If you haven’t heard, then we have big news: direct .AU domain names have landed in Australia!
This means whereas previously you had to register under “com.au” or “net.au”, you can now register your desired domains directly under JohnDoe.AU.
The good news is, if you currently have domain names registered in the third level .AU (e.g. johndoe.com.au), this qualifies you to secure your second level .AU (e.g. johndoe.au) domain before you lose your right on Sept. 20, 2022. This is an opportunity for you to secure your rights to an important digital asset.
Depending on the level of rights you hold with your current domains, there are a couple of courses of action to take. We recommend contacting your Domain host to find out more information.
Key Details for Uncontested Domains
You have a limited window of 6 months between March 24 and Sept 20 2022 to claim your name(s). In the event you do nothing then that priority right disappears on September 20 and anybody worldwide will be able to register these domains.
We encourage you to take action today. By claiming your name, you will also be able to use it immediately, helping you be ahead of the game and your competitors.
To secure your name today, please take the following actions:
1. Log into your domain host account and submit your .au domain application as you would a normal .com.au domain registration.
2. Reach out to your Domain Host for assistance
Key Details for Contested Domains
In addition to the above dates listed, the following actions need to be taken to begin the process to attempt being the end registrant of the second-level .AU name
To secure your name today, please take the following actions:
1. Log into your domain host account and submit your .au domain application as you would a normal .com.au domain registration.
2. Reach out to your Domain Host for assistance
What it all means, the story behind the direct .AU launch On March 24, 2022, auDA, the Registry operator for the Australian ccTLD .AU, will release
the .AU second level extension. Ultimately, it will change how Australians use and engage with .AU domain names.
In the first 6 months following the launch, current holders of existing 3rd level .AU domain name(s) (example.net.au) will have a Priority right to claim the corresponding name directly under .AU.
Once the 6 months Priority application period has expired, you will lose your Priority right to any string you have not applied for and these will become available publicly for registration on a first-come-first-served basis in compliance with the registry’s terms and conditions. For contested names, if the applicants cannot reach an agreement, the matching .AU name will remain reserved indefinitely. Benefits of registering a .AU Domain Name;
Brand protection: Protect your digital assets and online reputation against abuse.
Strengthens credibility: An .AU domain name highlights a users Australian presence, signalling trust, credibility and recognition.
Brand awareness: Shorter, catchy and eye catching domain names, like example.au will be available as new options. This presents a great opportunity to explore and consider memorable ways to empower your domain names.