Anyone can register most domain names like .com, .net or .biz, but there are some rules for Australian domains like .com.au. Select a domain type you are interested in below to find out more.

• .com.au / .net.au
• .au.com / .com / .net / .biz /.net / .info .org
• .org.au / .asn.au
• .id.au

.com.au & .net.au

To own a .com.au or .net.au you must be an Australian registered company, or business with a registered business number (ABN, BRN, BN).

(The licence requirements for a .com.au and .net.au domain name require your business to be registered for business in Australia, this means registering your business or company name with one of the official Government Authorities, eg ASIC, State Dept. of Fair Trading, or alternatively by obtaining an Australian Business Number (ABN) from the ATO.

The domain name you order should have either be an exact match, acronym or abbreviation of the supplied business registration, or it should bear a close and substantial connection to the domain name:

For example, the Ford Motor Company would be reasonably entitled to own:

• www.fordmotorcompany.com.au
• www.ford.com.au
• www.mustang.com.au
• www.fordfocus.com.au

Domains can be 2 to 63 letters, and words can be separated by hyphens, but not spaces.

.au.com, .com, .biz, .net, .info, .org

These domain names are not restricted or regulated by .au Policy Rules. They are therefore policy free and anyone can register any domain name. If you own a company name, or a trademark, register an .au.com domain name to prevent anyone else registering that name.

.org.au & .asn.au>

To qualify for these domains your organisation must be a "non-commercial organisation".

The domain name you register should have a solid relationship to the organisation to which it represents.

For example, the Salvation Army are reasonably entitled to own:

• www.salvationarmy.org.au
• www.salvos.org.au

.id.au

Especially designed for individuals, who reside in Australia. You may register ANY personal name by which you are known.

For example, John Citizen would be reasonably entitled to own:

• www.john-citizen.id.au
• www.littlejohnny.id.au

Answers to some frequently asked questions about Domain Names.

• What is a domain name and why should I register one?
• What do I get when I register a domain name?
• How can Hostess offer domain names at such low prices?
• Why shouldn't I just register domain names through NetRegistry
• Can I cancel a domain name?
• Why would I want to register multiple domain names for my one website?
• How much does it cost to transfer my domain to Hostess?
• Is Hostess an accredited registrar of .au domains?
• Are there any restrictions on buying a .com.au domain name?
• Can anyone buy a .com or .net domain name?
• Can I buy an Australian domain name for only one year?

What is a domain name and why should I register one?

A domain name is the unique name by which a website is identified on the Internet; it is a memorable address and should be both recognisable and relative to your business name or brand. An example of a domain name is ‘yourbusiness.com.au’ and ownership of this domain name is essential. Remember domain names are not just for businesses or organisations - many people register names for their own personal use.

What do I get when I register a domain name?

Once your domain name application has been processed, you will receive a confirmation email with your login details to the Control Panel that will allow you to manage your domain names. You will also receive a printable domain registration certificate to show you are the legal owner of the domain name. Once you are a Hostess customer, you will be able to take advantage of our unlimited email support services.

How can Hostess offer domain names at such low prices?

Our system is fully automated and enables us to register domain names and offer state-of-the-art domain name management with minimal overhead. Hostess believes that domain names should be a low cost entry point to get a website online, not a huge investment. .com.au domain names are still being sold for up to $140! Once you experience the ease and quality of our domain name ordering and management system, you'll never register a domain name anywhere else.

Why shouldn't I just register domain names through NetRegistry

Well, firstly, they are more expensive than Hostess. And secondly, you will be getting the same quality of online domain management with Hostess as you would at NetRegistry.

If having a quality phone support service for your domain names and hosting services is important to you then we recommend you choose NetRegistry. If you are confident in managing your own domain names via our Control Panel, and are happy with a quality email support service from Hostess, then we are the best choice.

Can I cancel a domain name?

Once you have submitted your domain name for registration, your payment will be processed and your domain submitted for registration. It cannot be cancelled without still paying the standard registration fees - this is because as soon as we have submitted the domain, the registrar will enter it on the central database and invoice us for the central registry fees.

Of course once you have your domain name - if you decide you no longer need the domain you can cancel it at any time before it comes due for renewal (usually 2 years) and will not then be liable to pay renewal fees on that domain name.

Why would I want to register multiple domain names for my one website?

Businesses that want to protect their brand identity often register multiple domain names to stop other people getting hold of them. If you were an Australian brand with a unique name, you may want to register the .com, .net and .net.au versions of the domain name as well as just a .com.au.

If you are planning on promoting your website abroad as well as in Australia, it makes sense to have the 'internationa;' versions of your domain name (if available), such as a .com (US), .co.uk (UK), co.nz (NZ), or .cn (China) etc.

How much does it cost to transfer my domain to Hostess?

The transfer of domain names ending in .au is free. When it is time to re-new your domain name you can then re-new it with us at our great prices. To transfer your domain name to us, please complete this form. Please note, Hostess does not accept inbound transfers of domain registrations without an accompanying order for a yearly subscrption service.

Is Hostess an accredited registrar of .au domains?

Hostess domain names are provisioned by NetRegistry — an accredited .au domain registrar. Hostess has a wholesale agreement with NetRegistry to sell domains through their system at whatever rate we like — this means we can sell domains names cheaper than NetRegistry, and anyone else we like — and that's exactly what we do, passing on the savings to you.

Are there any restrictions on buying a .com.au domain name?

Yes, unlike most othe domain name types (.com etc) .au domain names are regulated by auDA. You need to be operating a business in Australia. This means you'll either have a tax file number or a registered Australian Business Number — either as an individual trader or as a company. The domain name you buy also has to be related to your business name or a product or service you supply. You can't buy an Australian domain name if you don't meet these requirements category. Click here for an outline of the rules of registration.

Can anyone buy a .com or .net domain name?

Yes - as long as you're not infringing trademark or copyright laws.

Can I buy an Australian domain name for only one year?

Sorry, names with a '.au' extension must be purchased for at least (and only) two years. This rule is set by the domain authority, auDA and applies to all registrars.