.AU Domain Priority Allocation Process

What is Priority Allocation?

Existing registrants of 3ld.au will have the first opportunity to apply for .au direct match of their existing domain name through the priority allocation process.
For example, the registrant of domain.com.au can apply for priority to register domain.au.

When does the Priority Allocation Process start?

The Priority Application Period runs from 24 March to 20 September 2022.

Who can apply for .au domain names?

Anyone (individual or organization) with an Australian presence can register for a .au domain. Visit here for the full definition of Australian presence.

Please be aware that for applications with individual registrants, the following details of the applicant’s Australian Driver’s License are still required to complete the registration:

  • Given Name
  • Family Name
  • Birth Date
  • License Number
  • Card Number
  • State of Issue
  • Full Residential Address

How does the Priority Application process work?

Priority applicants are divided into two categories, depending on when they registered their 3ld.au domain. The 2ld.au domains will be allocated based on the following criteria:

Priority category 1: 3ld.au Names with a creation date on or before February 4, 2018
Priority category 2: 3ld.au Names with a creation date after February 4, 2018

How can applicants find out what category they belong to?

Applicants can check their priority category by using this Priority Status Tool.

How do the priority categories determine who is allocated the .au direct name?

In cases where there are multiple applications for .au name, the following principles apply:

  • Category 1 applicants have priority over Category 2 applicants
  • If there are multiple Category 1 applications, the names will be allocated based on agreement/negotiation between the applicants
  • Where there are only Category 2 applicants, the name is allocated to the earliest applicant of 3ld.au domain

What if multiple applicants with Category 1 names cannot reach an agreement?

.AU domain for which an agreement cannot be reached, the name will remain on Priority Hold until only one active application is left.
Applicants will need to renew their application on a yearly basis if they wish to get the .au name.

Can registrants apply for .au domain names that do not have a Priority right?

Yes. We recommend the registrants register 3ld.au today as this will give them the priority as a Category 2 applicant.

What is the terms of registration?

The registration term is 1 year.