enrollment process until you have all of this information ready. Incomplete applications cause delays.

Enrollment Checklist

  • 1
    Business details: ABN or ACN, business name, all trading names, entity type (sole trader, partnership, company, trust)
  • 2
    Addresses: Registered office address, principal place of business (if different)
  • 3
    Contact details: Main business phone, main business email
  • 4
    Designated services: Which services you provide (e.g., "real estate sales", "conveyancing", "accounting services")
  • 5
    AML Compliance Officer: Full name, position, contact details (must be appointed BEFORE enrollment)
  • 6
    Senior management: Directors, partners, or senior managers (name, DOB, position)
  • 7
    Related entities: Details of any related businesses (if forming a reporting group)

Step-by-Step Enrollment Process

Step 1: Appoint Your AML Compliance Officer

You can't enroll without an AMLCO. This person is responsible for your AML/CTF program and reports. They can be:

  • The business owner or a director
  • A senior staff member (office manager, head of compliance)
  • An external consultant or lawyer (if they agree in writing)

Tip: For small businesses (1-5 people), the owner usually fills this role. For larger firms, appoint someone who understands your operations and can dedicate time to compliance.

Step 2: Create Your AML/CTF Program

AUSTRAC requires you to have a written AML/CTF program before you enroll. Don't panic — for most small businesses, this is a 10-15 page document covering:

  • How you identify and verify clients (your CDD procedures)
  • What red flags you watch for (suspicious transaction indicators)
  • How you train staff on AML obligations
  • How you keep records and report to AUSTRAC

Shortcut: AUSTRAC provides free templates called "Program Starter Kits" for each sector. Download the one for your industry and customize it.

Step 3: Go to the AUSTRAC Enrollment Portal

After 31 March 2026, visit online.austrac.gov.au and select "Enroll as a Reporting Entity".

You'll need to create an AUSTRAC Online account if you don't already have one. Use your business email address.

Step 4: Complete the Enrollment Form

The online form has five sections:

  1. Section 1:
    Business identification — ABN/ACN, business name, entity type
  2. Section 2:
    Contact details — Addresses, phone, email
  3. Section 3:
    Designated services — Select which services you provide (multiple choice)
  4. Section 4:
    People — AMLCO details, senior management, related entities
  5. Section 5:
    Declaration — Confirm information is accurate, accept obligations

Time estimate: 15-20 minutes if you have all information prepared. The portal saves your progress, so you can start and come back later.

Step 5: Submit and Wait for Confirmation

After you submit, AUSTRAC will review your application. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. You'll receive:

  • An acknowledgment email within 24 hours
  • Your AUSTRAC Registration Number by email once approved
  • Access to AUSTRAC Online for reporting and updates

Keep your registration number safe. You'll need it for annual compliance reports, SMR/TTR reports, and any correspondence with AUSTRAC.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Top 5 Enrollment Errors

  • Not appointing an AMLCO first. You can't enroll without one. Appoint them before you start the form.
  • Using a personal email instead of a business email. AUSTRAC requires a business email for account creation.
  • Selecting the wrong designated services. Read the definitions carefully. If unsure, select all that might apply — you can update later.
  • Leaving out trading names. If you operate under multiple names (e.g., "Smith Real Estate" and "Smith Property Management"), list them all.
  • Waiting until June to enroll. The portal will be swamped in June. Enroll as soon as possible after March 31.

What Happens After You Enroll?

Once enrolled, you're an official reporting entity. This means:

  • You must follow your AML/CTF program — verify clients before providing designated services
  • You must report suspicious matters — file an SMR within 24 hours if you suspect money laundering
  • You must report threshold transactions — file a TTR for any cash transaction over $10,000
  • You must submit an annual compliance report — due every year on your enrollment anniversary
  • You must keep records for 7 years — all CDD records, verification documents, and reports

Need Help?

AUSTRAC support: Call 1300 021 037 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm AEST) or email contact@austrac.gov.au

FreeAML: For free AML verification tools (no signup required), visit freeaml.com.au. We help Tranche 2 businesses verify clients in 60 seconds — fully AUSTRAC compliant.

Get Started with Free AML Verification

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Frequently Asked Questions