Registering a .com.au domain is ideal for businesses targeting Australian audiences. These domains are regulated by auDA (Australian Domain Administration), which enforces specific eligibility requirements to ensure proper usage.
General Requirements #
1. Eligibility #
- Businesses: Must be a registered company, organization, or entity in Australia.
- Individuals: Must have an ABN (Australian Business Number) or ACN (Australian Company Number).
2. Connection to Australia #
- The registrant must have a verified link to Australia, such as:
- An Australian-registered business.
- A trademark registered in Australia.
3. Domain Name Relevance #
- The domain name must have a connection to the registrant’s:
- Business name.
- Products or services.
- Trademark.
- Example:
- If your business is “Sydney Digital Marketing,” you could register sydneydigitalmarketing.com.au.
Required Documentation #
- For Australian Businesses:
- ABN or ACN (mandatory).
- Registered business name.
- For Foreign Companies:
- An Australian trademark related to the domain name.
- For Sole Traders or Individuals:
- ABN registration documentation.
Registration Steps #
Step 1: Choose an Accredited Registrar #
- Select an auDA-accredited registrar like OzSpeed or others offering .com.au domains.
Step 2: Provide Eligibility Information #
- During registration, you’ll be required to submit:
- ABN or ACN.
- Trademark details (if applicable).
- Ensure the domain name aligns with your business or trademark.
Step 3: Complete Verification #
- The registrar will validate your ABN/ACN or trademark through public Australian databases.
Step 4: Finalize Payment and Ownership #
- Complete payment and provide accurate contact details to ensure domain ownership.
Renewal and Compliance #
- Domain Validity:
- .com.au domains are typically registered for 1–5 years.
- Renewal:
- Ensure your ABN or ACN remains active to renew the domain.
- Failure to comply with auDA’s policies may result in the domain being canceled.
- Compliance Audits:
- auDA periodically audits .com.au domains to ensure ongoing compliance with eligibility requirements.
Troubleshooting Registration Issues #
- Eligibility Errors:
- Verify your ABN/ACN at ABN Lookup.
- Ensure your business name or trademark matches the domain name.
- Delayed Verification:
- Contact your registrar for updates if verification takes longer than 1–3 business days.
- Rejected Application:
- Double-check that your documents are accurate and relevant to the domain name.
Additional Tips: #
- Choose a Relevant Name: Selecting a domain that aligns with your brand boosts trust and credibility.
- Plan for Renewals: Keep your business registration up to date to avoid losing the domain.
- Consider SEO: Include keywords in your domain to enhance search engine visibility.
