.com.au rules explain who can register a .com.au domain, what information is required, and how the domain name must relate to the registrant. These rules are important because a .com.au domain is not available on a first-come, first-served basis alone. The registrant must generally have an eligible Australian presence and a valid connection to the requested domain name.
This article explains the main .com.au eligibility rules, naming requirements, common examples, and what to check before registering, renewing or updating a .com.au domain.
Background and context
A .com.au domain is part of the Australian domain name space and is generally intended for commercial use. It is commonly used by Australian businesses, sole traders and other eligible commercial entities that want a clear Australian identity for their website, email or online services.
Unlike some global domain extensions, .com.au domains are subject to eligibility and allocation rules. This helps maintain a meaningful connection between the domain name and the registrant. In practice, this means that a business cannot simply register any available .com.au name unless it also meets the policy requirements for that name.
Domain registration, DNS, email hosting and website hosting are separate services. A .com.au domain can be registered first and then connected to hosting, email or DNS settings later.
Requirements or before you begin
Before registering or updating a .com.au domain, make sure you have the following information ready.
* The exact domain name you want to register.
* Accurate registrant and contact details.
* The correct eligibility basis for the registrant.
* Supporting details such as an ABN, ACN, ARBN, association number or trade mark number where applicable.
* Authority to act for the business, organisation or trade mark owner.
It is also important to check that the registrant details are current. Incorrect or outdated registrant information can lead to delays, failed registrations, audit issues or problems when renewing or transferring the domain later.
.com.au eligibility categories
To register a .com.au domain, the registrant must generally fall into an eligible category and provide the corresponding details.
* Australian registered company
Company name and Australian Company Number (ACN).
* Business registered in Australia
Registered business name, State or Territory of registration, and Australian Business Number (ABN) or other required registration details.
* Australian partnership or sole trader
Trading name and Australian Business Number (ABN).
* Foreign company licensed to trade in Australia
Company name and Australian Registered Body Number (ARBN).
* Australian registered trade mark owner
Name of the trade mark owner, words comprising the trade mark, and trade mark number.
* Australian registered trade mark applicant
Applicant name, words comprising the trade mark application, and trade mark application number.
* Australian incorporated association
Name of the association, State or Territory of incorporation, and association number.
* Australian commercial statutory body
Official name of the statutory body and the relevant government-issued registration or reference number.
Eligibility rules can change over time, so it is important to ensure the registrant still meets the current requirements whenever a .com.au domain is registered, renewed, transferred or reviewed.
How .com.au naming rules work
Availability alone does not make a .com.au domain registrable. The requested domain must also have a valid connection to the registrant.
In general, the domain name must be one of the following.
* An exact match of the registrant's business name or trade mark.
* An abbreviation or acronym of the registrant's business name or trade mark.
* Closely and substantially connected to the registrant.
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 plumbing business may be able to register a domain related to plumbing services if the name is genuinely connected to the services it provides, even if the domain is not an exact match of the business name. However, the connection must still satisfy current policy requirements.
Procedure: how to check whether a .com.au domain meets the rules
1. Choose the .com.au domain name you want to register.
2. Confirm that the domain is available.
3. Identify the correct registrant for the domain, such as the company, sole trader or organisation that should hold the registration.
4. Check that the registrant falls into an eligible Australian presence category.
5. Confirm that the requested domain has a valid connection to the registrant's name, trade mark, business, services, products or activities.
6. Prepare the required registrant and eligibility details exactly as they appear in official records.
7. Complete the registration or update request using the correct information.
8. After registration, keep the registrant and contact details current and renew the domain before expiry.
[Screenshot: Domain search or domain registration page]
Additional information and best practices
* Register the domain in the name of the correct legal entity or person.
* Use accurate business and contact details at the time of registration.
* Keep eligibility information up to date if the business name, ownership or structure changes.
* Choose a domain name that is clear, relevant and easy for customers to remember.
* Renew the domain before it expires to avoid service interruption.
* If the domain is used for a website or email, also confirm that the correct DNS or nameserver settings are in place.
If a business closes, changes ownership, or no longer holds the eligibility basis used for the registration, the domain details may need to be updated. In some cases, failing to maintain correct eligibility information can lead to audit issues, suspension or deletion of the domain.
Troubleshooting
The domain is available but cannot be registered
This usually means the registrant does not meet the eligibility requirements, or the requested name does not have a sufficient connection to the registrant. Review the eligibility category and the naming connection before trying again.
The ABN, ACN or other registrant detail is incorrect
Incorrect eligibility details can delay or prevent registration. Check the information against the relevant official records and correct any mismatch before resubmitting the order or update.
The business has changed name or ownership
If the underlying business structure or ownership has changed, review the domain registration details promptly. The registrant information may need to be updated so the domain remains accurate and compliant.
The domain is under audit or verification review
If additional eligibility information has been requested, provide the updated details as soon as possible. Delays can risk suspension or deletion if the domain can no longer be verified under the current rules.
The domain has expired
Renew the domain as soon as possible and then check whether website, email or DNS services also need attention. If the domain has progressed beyond the standard renewal window, contact Apexhost Support for assistance.
Frequently asked questions
Can anyone register a .com.au domain?
No. The registrant must generally have an eligible Australian presence and a valid connection to the requested domain name.
Does an available domain automatically mean I can register it?
No. Availability is only one part of the process. The registrant must also meet the eligibility and naming rules.
Can I register a .com.au domain for a product or service name instead of my business name?
In some cases, yes. The name may be registrable if it has a close and substantial connection to the registrant's business, products or services and meets the current policy requirements.
What happens if my ABN is cancelled or my business details change?
The domain registration should be reviewed and updated if required. If the original eligibility basis is no longer valid, action may be needed to keep the domain compliant.
Related articles
.com.au Domains (Domains)
.au Domains (Domains)
Registering Domains (Domains)
Domain Names Explained (Domains)
(New) .com.au and .net.au Australian Domain Names: Eligibility Criteria
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