Domains
Who can register a .com.au? auDA eligibility in plain English
The rules for Australian domains are stricter than for .com, and they changed in 2026. Here’s what you need, in plain English.
The short answer
To register a .com.au you need an Australian presence, such as an ABN, ACN or ARBN, or an Australian trade mark. The name must match or relate to your business, trade mark or what you sell. Since 20 May 2026, a .com.au won’t renew if the ABN or ACN behind it is no longer active.
Ways to qualify, by domain type
| Domain | Who can register | Name rules |
|---|---|---|
| .com.au, .net.au | Commercial entities with an ABN, ACN or ARBN, or an Australian trade mark or application | Must match or relate to your business |
| .au | Australian citizens, permanent residents and Australian organisations | Any available name |
| .org.au | Not-for-profits, charities, clubs and associations | Must relate to the organisation |
| .id.au | Australian citizens and residents | Personal names |
You don’t need a physical address in Australia for a .com.au, but you do need to stay eligible for the whole time you hold the name.
The name rules for .com.au
Under the .au Licensing Rules (in force since April 2021), your .com.au name must be one of these:
A match or abbreviation
Of your business or company name, e.g. smithplumbing.com.au.
Your trade mark
A match for an Australian trade mark you own or have applied for.
What you offer
A match or synonym for a product, service, event, activity or premises you provide.
Older guides talk about a “close and substantial connection”. That wording was replaced in 2021 and no longer applies.
What changed in auDA rules on 20 May 2026
Until 2026, eligibility was mostly checked at registration. Now, .au renewals are blocked if the ABN or ACN behind the domain is no longer active. The check happens in the 90-day renewal window.
This catches out businesses that restructured, changed from a sole trader to a company, or let an old ABN lapse. If that’s you, update the registrant before renewal is due.
auDA has also proposed tightening the .com.au name rules further, removing the “goods, services, event, activity or premises” pathway. This is a proposal, not a final rule. Existing names are proposed to keep the current rules. We’ll update this page when it’s settled.
auDA audits, complaints and what to do
auDA can audit a domain at any time, often after a complaint. If you can’t show you’re eligible, the licence can be cancelled.
Keep your ABN or ACN active, keep the registrant details current, and make sure the domain still relates to what you do. If you sell the business, the domain doesn’t move automatically. It needs a registrant transfer.
For the full detail on auDA’s rules, read our in-depth guide below. For how domains are looked after day to day, see domain management.
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.com.au eligibility FAQs
Do I need an ABN to register a .com.au?
You need an ABN, ACN, ARBN or an Australian trade mark. A sole trader ABN is fine.
Can I register a .com.au without an ABN?
Only if you own an Australian registered trade mark or have applied for one that matches the name. Otherwise, consider a .au, which is open to individuals.
Will my .com.au renew if my ABN has been cancelled?
No. Since 20 May 2026, renewals are blocked when the ABN or ACN behind the domain is no longer active. Update the registrant first.
Can I register a domain that describes my service?
Yes, currently. A .com.au can match a product or service you provide. auDA has proposed changing this for new registrations, so check before you rely on it.
How do I change the owner of a .com.au?
Through a registrant transfer, which moves the licence to a new eligible entity. We can arrange it for you.
.com.au eligibility guides
Practical guides from our blog on the same topic.
