.au domains are Australian country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs). They are used by Australian businesses, organisations and individuals who want a domain name with a clear connection to Australia.

An .au domain can be used for a website, professional email, online services or brand protection. The most suitable extension depends on who you are, what your organisation does and the eligibility rules for the domain category you want to register.

This article explains the main .au domain types, eligibility requirements, registration process, best practices and common problems.

The .au namespace is overseen by auDA, the policy authority for Australian domain names. Unlike many generic domain extensions, Australian domains have eligibility and allocation rules intended to maintain a meaningful connection between the registrant and the domain name.

Eligibility normally requires an Australian presence and a valid connection between the registrant and the requested name. Depending on the extension, an eligible registrant may be an Australian company, registered business, sole trader, incorporated association, trademark holder, Australian citizen or permanent resident.

The requested domain name may need to be an exact match, abbreviation or acronym of the registrant's name, or have a close and substantial connection with the registrant's business, products, services, activities or profession.

.com.au

.com.au is commonly used by commercial entities, including Australian companies, businesses and sole traders. It is widely recognised as an Australian business domain.

.net.au

.net.au is generally intended for network service providers and organisations providing network-based services. Eligibility should be checked before registration.

.org.au

.org.au is commonly used by eligible non-commercial organisations, charities, clubs and community groups.

.id.au

.id.au is intended for eligible individuals and may be used for a personal website, portfolio or other individual online identity.

.asn.au

.asn.au is commonly associated with eligible incorporated associations, sporting clubs, political parties, trade unions and special interest groups.

Direct .au

Direct .au domains are registered at the second level, such as example.au. They provide a shorter address and may be useful for branding. Direct .au registrations are still subject to Australian presence and other current policy requirements.

To register a .com.au or .net.au domain, the registrant must generally belong to an eligible category and provide the required information.

Australian registered company

* Company name

* Australian Company Number (ACN)

Business registered in Australia

* Registered business name

* State or Territory of registration

* Australian Business Number (ABN) or other required registration details

Australian partnership or sole trader

* Trading name

* Australian Business Number (ABN)

Foreign company licensed to trade in Australia

* Company name

* Australian Registered Body Number (ARBN)

Australian registered trade mark owner

* Name of the trade mark owner

* Words comprising the trade mark

* Trade mark number

Australian registered trade mark applicant

* Applicant name

* Words comprising the trade mark application

* Trade mark application number

Australian incorporated association

* Name of the association

* State or Territory of incorporation

* Association number

Australian commercial statutory body

* Official name of the statutory body

* Relevant registration or reference number issued by the government authority

For .com.au and .net.au domains, the domain name must generally have a valid connection to the registrant. It may be:

* An exact match of the business name or trade mark

* An abbreviation or acronym of the business name or trade mark

* Closely and substantially connected to the business or organisation

A close and substantial connection may include:

* A product the business manufactures or sells

* A service the business provides

* An event the business organises or sponsors

* An activity the business facilitates, teaches or trains

* A venue the business operates

* A profession practised by the business's employees

Eligibility and allocation rules can change. Check the current auDA policy requirements before registering, renewing or transferring a domain.

Have the following information available where applicable:

* Your full legal entity name or personal name

* Your ABN, ACN, ARBN or other relevant identifier

* Your registered business, association or trade mark details

* Your contact details

* The exact domain name you want to register

* Evidence of the connection between the domain name and the registrant

* The domain extensions you want to use

Consider whether registering related versions, such as example.com.au and example.au, would help protect your brand and reduce customer confusion.

Use the following general process when registering an .au domain through Apexhost:

1. Search for the .au domain name you want to register.

2. Confirm that the domain is available.

3. Select the extension that matches your organisation, identity or intended use.

4. Enter the registrant and administrative contact details accurately.

5. Provide the eligibility information requested for the selected extension.

6. Review the domain name, registration period and contact details.

7. Complete payment and submit the registration.

8. Wait for confirmation that the domain has been registered successfully.

9. Configure the domain's nameservers or DNS records if you want to use it with a website, email service or Microsoft 365.

[Screenshot: Domain search and registration page]

After registration, you can manage the domain through the appropriate Apexhost Client Area options. Common tasks include reviewing renewal settings, checking contact details, changing nameservers and obtaining transfer information.

Keep registrant information accurate and current. Incorrect information can cause verification, renewal or ownership problems. A domain registration does not automatically configure website or email services. DNS records and the relevant hosting or mail service must also be configured.

* Renew the domain before its expiry date to reduce the risk of service interruption or loss.

* Keep your registrant name, organisation details and contact information accurate.

* Use a strong Client Area password and enable available account security features.

* Register important brand variants where appropriate, but avoid registering names that you cannot legitimately use.

* Check DNS records before moving a live website or email service.

* Make sure website and email administrators know which domain is authoritative for DNS.

* Keep evidence supporting your eligibility in case it is requested.

* Review the current auDA rules if your organisation changes structure, ownership or business activity.

The domain may already be registered, reserved or unavailable under the relevant allocation rules. Search for a suitable variation or another eligible extension that accurately represents the registrant.

This may happen when the registrant does not meet the selected extension's eligibility requirements, required information is missing or the domain name does not have a sufficient connection to the registrant. Review the registrant details and eligibility information before trying again.

Registration alone does not configure hosting or email. Check that the domain uses the intended nameservers and that the required A, CNAME, MX and other DNS records are correct for the service being used.

New registrations and DNS changes may take time to appear across different networks. Confirm that the nameservers are correct, check the DNS zone and allow time for propagation before testing again.

Incorrect details can cause verification or ownership issues. Update the domain information through the relevant management option or contact Apexhost Support if the required change is not available.

No. Most .au domains require an Australian presence and compliance with the policy rules for the selected extension.

.com.au is a long-established commercial Australian namespace. Direct .au is a shorter second-level domain. The appropriate choice depends on your eligibility, branding and intended use.

Registering both may help protect a business name or brand and reduce customer confusion. Only register domains that are relevant and that you are eligible to use.

Yes. An .au domain can be used for email when the domain is connected to a mail service and the required DNS records, including MX records, are configured correctly.

See the Apexhost article about .com.au and .net.au eligibility criteria and check the current auDA requirements before registering.

* Domain Names Explained

* Registering Domains

* Renewing Domains

* Domain Transfers

* EPP Codes

* Managing Domains in the Apexhost Client Area

If you require further assistance, please contact Apexhost Support at support@apexhost.com.au.