If you run a business in Australia, a .com.au domain is one of the most important investments you can make. It immediately signals to customers that you are a legitimate, locally-based business — and it gives you a significant edge in Australian search results.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know to register your .com.au domain today.
What Is a .com.au Domain?
A .com.au is a second-level domain (SLD) under Australia's country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) .au. It is the most recognised and trusted domain extension for Australian commercial businesses.
Other popular Australian domains include:
.net.au— for internet service providers and network-related businesses.org.au— for non-profit organisations.id.au— for individuals and personal websites.com.au— for general commercial businesses (most popular)
Eligibility Requirements
Unlike .com, you cannot register a .com.au domain without meeting auDA (Australian Domain Administration) eligibility criteria. You must be one of the following:
- An Australian registered company (ACN required)
- A sole trader or partnership operating in Australia (ABN required)
- A registered trademark holder in Australia
- A foreign company with an Australian presence
Your domain name must also be an exact match, close match, or abbreviation of your registered business or company name, or your trademark.
Tip: If your business is registered as "Smith Plumbing Pty Ltd", you can register
smithplumbing.com.auorsmith.com.au— but notsydneynews.com.auunless that is your trading name.
Step-by-Step: How to Register Your .com.au Domain
Step 1: Choose Your Domain Name
Before searching, brainstorm a few options:
- Keep it short and memorable — ideally under 15 characters
- Match your business or trading name to meet auDA requirements
- Avoid hyphens and numbers where possible
- Consider how it sounds when spoken aloud (radio test)
Step 2: Check Availability
Use the domain search tool at the top of this page to instantly check if your preferred .com.au name is available.
If your first choice is taken, try:
- A different word order (e.g.,
plumbingsmithinstead ofsmithplumbing) - Adding your city (e.g.,
smithplumbingsydney.com.au) - Your trading name or acronym
Step 3: Verify Your Eligibility Details
Have the following ready before checkout:
- Your ABN or ACN (verify at abr.business.gov.au)
- Your registered business name (must match the domain)
- Your contact details for WHOIS registration
Step 4: Complete Registration
Registration is typically annual or biennial. Prices vary between registrars — at Webvu, pricing is transparent with no hidden renewal fees.
During checkout, you will be asked to:
- Confirm your registrant details (name, address, ABN/ACN)
- Select your registration period (1 or 2 years)
- Choose any add-ons (privacy protection, hosting, email)
Step 5: Configure Your DNS
Once registered, you need to point your domain to your hosting or website builder. This is done by setting DNS records (A record, CNAME) in your domain's DNS management panel — fully available in the Webvu dashboard.
How Much Does a .com.au Domain Cost?
Prices vary by registrar. At Webvu, .com.au registration starts at competitive wholesale-to-retail pricing with no markup surprises. Check the pricing page for current rates.
Renewal fees are the same as registration fees — there are no "gotcha" renewal price hikes.
.com.au vs .com — Which Should You Choose?
| | .com.au | .com | |---|---|---| | Trust with Australian customers | Very high | Medium | | Google AU local ranking signals | Strong | Weaker | | Eligibility restrictions | Yes (ABN/ACN) | None | | Price | Similar | Similar | | Availability | Good | Often taken |
Verdict: If you run an Australian business, register both — use .com.au as your primary domain and redirect .com to it. This protects your brand and captures any traffic from either extension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register a .com.au without an ABN? No. You must have an ABN, ACN, or registered trademark. You can apply for an ABN at abr.business.gov.au for free.
How long does .com.au registration take? Instantly — registration is automated and your domain is active within minutes of completing checkout.
Can I transfer my .com.au domain to Webvu? Yes. Domain transfers are free at Webvu. You will need your current registrar's authorisation code (also called an EPP code or transfer key).
Is WHOIS privacy available for .com.au?
For .com.au, registrant details are publicly visible to comply with auDA policy. However, you can use a business address rather than a home address.
Ready to Register?
Use the search bar on our domains page to check availability and secure your .com.au domain in under 2 minutes.