Changes to AU Domain Ownership Validation

May 07, 2026

Important Update:

There has been an important change to the AU domain ownership validation process, which may affect how some Australian domain names are reviewed, renewed, transferred or updated.

This change will be implemented on 20 May 2026.

For Australian domain names such as .com.au, .net.au and .au, registrants must be able to show that they meet the relevant eligibility requirements for holding that domain name. This generally means the domain must be connected to a valid Australian presence, such as an ABN, ACN, registered business name, Australian trade mark, organisation or eligible individual connection, depending on the domain type.

As part of this updated validation process, domain ownership details may be checked more carefully to ensure the legal registrant information attached to a domain is accurate, current and compliant with AU domain rules and correctly match the entity entitled to hold the domain.

This is particularly important for businesses that have changed structure, updated their ABN, moved from a sole trader to a company, changed business names, used a trust structure, or registered a domain many years ago with outdated ownership details.

If your domain details are incorrect or no longer match the current business structure, you may be required to update the registrant information or complete a formal change of registrant process.

Failure to update this information may result in suspension or deletion of the domain.

For most businesses, there is no need to be concerned. However, it is a good reminder to review your domain ownership details and make sure they accurately reflect the correct legal owner of the domain.

We recommend checking:

• The registrant name attached to your AU domain
• The ABN, ACN or business name linked to the domain

This can be completed by visiting https://whois.auda.org.au/ and searching for your domain name.

Then based on the Whois search results, you can then ascertain:

• Whether the domain is registered to the correct legal entity
• Whether the business structure has changed since the domain was first registered
• Whether your contact details are current and accessible

Keeping this information up to date helps protect your domain name, avoid issues with renewals or transfers, and ensure your website remains connected to the correct business entity.

If you have any questions or concerns about your AU domain ownership details, validation requirements or whether your domain information needs to be updated, please contact Sirocco Digital.