Registering a domain name is one of the first practical steps in getting your business online. The process is straightforward once you know the eligibility rules — but many Australian business owners get stuck on the requirements for .com.au domains. This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for a .com.au Domain?
Unlike .com domains which anyone can register, .com.au domains have eligibility requirements set by auDA (the .au Domain Administration). To register a .com.au domain you must have:
- An Australian Business Number (ABN), OR
- An Australian Company Number (ACN), OR
- An Australian Trademark, OR
- A state or territory-based incorporated association number
The domain name itself must also be an exact match or close abbreviation of your registered business name or trademark. For example, if your ABN-registered business name is “Sydney Plumbing Solutions Pty Ltd”, you can register sydneyplumbingsolutions.com.au but not cheapplumbers.com.au.
What About .au Direct Domains?
The newer .au direct extension (launched March 2022) has broader eligibility. You can register a .au domain if you can demonstrate an Australian presence through any of the following:
- ABN, ACN, or state business number
- Australian Trademark
- Australian driver’s licence number
- Australian passport number
- Australian Medicare card number
This means sole traders and individuals without a registered business can register a .au domain. Read our full guide on .com.au vs .au to decide which extension is right for you.
How Do You Register a Domain Name in Australia? (Step by Step)
Step 1: Choose Your Domain Name
Before anything else, decide on your domain name. Keep it short, memorable, and relevant to your business. Avoid hyphens and numbers. If possible, match your registered business name. Read our guide on how to choose a domain name for a full checklist.
Step 2: Check Availability
Use the Australian Hosting Solutions domain search tool to check whether your preferred name is available. The search takes seconds and shows you which extensions are available (.com.au, .au, .com, etc.) so you can register the right combination.
Step 3: Confirm Your Eligibility Details
Have your ABN (or ACN / Trademark) ready. You will need to enter this during checkout. The registrar is required to verify your eligibility as part of the auDA accreditation process. If you are unsure of your eligibility, call us on (02) 9199 8787 and we will check for you.
Step 4: Register and Pay
Complete checkout. The annual registration fee for a standard .com.au or .au domain is typically $20–$30 per year at Australian Hosting Solutions, with no hidden renewal markups. You can register for 1 or 2 years.
Step 5: Update Your DNS Nameservers
Once registered, you need to point your domain to your hosting server by updating its nameservers. If you are hosting with Australian Hosting Solutions, we configure this for you as part of your hosting plan setup. If your domain and hosting are with different providers, you update the nameservers in your domain registrar account to point to your hosting provider’s nameservers.
Step 6: Wait for DNS Propagation
After updating nameservers, DNS changes take between 30 minutes and 48 hours to propagate globally. For Australian ISPs (Telstra, Optus, TPG), propagation typically completes within 2–4 hours. If propagation is taking longer than expected, call us and we will diagnose it in real time.
Step 7: Set Up Auto-Renewal
Enable auto-renewal on your domain to prevent accidental expiry. If a domain expires, your website and email go offline. A lapsed domain can be registered by someone else after the grace period. Australian Hosting Solutions sends renewal reminders and supports auto-renewal as standard.
What Happens After You Register a Domain?
Registration alone does not make a website appear. After registering your domain you will need:
- Web hosting — a server to store your website files. All Australian Hosting Solutions hosting plans include email hosting, free SSL, cPanel, and 22-hour live phone support.
- A website — built on WordPress, a website builder, or custom code.
- Business email — set up addresses like
[email protected]using your domain.
Australian Hosting Solutions handles all three in one call. You call us, we register your domain, provision your hosting, and set up your email — all while you are on the phone with a real person who knows your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to register a domain name in Australia?
Registration itself takes minutes. The domain is active as soon as the nameservers are configured and DNS has propagated — usually within 2–4 hours for Australian ISPs.
Can I register a .com.au domain without an ABN?
No. A .com.au domain requires an ABN, ACN, or Australian Trademark. If you do not have an ABN yet, consider registering a .au direct domain instead, which accepts proof of Australian residency (driver’s licence, passport, or Medicare card).
Can I register a domain and add hosting later?
Yes. You can register and park your domain, then add hosting when you are ready to build your website. Your domain is reserved and no one else can register it.
Can I transfer a domain I already own to Australian Hosting Solutions?
Yes. Domain transfers are free and straightforward. Call (02) 9199 8787 and we will walk you through the transfer process live on the phone, including updating nameservers to point to your new hosting.
What is the difference between a domain registrar and a web host?
A domain registrar is where you register your domain name. A web host is where your website files are stored. Australian Hosting Solutions provides both services in one account, which simplifies management and support.
Ready to register your domain?
Call Australian Hosting Solutions and we register your domain, set up your hosting, and configure your business email live on the phone — 22 hours a day, dedicated point of contact, no ticket queue.
Search Your Domain (02) 9199 8787