Overview
AU domain is the official domain of Australia (Australia).

Australia is the only country which occupies the whole continent and the adjacent islands. Australia is situated in Southern Hemisphere.

Recommendations
AU domain is recommended for websites related to Australia or containing relevant information, for companies and individuals located in Australia or emerging to local market and for everyone interested in this domain zone.

Limitations
Domain names in COM.AU and NET.AU may be registered only by:

• an Australian company
• the owner of an Australian Registered Business/Partnership
• an Australian Sole Trader
• an Australian Incorporated Association
• an Australian Trade Union
• an Australian Industry Body
• an Australian commercial Statutory Body
• a foreign company owning an Australian Trademark

Domains in ORG.AU zone may be registered only by resident charity and non-commercial organizations of Australia.

Domains in ID.AU zone may be registered only by resident individuals of Australia.

For the registration to be successful, domain name:

• is an exact match with the registrant's name/business
• is an abbreviation of the registrant's name/business
• is an acronym of the registrant's name/business
• is an exact match with the registrant's trading name
• is an abbreviation of the registrant's trading name
• is an acronym of the registrant's trading name
• is an exact match with the registrant's trademark
• is an abbreviation of the registrant's trademark
• is an acronym of the registrant's trademark
• refers to a product that the registrant manufactures or sells
• refers to a service that the registrant provides
• refers to an event that the registrant organizes or sponsors
• refers to an activity that the registrant facilitates, teaches or trains
• refers to a venue that the registrant operates
• refers to a profession that is practiced by the registrant's employees

Registration of domain names non-compliant with the above requirements is highly unlikely.

Registration term
Usually, a domain becomes available for use in 5-14 days upon payment and all necessary documents.
Maximal registration term for this domain zone is 1 month.

Transfer
Transfer of domains in AU zone for service from another registrar with domain renewal for two more year is possible.
Prior to domain transfer request, obtain an Authorization Code from your current registrar. Usually, a domain is transferred for service to a new registrar in 5-7 days upon start of domain transfer process.

If an incorrect e-mail address is specified in WHOIS, ask your current registrar to correct your e-mail address specified in your domain details prior to your domain transfer request. In some cases, requests to confirm your intention to transfer your domain to a new registrar may be sent to your e-mail specified in WHOIS. If such e-mails are not confirmed, your domain transfer request will be declined.

Information in WHOIS
Full information of domain owners (name, full address, fax, e-mail) is displayed in WHOIS.
Currently, AU domain zone administration does not render official services to hide information on domain owners.