**Registering a .AU Domain: What You Need to Know**
Getting a .AU domain for your online presence in Australia is pretty straightforward, but there are specific rules you need to follow. Here's what you need to know:
**1. Who Can Register:**
- You can register a .AU domain if you're:
- An Australian company or partnership
- A foreign company allowed to trade in Australia
- Someone who owns or is applying for an Australian trademark
- A registered association, political party, charity, government department, educational institution, or a business with a strong connection to Australia.
**2. Documents You Might Need:**
- Depending on who you are, you might need to show certain documents to prove you're eligible. These could include things like your Australian Business Number (ABN), trademark papers, or government IDs.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Registrant Type: To register a .AU domain, you must belong to one of these categories:
- An Australian registered company (ACN)
- An Australian partnership or sole trader (ABN)
- A foreign company licensed to trade in Australia (ARBN)
- An owner of an Australian Registered Trade Mark
- An applicant for an Australian Registered Trade Mark
- An association incorporated in any Australian State or Territory
- A political party registered with the Australian Electoral Commission
- A charity registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC)
- A state or territory government department
- An Australian educational institution
- A commercial entity that has a substantial connection to Australia
2. Documentation:
- Depending on your registrant type, you might need to provide specific documents to prove your eligibility. These documents typically include:
- Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN)
- Australian Trade Mark Number
- Incorporation or registration documents for associations, charities, or political parties
- Licensing documentation for foreign companies
- Educational institution accreditation
- Government department identification
**3. Following the Rules:**
- You've got to play by the rules set by auDA, the group that looks after .AU domains. These rules cover who can have a domain, how you get it, and what you can do with it.
**4. No Need to Live in Australia:**
- You don't have to live in Australia to get a .AU domain, but you do need a good reason to be connected to the country, like doing business there or owning a trademark.
**5. Checking If Your Domain's Available:**
- Before you try to get a .AU domain, make sure nobody else has already snapped it up. You can do this through authorized .AU registrars or online platforms.
**6. How Long You Can Have It:**
- You can usually register a .AU domain for 1 to 5 years. Just remember to renew it before it runs out if you want to keep it.
**In Summary:**
Getting a .AU domain means meeting certain rules, showing the right documents, and following domain name policies. By understanding these requirements, you can successfully register and manage your .AU domain to represent your online presence in Australia.
If you're not sure if you qualify for a .AU domain, you can apply for a trademark in Australia through us. This process usually takes about 72 hours and costs US $390. Alternatively, we can reserve your domain while you sort out your trademark details, so it's ready when you are.