Eligibility Criteria for Registering .AU Domain Names

Registering a .AU domain name allows businesses, organizations, and individuals to establish an online presence in Australia. The .AU domain is managed by auDA (Australian Domain Administration), which enforces rules to ensure that those who register .AU domains have a genuine connection to the country. Before registering a .AU domain, it’s important to understand the eligibility criteria to ensure your application is successful. This guide covers the different .AU namespaces and the specific requirements for each.

Overview of .AU Domain Names

The .AU domain offers several second-level domains (2LDs) under which entities can register. These include .com.au, .net.au, .org.au, .id.au, and others. Each namespace has specific criteria, usually tied to the registrant’s type (e.g., businesses, non-profits) and their relationship with Australia. Below are the common .AU domain extensions and their eligibility requirements.

1. .COM.AU and .NET.AU

.com.au and .net.au domains are among the most popular choices for Australian businesses. They are generally intended for commercial entities or those engaged in business activities.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Australian Presence: To register a .com.au or .net.au domain, the registrant must have a connection to Australia. This can be through:
  • A registered Australian company.
  • A business registered with an Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN).
  • A trademark registered in Australia.
• Domain Name Representation: The domain name should:
  • Match or be closely and substantially connected to the business name, company name, or trademark of the registrant.
  • Reflect the products, services, or activities the registrant provides.

Examples:

• A business named “Sydney Coffee Co.” could register sydneycoffee.com.au or sydneycoffee.net.au.
• An Australian-based company with a registered trademark could register a .com.au domain that matches their trademark.

2. .ORG.AU

The .org.au namespace is intended for non-commercial organizations, including non-profits, charities, associations, and religious organizations.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Australian Presence: Registrants must be:
  • A not-for-profit organization.
  • A charity registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).
  • An association incorporated in any Australian state or territory.
  • A religious or educational organization recognized in Australia.
• Domain Name Representation: The domain name should:
  • Match or be closely related to the name or activities of the organization.

Examples:

• A charity named “Hope for Kids Australia” could register hopeforkids.org.au.

3. .ID.AU

The .id.au namespace is intended for individuals who want a personal domain name, rather than one for business or organizational use.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Australian Citizenship or Residency: Registrants must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• Name-Based Connection: The domain name should be related to the individual’s name, nickname, or pseudonym.

Examples:

• An individual named John Smith could register johnsmith.id.au or jsmith.id.au.

4. .AU Direct (e.g., example.au)

Introduced in 2022, .AU direct allows for shorter domain names, such as example.au, without the .com, .net, or .org component. It is open to both businesses and individuals.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Australian Presence: As with other .AU namespaces, registrants must have an Australian presence:
  • Businesses with an ABN or ACN.
  • Individuals who are Australian citizens or permanent residents.
  • Organizations such as non-profits or charities.
• No Specific Name Restrictions: Unlike .com.au or .org.au, .AU direct does not require the domain name to be connected to a business or organization name, offering more flexibility.

5. .ASN.AU

The .asn.au domain is specifically designed for associations such as clubs, sporting groups, or professional associations.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Australian Presence: Must be an incorporated association, a trade union, a political party, or a registered organization under the Australian Fair Work Act.
• Domain Name Representation: The domain should reflect the association’s name, acronym, or activities.

Examples:

• A sports association named “Melbourne Basketball Association” could register melbournebasketball.asn.au.

6. .GOV.AU and .EDU.AU

The .gov.au and .edu.au namespaces are restricted to government and educational institutions, respectively.

Eligibility Requirements for .GOV.AU:

• Must be a federal, state, or local government entity in Australia.

Eligibility Requirements for .EDU.AU:

• Must be a recognized educational institution, such as universities, schools, or registered training organizations (RTOs).

General Requirements for All .AU Domains

• Australian Presence: All .AU domains require a clear connection to Australia, ensuring that the registrant has a legal or commercial presence within the country.
• Compliance with auDA Policies: Registrants must comply with the auDA rules and guidelines, including those related to domain name eligibility, registration, and renewal.

Conclusion

Registering a .AU domain name provides a great way to build trust and establish a local presence in the Australian market. However, understanding the eligibility requirements is crucial for a smooth registration process. Whether you’re a business looking to secure a .com.au domain or an individual seeking a .id.au address, meeting the eligibility criteria ensures that your domain represents a genuine connection to Australia. Always consult the auDA website or your domain registrar for the most up-to-date information on eligibility and registration requirements.