.com.au domains are Australian domain names commonly used by businesses, sole traders and other eligible commercial entities operating in Australia. They are one of the most widely recognised Australian domain extensions and are commonly used for business websites, professional email addresses and online services that need a clear connection to Australia.

This article explains what a .com.au domain is, who can register one, how eligibility and naming rules work, what information you may need, and how to register and manage the domain.

A .com.au domain is part of Australia's country-code domain space and is generally intended for commercial use. It can help show customers that a business operates in Australia and may support a consistent local identity across a website, email addresses and other online services.

Domain registration and web hosting are separate services. You can register a .com.au domain before your website or email service is ready, then connect the domain to hosting, DNS or email later.

Before registering a .com.au domain, make sure you have:

* A domain name that is available and has a valid connection to the registrant.

* Accurate registrant and contact details.

* The relevant eligibility information, such as an ABN, ACN, ARBN, association number or trade mark number.

* Authority to register the domain for the business, organisation or trade mark owner.

Eligibility and allocation rules can change. Confirm that the registrant details and eligibility basis are current before registering, renewing or transferring a domain.

The registrant must generally have an Australian presence and a valid connection to the requested domain name. Eligible registrants may include:

* Australian registered companies.

* Businesses registered in Australia.

* Australian sole traders and partnerships.

* Foreign companies licensed to trade in Australia.

* Owners or applicants of an Australian registered trade mark.

* Australian incorporated associations.

* Australian commercial statutory bodies.

The information required depends on the eligibility category. For example, a company may need its company name and ACN, while a sole trader or partnership may need its trading name and ABN.

Common registration information includes:

* Company name and Australian Company Number (ACN).

* Registered business name and Australian Business Number (ABN).

* Trading name and ABN for a sole trader or partnership.

* Company name and Australian Registered Body Number (ARBN) for a foreign company licensed to trade in Australia.

* Trade mark owner or applicant name, the words comprising the trade mark, and the trade mark or application number.

* Association name, state or territory of incorporation, and association number.

Use accurate information. Incorrect or outdated details can delay registration, cause a renewal or transfer issue, or create problems if the domain ownership is disputed later.

Availability alone does not determine whether a .com.au domain can be registered. The requested domain must have a valid connection to the registrant.

The domain name may generally 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 registrant's business or activities.

A close and substantial connection may relate to:

* 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.

For example, a landscaping business may be able to register a domain connected to landscaping services it provides, even if the name is not an exact match of the registered business name, provided the current eligibility and connection rules are met.

Follow these steps to register a .com.au domain:

1. Choose the domain name you want to register.

2. Confirm that the domain name is available.

3. Check that the registrant meets the .com.au eligibility requirements.

4. Confirm that the requested domain has a valid connection to the registrant.

5. Prepare the required registrant and contact details.

6. Complete the registration order and payment.

7. After the domain is active, configure it for website hosting, email hosting, nameservers or DNS as required.

[Screenshot: Domain search or domain registration page]

After registration, keep the registrant and contact information up to date. If the domain is being used for a website or email, verify that the required DNS records or nameservers are configured correctly.

Choose a domain name that is short, easy to spell and clearly connected to the business, brand or service. Avoid unusual spellings that may confuse customers, and consider whether the name will remain suitable if the business grows or changes direction.

Consider registering related domain extensions where appropriate for brand protection. If the preferred .com.au domain is unavailable, make sure any alternative still satisfies the applicable connection rules before proceeding.

Renew the domain before its expiry date. If a domain expires, websites and email services may stop working and the domain may eventually become available to another registrant.

The registrant may not meet the eligibility requirements, or the requested name may not have a sufficient connection to the registrant. Review the eligibility category and supporting information before trying again.

An incorrect ABN, ACN, business name or trade mark detail can delay or prevent registration. Check the information against the relevant official records and update the order details.

If the underlying business structure, name or ownership changes, review the domain records and update them where required so the registration remains accurate and compliant.

Renew the domain as soon as possible and check whether the website, email and DNS services require any additional action. If the domain has progressed beyond the renewal period, contact Apexhost Support for assistance.

No. A .com.au domain generally requires an eligible Australian presence and a valid connection between the registrant and the requested domain name.

In many cases, yes. You must still meet the eligibility requirements and have a valid connection to the domain name. You do not need to have a website ready before registering the domain.

No. Domain registration and web hosting are separate services. You can register the domain first and connect it to hosting or email later.

Yes. A .com.au domain can be used for professional email addresses as well as websites and other online services.

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