History of the .com.au
The .com.au top-level domain (TLD) is Australia's primary commercial domain extension, specifically designated for businesses operating within Australia. It was introduced in 1986, shortly after the country's initial adoption of the internet, providing a trusted and recognizable web identity for Australian companies.
Managed by auDA (the .au Domain Administration), .com.au requires registrants to have a legitimate connection to Australia, such as an Australian Business Number (ABN), Trademark, or other verified presence.
Main Use & Industry Position
.com.au is the preferred TLD for Australian businesses of all sizes, from startups to multinational corporations, and for companies seeking to establish their local presence and commitment to the Australian market.
Comparison to Other TLDs
Compared to generic TLDs, .com.au offers a clear local identity and credibility, but with stricter registration rules.
Pros and Cons of .com.au
.com.au remains the definitive domain for Australian businesses, offering authenticity and strong local branding.
Managed by auDA (the .au Domain Administration), .com.au requires registrants to have a legitimate connection to Australia, such as an Australian Business Number (ABN), Trademark, or other verified presence.
Main Use & Industry Position
.com.au is the preferred TLD for Australian businesses of all sizes, from startups to multinational corporations, and for companies seeking to establish their local presence and commitment to the Australian market.
Comparison to Other TLDs
- .com is the most popular global commercial domain
- .net.au is intended for network providers or related businesses in Australia.
- .org.au is used for Australian non-profits and community organizations.
- .au - used for direct Australian registrations.
Compared to generic TLDs, .com.au offers a clear local identity and credibility, but with stricter registration rules.
Pros and Cons of .com.au
- Strong local recognition and trust among Australian consumers.
- Enhanced SEO for Australian searches due to geographic relevance.
- Protected namespace requiring business verification to reduce cybersquatting.
- Registration restrictions require proof of Australian presence.
- Less flexibility for businesses targeting global markets exclusively.
.com.au remains the definitive domain for Australian businesses, offering authenticity and strong local branding.
| Domain | New Price | Renew | Transfer | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .com.au |
USD $10.00 1st Year |
USD $10.00 For 1 Year |
FREE |
Learn More
|
Secure your .com.au domain
Technical Specifications
Expiry Period:
Up to 30 Days
Up to 30 Days
Redemption Period:
N/A
N/A
WHOIS Privacy:
N/A
N/A
Auto Renew:
Available
Available
Expiry Auctions:
Yes, reduced expiry period to 40 Days
Yes, reduced expiry period to 40 Days
Pending Delete Period:
Up to 2 Days
Up to 2 Days
Registry:
.au Domain Administration Limited (auDA)
.au Domain Administration Limited (auDA)
Back End Provider:
Identity Digital (formerly Afilias)
Identity Digital (formerly Afilias)
Eligibility Requirements
Those eligible for a com.au or .au domain name must own a commercial entity registered to trade in Australia or a business with an Australian trademark.
When registering your com.au domain name, you must provide proof of this information, such as an active ABN (Australian Business Name), ACN (Australian Company Name), or equivalent Australian trademark.
If you meet this criteria, your com.au or .au domain name must be relevant to your business operations and ideally include one of the following options:
Help.com recommends choosing a domain name that includes your brand, is easy to spell and remember, and does not use hyphens and/or numerical digits.
When registering your com.au domain name, you must provide proof of this information, such as an active ABN (Australian Business Name), ACN (Australian Company Name), or equivalent Australian trademark.
If you meet this criteria, your com.au or .au domain name must be relevant to your business operations and ideally include one of the following options:
- Your business or personal name
- An acronym of your business name
- Your Australian trademark
- A service or product you offer
Help.com recommends choosing a domain name that includes your brand, is easy to spell and remember, and does not use hyphens and/or numerical digits.