Registering a .au domain with Melbourne IT is simple:

1. Search for Your Domain: Use our search tool to check availability.
2. Confirm Eligibility: Provide your ABN, ACN, or Trade Mark number or other eligibility information as required. depending on the type of domain you wish to register.
3. Register and Pay: Complete the secure registration process online.
4. Set Up Services: We can help with hosting, email, and DNS setup to get you online fast.

As an auDA-accredited registrar, we’re here to make the process quick and hassle-free.

Registering a .au domain offers several benefits:

• Local Recognition: It signals an Australian presence and builds trust with local customers.
• SEO Advantage: Search engines may prioritize .au domains in local search results, improving visibility in Australia.
• Relevance: It conveys a professional and region-specific identity.
• Shorter Domain Options: With the recent introduction of direct .au domains (e.g., example.au), you can register a shorter, more memorable name.

.au, .com.au, .net.au, .org.au, .asn.au, and .id.au are the main domain extensions, but there are also domains available to government, educational and religious organisations like .gov.au and .edu. au, .nsw.gov.au, .vic.edu.au, .catholic.edu.au etc.

For domains like .com.au and .net.au, an ABN or equivalent identifier (ACN, ARBN, or Trade Mark number) is typically required. However:

• For personal domains: .id.au domains are available for individuals without business identifiers – per auDA rules, the domain must be a direct match to your legal first or family name OR an acronym of those names.
• .au direct domain names simply require you meet auDA’s definition of an “Australian presence.
• Foreign Entities: A foreign business with a registered Australian Trade Mark can also register certain .au domains.

If you’re unsure of your eligibility, consult an auDA-accredited registrar for guidance.

To register a .com.au or .net.au domain, you must meet specific eligibility criteria set out by the .au Domain Administration (auDA):

• Australian Commercial Entity: You need to be a registered Australian commercial entity holding an active ABN, ACN or hold an Australian Registered Trade Mark.
• Domain Name Connection: The domain name must have a close and substantial connection to your business or its activities.
• Verification Documents: You may need to provide an ABN, ACN, or Trade Mark number during registration.

Failing to meet these requirements and stay eligible for the duration of time you hold the domain may result in rejection or cancellation of the domain registration or renewal.

To register a org.au domain, you must meet auDA’s definition of a not-for-profit entity – there are twelve acceptable definitions, the most common being:

• An entity with a current Australian Charities and Not-For-Profit Commission (ACNC) registration.
• A state based Incorporated entity.
• An Australian company limited by guarantee per the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

To be eligible you must have an “Australian presence”.

If you already have a .au extension associated with a domain, you will have preference when registering the new .au extension associated with that domain. For example, if you already have “yourdomain.com.au” or “yourdomain.net.au”, you will have preference for “yourname.au”.

If someone else also has an existing .au extension associated with the same domain as you, then there is a chance of a conflict. An example of this would be if you have “yourdomainname.com.au” and someone else has “yourdomainname.net.au”.

By being any one of the following:

• A Sole Trader, Partnership, Company, Charity, Association or Trust with a current ABN or ACN.
• A permanent Australian resident or citizen.
• You are a foreign business with an Australian trademark application or registration.

By providing any one of the following:

• Australian Driver’s License.
• Australian Passport.
• Australian Citizenship Certificate.
• Australian Business Number (ABN).
• Australian Company Number (ACN).
• Australian Trademark Application or Registration.

auDA, the governing body for .au domain names, defines the eligibility rules. More information on auDA can be found at auda.org.au.