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.AU Domains

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To register a .AU domain, the registrant needs an Australian presence and, for .COM.AU, .NET.AU, and .ORG.AU, a valid eligibility ID such as an Australian Business Number (ABN). DNSimple supports registration, renewal, and transfer of .AU domains and of .COM.AU, .ORG.AU, and .NET.AU third-level domains.

Who can register a .AU domain?

Second-level .AU domains

All second-level .AU domain names, such as example.au, require an Australian presence.

Third-level .AU domains

.COM.AU, .NET.AU, and .ORG.AU domains are for organizations. Individuals cannot register them. The registration form asks for:

  • : the type of eligibility ID. Accepted types are:
    • Australian Business Number (ABN)
    • Australian Company Number (ACN)
    • Australian Company Territory Business Number (ACT BN)
    • New South Wales Business Number (NSW BN)
    • Northern Territory Business Number (NT BN)
    • Queensland Business Number (QLD BN)
    • South Australia Business Number (SA BN)
    • Tasmania Business Number (TAS BN)
    • Victoria Business Number (VIC BN)
    • Western Australia Business Number (WA BN)
    • Trademark Number (TM)
  • : a valid, active number of that type
  • : the domain name must be an exact match, abbreviation, or acronym of the registrant’s name or trademark, or otherwise closely and substantially connected to the registrant

An Australian address is not required.

Warning

The organization name must match the information registered for the ABN or ACN you submit.

.COM.AU and .NET.AU

To register a .COM.AU or .NET.AU domain name, registrants must be one of the following:

  • An Australian registered company.
  • Trading under a registered business name in any Australian State or Territory.
  • An Australian partnership or sole trader.
  • A foreign company licensed to trade in Australia.
  • The owner of an Australian Registered Trademark.
  • An applicant for an Australian Registered Trademark.
  • An association incorporated in any Australian State or Territory.
  • An Australian commercial statutory body.

Read the registry’s .COM.AU rules for details.

.ORG.AU

To register a .ORG.AU domain name, registrants must belong to one of the following:

  • An association incorporated in any Australian State or Territory.
  • A political party registered with the Australian Electoral Commission.
  • A trade union or other organization registered under the Workplace Relations Act 1996.
  • A sporting or special interest club operating in Australia.
  • A charity operating in Australia, as defined in the Registrant’s constitution or other documents of incorporation.
  • A non-profit organization operating in Australia, as defined in the Registrant’s constitution or other documents of incorporation.

Warning

A valid Australian Business Number (ABN) is required to register a .ORG.AU domain name. Australian Company Numbers and Trademark Numbers are not acceptable.

Read the registry’s .ORG.AU rules for details.

How do I renew a .AU domain?

A .AU domain can be renewed at most 90 days before its expiration date. The registry checks the registrant’s eligibility at renewal, so keep the eligibility ID active.

If the domain is not renewed, the registry deletes it two days before the expiration date, and it enters a 30-day redemption period. During that period, the domain no longer resolves, and you can restore it for an additional fee. After the redemption period, the domain cannot be recovered.

How do I transfer a .AU domain to DNSimple?

.AU domains are not renewed when they are transferred, and DNSimple does not charge for .AU transfers. A transfer needs the authorization code from your current registrar.

Required acknowledgment

Every .AU transfer into DNSimple needs the registrant’s explicit approval. Unlike most TLDs, a .AU transfer is not approved automatically.

Approve a .AU transfer
  1. After you start the transfer, look for the acknowledgment email. It goes to the domain registrant’s email address, which may be different from your DNSimple account email. Check your spam or junk folder if you do not see it.
  2. Click the link in the email to approve the transfer. No further steps are needed.

If you cannot read the registrant’s email address, update it at the domain’s current registrar before you start the transfer. Otherwise, the transfer will not succeed.

If you do not receive the acknowledgment email, the link does not work, or you need any help with your domain transfer, contact support.

Changes in ownership

A contact change that changes the registrant must be made by DNSimple support. A change of registrant happens when you modify the Organization Name, First/Last Name, Eligibility ID type, or Eligibility ID number.

A change of registrant costs the same as a one-year renewal. Whole years left on the current registration carry over to the new registrant. The current and the new registrant both approve the change by email.

To make this change, contact support, and we will be happy to help.

Inactive or deregistered eligibility ID

If your domain has an inactive or canceled ABN or ACN, the registrant must reactivate it before the registration can be transferred or renewed.

If an Australian trademark number is no longer valid, the registrant must provide other business information, either an ABN or ACN or a new trademark number, to keep the registration.

If your domain has a deregistered ABN or ACN (the legal entity has been deregistered or the person is deceased), the registry requires these additional forms:

Complete them as fully as you can. If you have any concerns, contact the registry directly.

Have more questions?

If you have any questions about registering, transferring, or renewing your .AU domain, contact support, and we will be happy to help. You can also read more about TLDs available at DNSimple.