Guide, updated November 2026
.com.au domains: how to get one for your business
A .com.au tells customers straight away that you’re an Australian business, and it’s what most locals expect to type. Here’s who can register one, what you need, what it costs and how to connect it to your website.
.com.au, .au or .com?
Many businesses register their .com.au and the matching .au, so nobody else can take it, and point both at the same website.
- .com.au is the most familiar address for Australian businesses, and the one customers are most likely to guess.
- .au on its own, like yourbusiness.au, has been available since 2022. It’s shorter, but less familiar to many people.
- .com is international. It’s a good choice if your .com.au is taken or you sell overseas, but it doesn’t signal “Australian”.
Who can register a .com.au
Australian domain names are managed by auDA, which sets two main requirements for a .com.au:
- An Australian presence, such as an ABN, an ACN, an Australian registered business name or an Australian trade mark.
- A connection to the name: it needs to match, abbreviate or be an acronym of your business name or trade mark, or be closely and substantially connected to you, like a name based on your main service.
How to register one
- Choose a registrar accredited by auDA. Most Australian hosting and domain companies are.
- Search for the name you want. Have a few backups ready in case it’s taken.
- Enter your ABN or other details to show your Australian presence.
- Choose how long to register it for. Terms run from one to five years.
- Turn on auto renew, and keep your contact email up to date so renewal reminders reach you.
What it costs
A .com.au typically costs around $15 to $40 a year, depending on the registrar and how many years you register for. Be careful with very cheap first year offers that renew at a much higher price, and with letters or emails from companies you don’t use offering to “renew” your domain. Only renew through your own registrar.
Pointing it at your website
Registering the name doesn’t put your website on it. You connect the two by adding a few settings, called DNS records, at your registrar. Your website host tells you exactly which records to add. Once they’re saved, it usually takes a few hours, and can take up to 48, before your site appears at the new address.
With Launch Corner
We don’t sell .com.au or .au names ourselves, because they’re registered against your own ABN. Register yours with any accredited registrar, then connect it in your Members dashboard. The Domain tab shows you the exact records to add and checks when it’s working. Prefer a .com? We can register one for you when you order.
Questions
Can I get a .com.au without an ABN?
You need an Australian presence, and an ABN is the most common way to show it. An ACN, a registered business name or an Australian trade mark can also count. Check with your registrar if you’re not sure.
What happens if my domain expires?
Your website and any email on that address stop working, and after a grace period someone else can register the name. Turn on auto renew to be safe.
Can I move my domain to a different registrar later?
Yes. Domains can be transferred between registrars, so you’re never stuck with one company.