Who Can Register a .com.au Domain?

Which business types can register a .com.au domain?

The .com.au namespace is intended for commercial use. Common eligible registrants include:

• Australian registered companies;
• sole traders operating with the appropriate Australian business credentials;
• partnerships constituted under Australian law;
• holders of registered Australian business names;
• certain incorporated associations and commercial statutory bodies;
• eligible foreign companies licensed to trade in Australia; and
• applicants for, or owners of, relevant Australian trade marks.

The exact definitions matter. If your organisation has an unusual legal structure, check the current auDA rules and policies or ask your registrar to confirm eligibility before paying.

Being eligible does not mean every name is available to you

This is the part that catches people.

You might hold an active ABN and operate a legitimate business, but you still cannot automatically register any .com.au domain you want. The requested name also needs to satisfy an allocation rule.

A domain may qualify because it is an exact match, acronym or abbreviation of your company, business, partnership or organisation name. It may match an eligible Australian trade mark. It may also qualify by being closely connected to your goods, services, profession, activity or premises.

For example, a fictional company called Coastline Electrical Pty Ltd may have a straightforward connection to coastlineelectrical.com.au. A different descriptive name could potentially qualify through the services connection, but the registrant should be able to explain and evidence that relationship if asked.

Choose a name that serves the customer as well as the rules. Clear, short and memorable usually beats a long chain of search keywords.

Can someone register .com.au without an ABN?

Sometimes. An ABN is a common eligibility path for Australian sole traders and businesses, but it is not the only possible basis. An Australian company may qualify through its company details, while an eligible trade-mark applicant or owner may rely on that trade mark under the applicable rules.

That does not make .com.au a general personal domain. Someone with no qualifying commercial presence or connection to the requested name will usually need a different extension.

If you have an Australian presence but do not meet the commercial requirements, a direct .au domain may be an option because its eligibility framework is broader. A .com domain is another globally available alternative. Read Do I need an ABN for .com.au? for a more detailed explanation.

Can an overseas business register .com.au?

Not simply because it sells to Australians. A foreign business needs an eligible Australian-presence basis under the current rules. This may include being registered to trade in Australia or relying on an eligible Australian trade-mark application or registration.

Trade-mark-based registrations must follow the specific allocation requirements attached to that eligibility route. Do not assume a trade mark creates an unrestricted right to any related domain.

Check these four things before registering

1. Your eligibility: identify the commercial entity or trade mark supporting the application.
2. Your connection: confirm why the exact domain satisfies an allocation rule.
3. Your details: use the legal registrant name and accurate contact information.
4. Your control: register through an account the licence holder can access and secure.

Keep the information current after registration. A .com.au domain is a renewable licence, and the registrant must remain eligible while holding it. Business sales, restructures or changes of licence holder may require a formal registrant transfer rather than a simple account update.

Ready to register?

Review the full .com.au requirements, then follow our step-by-step guide on how to register a .com.au domain.