There is an exciting development in Australia that we wanted to share with you!
From March 24, 2022, it is now possible to register a domain name directly under .AU. (e.g. example.au) This is big news for the region and will change how Australia uses and registers domain names!
In the first 6 months following the launch up until 20 September 2022, current owners of existing 3rd level .AU domain name(s) (e.g. example.com.au or example.net.au or example.org.au) will have a Priority right to claim the corresponding domain name directly under .AU (e.g. example.au). This is being referred to as the “Priority Allocation Period”. After this priority window closes on 20 September, .AU domains will become publicly available on a first-come-first-served basis and you may lose the right to register that domain.
Am I eligible to apply for .AU?
In most cases, if you already own a .com.au, .net.au or .org.au domain name, you will be allocated the .au direct name soon after applying for it.
These are classified as “Uncontested domain names”. Simply contact us with your preferred .au domain and we can place your priority .au domain name registration today.
What is a contested domain name?
In a small fraction of cases there is the potential that more than one person will apply for the same reserved .au direct name. This may occur where different registrants hold the same name in different .AU domain extensions (namespaces) . This is known as a contested name.
For example:
- Tina from ABC Business is the registrant of getyour.com.au
- Gene from XYZ Company is the registrant of getyour.net.au
Both registrants are eligible to apply for getyour.au
In this instance, the applicant whose primary domain (i.e. .com.au, .net.au) has been held for the longest period of time will typically be allocated first priority to register getyour.au. This is usually a “Priority Category 1” domain. See below for more information on how priority categories are assigned to existing domain name owners.
How priority categories are assigned:
Priority Category 1: Domain names registered on or before 4 Feb 2018
Priority Category 2: Domain names registered after 4 Feb 2018 and before 24 Mar 2022
Please note that once the 6 months Priority application period has expired, you will lose your Priority right to any .AU domains you have not applied for and these will become available publicly for registration on a first-come-first-served basis.
If there are no applications for a reserved .au direct from an eligible registrant name during the six-month Priority Allocation Period, that name will become available to the public on a first come, first served basis at the close of the Priority Allocation Period on 20 September 2022.
How much does it cost?
Initially, the .au domain namespace will be available to register for a 1-year term. The domain registration fee for .au is $16.95 inc. GST for 1 year.
Do I have to register for .AU?
There is no obligation to apply to register the .au direct exact match of your existing domain name if you don’t want it.
Your existing domain names will all continue to operate as normal and according to auDA policy regardless of whether you take up the option to register the matching .au direct name. However, if you want to ensure maximum protection of your brand, be sure to apply before the Priority Allocation Period closes on 20 September 2022.
Questions or concerns?
Please reach out to us on 0410 667 822 or email us below and we would be happy to answer any questions you may have about the new .au domain namespace.
More information:
Sales & Enquiries
- Call 0410 667 822
(Mon to Fri – 10am to 4pm)