This article is a step-by-step guide on how to check the eligibility details of .au names, and the actions to take depending on the different scenarios.
You may also look into to our non-compliant .AU names FAQ page for further assistance.
Note: If the domain eligibility details remain non-compliant, the domain may not be able to be renewed or it could be subject to suspension and eventually deletion from the registry, should no action be taken to resolve the issue.
How to check if the eligibility details are correct:
- Go to https://whois.auda.org.au/
- Perform a search on your domain name & take a note of the Registrant, Registrant ID, Eligibility Type, Eligibility name and Eligibility ID.
Please note - there may be between 2 & 5 lines of eligibility at the bottom of the WHOIS results, depending on your eligibility.
Example of a WHOIS lookup for tppwholesale.com.au -
- Depending on the eligibility type used for the registration of the domain, search for the details on either of the following and check for mismatches or cancelled eligibility numbers:
ABN - https://abr.business.gov.au/
- Use the search bar to look up the Registrant, Eligibility Name or the 11 digit ABN Number
- The result should look like the below screenshot
ACN - https://connectonline.asic.gov.au/
- Use the search bar to search -
Within - Select Organisation and Business Name
For - Search for the company name or 9 Digit ACN Number
- The result should look like the below screenshot
Trademark (TM) Number – https://search.ipaustralia.gov.au/trademarks/search/quick
- Use the search bar to search either the Registrant, Company Name or Trademark Number
- The result should look like the screenshot below
Should any of the details not match, please note the correct eligibility details from the ABR, ASIC or IPAUSTRALIA site. If the eligibility number is cancelled/de-registered, it will need to be re-activated or a new eligibility number will need to be used.
Reminder: If the domain eligibility details remain non-compliant, the domain may not be able to be renewed or it could be subject to suspension and eventually deletion from the registry, should no action be taken to resolve the issue.
Possible Scenarios
Scenario 1: ABN/ACN/TM Number is not correct
| Possible Causes | Actions to Take |
| Missing digit(s) | 1) Confirm the correct eligibility details
2) Respond to our team to do a correction
Please refer to the official documentation from auDA which identifies the circumstances where a correction to Registrant details are possible - |
| Typo - a digit or so in the eligibility number was incorrectly entered. | |
| Registrant details at the time of registration is incorrect (eg. your previous web designer added their registrant details instead of yours) |
Scenario 2: ABN/ACN/TM Number is not active
| Possible Causes | Actions to Take |
| Change in company type/restructure (e.g sole trader to company) |
1) Obtain the correct registration details 2) Perform a Registrant Name Change (RNC) via your reseller portal (here's how) 3) Contact our team to advise that this has taken place |
| Business sale/takeover | |
| The business has been de-registered |
1) Check if reactivating your ABN is right for your situation 2a) If yes, please follow these steps https://abr.business.gov.au/ContactUs/Activate 2b) If not, you may need to re-register for a new ABN/ACN 3) Perform a Registrant Name Change (RNC) via your reseller portal (here's how) 4) Contact our team to advise that this has taken place |
| Sole Trader ABN has been cancelled |
1) Check if re-activating your sole trader ABN is right for your situation 2a) If yes, Please follow these steps https://abr.business.gov.au/ContactUs/Activate 2b) If not, you may need to re-register for a new ABN, or give us a new valid ABN 3) Respond to our team with the new eligibility details or advise if your ABN has been reactivated |
| Trademark registration has been cancelled |
2) Depending on the outcome:
a) Trademark is no longer required i) A new eligibility detail (ABN/ACN) is required. ii) Perform a Registrant Name Change (RNC) via your reseller portal (here's how) iii) Contact our team to advise that this has taken place
b) Trademark lapsed less than 6 months ago i) Re-activate your trademark, should this be suitable for your situation ii) Contact our team to advise that this has taken place
c) Trademark lapsed more than 6 months ago i) Submit a new application for the trademark, or consider applying for an ABN/ACN ii) Perform a Registrant Name Change (RNC) via your reseller portal (here's how) iii) Contact our team to advise that this has taken place
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