Register a domain name
Find out how to register a domain name for your business website and email address.
What is a domain name?
A domain name is the address of a website on the internet. For example, business.gov.au is our domain name.
Email addresses also use a domain name.
It’s good to have a domain name that matches your business name or brand so customers can easily find you.
Before you register a domain name
You don’t have to register a domain name to start or grow your business. But you should register one if you plan to create a website or email addresses for your business.
Even if your business website isn’t ready yet, you can still register a domain name. This ensures you have the domain you want when you're ready to use it.
Different types of domain name have different requirements. Visit the .au Domain Administration Ltd (.auDA) website for a list of Australian domain types (such as .com.au and .net.au)
Most Australian businesses use .com.au domains. The .au shows customers that you are located in Australia.
If you want to buy a .com.au or .net.au domain, you need to:
- be a commercial entity
- have either an Australian Company Number (ACN) or Australian Business Number (ABN).
When picking a website domain for your business it's best to go with a name that:
- represents your business or brand
- is short
- is easy to remember, pronounce and spell
- is unique and won't be confused with another business.
Use .auDA's search to find out if your proposed domain name is available.
Registering a domain name doesn’t give you any IP protection for that name. It just means you own the website address. You should register your business name first and consider protecting it with a trade mark.
If you use a business name or domain name that someone else has trademarked, you could face legal action.
Register your domain name
You can register your domain name through a registrar or reseller listed on the .au Domain Administration Ltd (.auDA) website. Your website hosting company may also register domain names.
Find a registrar on the .auDA websiteWe use cookies to give you a better experience on our website. Learn more about how we use cookies and how you can select your preferences.