Resolving .AU Domain Compliance and Renewal Issues

Contents

• Overview and renewal rule changes
• What happens if a domain does not pass validation
• Who needs to review their details
• How to check domain eligibility details
• Registrant Type vs Eligibility Type
• How the compliance process works
• Common compliance issues and resolutions
• Supporting documentation
• Major Changes and Registrant Name Change
• When to escalate to Support
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Summary

Overview

This article explains how to resolve common .AU domain compliance issues and what domain holders need to know about .AU renewal validation requirements.

All .AU domain names must meet auDA eligibility requirements. Domains may be reviewed for compliance at
registration, after registration, during transfer, or at renewal. From 20 May 2026, stricter renewal requirements apply to all .AU domains, and domains may only renew if the linked ABN or ACN is current, active, and matches the registrant's eligibility information.

If eligibility information is incorrect, inactive, outdated, or cannot be verified, the domain renewal may be blocked and the domain may be suspended, cancelled, or eventually deleted if the issue is not resolved. Associated services such as websites and email may also be affected.

What Is Changing from 20 May 2026?

Starting 20 May 2026, TPP will enforce stricter renewal validation requirements for .AU domains in accordance with auDA requirements.

Your .AU domain will only renew if the ABN or ACN linked to the domain is:

• Current
• Active
• Associated with the correct registrant
• Able to be validated against the domain's eligibility information

Previously, outdated eligibility details may not always have prevented renewal. Under the updated process, renewal compliance checks occur during the domain's 90-day renewal window. If the linked business information does not match an active legal entity during this period, renewal may be blocked.

What Happens if a Domain Does Not Pass Renewal Validation?

If a domain fails compliance or renewal validation, the following may occur:

• The domain may not renew.
• The website may go offline.
• Email services using the domain may stop working.
• Customers, partners, or suppliers may not be able to reach the domain holder.
• The domain may be suspended or cancelled.
• Recovery from a pending-delete state may be possible, but is not guaranteed and is time-sensitive.

To avoid disruption, registrants and resellers should review .AU domain eligibility details before the renewal period begins.

Who Needs to Review Their Details?

All registrants and business owners with a .AU domain should review their eligibility details, including domains under:

• .com.au
• .net.au
• .org.au
• .id.au
• .au direct

This is especially important if there has been:

• Business restructuring
• Ownership transfer
• Entity change
• ABN or ACN change
• Business name change
• Lapsed, cancelled, or replaced ABN/ACN details
• A domain registered many years ago using outdated information
 

How to Check Your Domain Eligibility Details

Before updating a domain or submitting a compliance response, check the current eligibility information.

Step 1: Check the domain WHOIS record
Use the auDA WHOIS lookup: https://whois.auda.org.au/
Review the domain's registrant and eligibility information, including the registrant name and registrant ID.

Step 2: Check the ABN or ACN
If the domain uses an ABN, check the record using ABN Lookup: https://abr.business.gov.au/
Confirm that the ABN is active and that the entity name matches the domain registrant.

If the domain uses an ACN, check the company record using ASIC Connect:
https://connectonline.asic.gov.au/RegistrySearch/faces/landing/SearchRegisters.jspx
Confirm that the company is registered and that the company name matches the domain registrant.

Step 3: Confirm the details match
The domain's registrant and eligibility details should match the active legal record. Review:

• Registrant Name
• Registrant Type
• Eligibility Type
• Eligibility Identifier
• Name Relation
• ABN or ACN status
• Connection between the domain name and the registrant

If any details are outdated or incorrect, follow the instructions provided in the compliance notification email or update the details through the compliance case.
 

Understanding Registrant Type vs Eligibility Type

When updating .AU domain registration details, it is important to understand the difference between Registrant Type and Eligibility Type, as both are used during eligibility validation.

Registrant Type
The Registrant Type identifies the type of legal entity that holds the domain licence.

Common Registrant Types include:

• Individual
• Sole Trader
• Company
• Partnership
• Incorporated Association
• Non-profit Organisation
• Government Body
 

Eligibility Type
The Eligibility Type identifies the document, registration, or identifier used to prove eligibility to hold 
the domain licence.

Common Eligibility Types include:

• The Registrant Type matches the legal entity.
• The Eligibility Type matches the identifier being supplied.
• The registrant name exactly matches the associated legal record.
• The identifier supplied is active and valid.
 

How Registrant Type and Eligibility Type Work Together

A domain may fail compliance checks if the Registrant Type and Eligibility Type do not accurately reflect the legal
entity or supporting documentation.

When updating registration details, always ensure:

• The Registrant Type matches the legal entity.
• The Eligibility Type matches the identifier being supplied.
• The registrant name exactly matches the associated legal record.
• The identifier supplied is active and valid.
 

How the Compliance Process Works

When a domain is flagged for compliance review:

1. The domain is reviewed at registration, post-registration, transfer, or renewal.
2. The reseller or registrant is contacted to check and review the domain's eligibility information.
3. If required, updated registration details, supporting documentation, or a Registrant Name Change request may be submitted.
4. The submitted details are reviewed against auDA eligibility requirements.
5. The domain is either approved as compliant or may be suspended or cancelled if requirements are not met.

Common .AU Compliance Issues and How to Resolve Them

Issue 1: ABN Is Not Active

Error Message
Reason: abn_not_active

Action Required
The ABN provided does not appear to be active. Verify the ABN status on the ABR website and update the domain registration details if required.

Cause
The supplied Australian Business Number is not listed as active in the Australian Business Register.
Common reasons include:

• The ABN has been cancelled.
• The ABN is inactive.
• The ABN was entered incorrectly.
• The legal entity name does not match the ABR record.

Resolution
Step 1: Verify the ABN. Visit the Australian Business Register: https://abr.business.gov.au/

Search for the ABN currently listed in the compliance case and confirm:

• The ABN status is Active.
• The entity name matches the legal name.
• The entity type is correct.

Step 2: Update Registration Details. Open the compliance case and select Update Registration Details.
Enter or confirm:

• Correct ABN
• Legal entity name exactly as shown in the ABR
• Appropriate Registrant Type
• Appropriate Eligibility Type
• Appropriate Name Relation

Then click Submit Updated Details.

Issue 2: ACN Is Not Active or Cannot Be Validated

Cause
The ACN linked to the domain may not match an active or valid company record.
This may occur if:

• The company has been deregistered.
• The ACN was entered incorrectly.
• The registrant name does not match the ASIC record.
• The domain is still linked to an old company entity.

Resolution
Check the ACN using ASIC Connect:
https://connectonline.asic.gov.au/RegistrySearch/faces/landing/SearchRegisters.jspx

Confirm:

• The company is active or registered.
• The ACN is correct.
• The company name matches the registrant name on the domain.

If the details are incorrect, update the registration details through the compliance case and submit the corrected
information for validation.

Issue 3: Identifier Type "OTHER" Is Not Allowed

Error Message
Reason: identifier_type_other_not_allowed

Admin Note
Identifier type other was submitted, but this TLD does not permit it. The reseller should map the identifier to a valid type.

Example

• Domain: tppwholesale.com.au
• Identifier Type: OTHER
• Other Number: 13100504596

Cause
Certain .AU namespaces do not permit Identifier Type = OTHER. The registrant must provide an approved eligibility identifier instead.

Common approved identifier types include:

• ABN
• ACN
• Incorporated Association Number
• Australian Trademark Number

Resolution

Open the compliance case and select Update Registration Details. Update the record by:

• Changing Identifier Type from OTHER to a valid identifier type.
• Entering the correct identifier number.
• Ensuring the Registrant Type is correct.
• Ensuring the Eligibility Type matches the supporting documentation.
• Ensuring the Registrant Name matches the supporting documentation.

Select Submit Updated Details

Issue 4: Domain Label Does Not Match Declared Name Relation

Error Message
Reason: relation_mismatch

Admin Note
The domain label failed the relation check against the registrant's personal name or eligibility name. Common causes include a nickname, abbreviated name, or trading name being used instead of the legal registered name.

Example

• Domain: tppwholesale.com.au
• Registrant Name: Domain Directors Pty Ltd
• Name Relation: Abbreviation/Exact Match

Cause
The domain name does not sufficiently correspond to the declared registrant name or the relationship selected during registration.

This can occur when:

• The domain uses an unrelated term.
• The selected Name Relation is incorrect.
• The registrant is using a trading name that has not been supplied.
• The abbreviation cannot be reasonably linked to the legal entity name.

Resolution
Step 1: Review the Domain Name. Compare the domain label with the registrant name.

Example: Domain Label: tppwholesale; Registrant Name: Domain Directors Pty Ltd. 

Determine whether the selected Name Relation accurately reflects the relationship.

Step 2: Select the Appropriate Name Relation.
 

Step 3: Update Registration Details. 
If the selected relation is incorrect, open the compliance case, select Update
Registration Details, change the Name Relation to the most appropriate option, then save and submit the update.

Step 4: Escalate if Additional Evidence Is Required. 
If the relationship is legitimate but cannot be automatically
validated, select Escalate to Support and provide supporting documentation showing the connection between the domain name and the registrant.

Examples include:

• Trademark certificates
• Business name registrations
• Marketing material
• Company website
• Product or service documentation

Supporting Documentation That May Be Requested

If an auDA compliance ticket is raised, you may be asked to provide documentation to support the 
registrant's eligibility or connection to the domain name.

Examples include:

• Business registration details
• Active ABN
• Active ACN
• Trademark documentation
• ASIC extracts
• Deed of Sale
• Trust Deed
• Business name registration
• Proof of connection between the domain name and the registrant's business, activity, 
  goods, services, or organization.

Major Changes and Registrant Name Change

What Is a Major Change?
A Major Change occurs when updated registration details differ significantly from the information originally supplied when the domain was registered.

Examples of changes that may be considered major include:
• Updating the ABN, ACN, or Trademark Number associated with the domain.
• Changing the legal entity name.
• Changing the eligibility identifier used to support the registration.
• Updating ownership details so they no longer match the original registrant.
• Replacing the original registrant with a different legal entity.

What Happens if a Major Change Is Detected?

If the updated information differs substantially from the original registration details, the registry may determine that the update represents a change of registrant rather than a correction to existing information.
In these circumstances:

• The update may be classified as a Major Change.
• A Registrant Name Change process may be required.
• The request may be subject to additional review and approval.
• An administrative fee may apply.
• The compliance issue may not be resolved until the Registrant Name Change process has been completed.

Examples of Changes That May Trigger a Registrant Name Change

Before Updating Registration Details

Before selecting Submit Updated Details, it is recommended that you:

• Verify the ABN, ACN, or entity details using the Australian Business Register or ASIC Connect.
• Confirm that the changes are intended to correct the existing registrant's information rather than
transfer ownership of the domain.
• Contact Support if you are unsure whether the update will be treated as a compliance correction 
or a Registrant Name Change.

If a Registrant Name Change Is Required

If the registry determines that the update is a Major Change:

• The compliance submission may not automatically resolve the issue.
• Additional documentation may be requested to verify the change.
• The Registrant Name Change process must be completed.
• Any applicable fees must be paid before the change can be finalized.
• Once completed, the domain registration term will reset and a new two-year registration period will commence from the date the Registrant Name Change is processed.

Expected Outcomes

Compliance Correction
A standard compliance correction may apply where:

• No change of ownership is identified.
• The existing registrant remains the same.
• Registration details are corrected and validated.
• The compliance issue is resolved through the standard compliance process.

Major Change Detected
A Major Change may apply where:

• A change of registrant or ownership is identified.
• A Registrant Name Change process is required.
• Additional review, documentation, and fees may be required before the update can be completed.

When to Escalate to Support
Use Escalate to Support when:

• The ABN is active, but validation still fails.
• The ACN is active, but validation still fails.
• The correct Eligibility Type is unknown.
• The correct Registrant Type is unclear.
• Registration details are correct, but the compliance issue remains.
• Additional documentary evidence is required.
• A Major Change or Registrant Name Change may be required.
• Manual review by the registrar is needed.
• The domain is approaching expiry and renewal validation has failed.

When escalating, provide:
• Domain name
• Compliance case number
• Current registration details
• Supporting documentation
• Screenshots of the compliance error, where applicable

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was my domain flagged for compliance?

Domains may be selected for compliance checks to ensure they meet auDA eligibility criteria. This can occur
randomly or when certain details require verification, such as the business connection to the domain name.

How can I check the eligibility information of my .AU domain?

Use the auDA WHOIS service: https://whois.auda.org.au/ Check the registrant and eligibility information currently
recorded against the domain. If the domain uses an ACN, verify it using ASIC Connect. If it uses an ABN, verify it
using ABN Lookup.

What information might I need to provide?

You may be asked to provide active ABN, ACN, or Trademark details; proof of connection between the domain name and your business or activity; and identification or legal documents such as ASIC extracts, Deed of Sale, or Trust Deed.

How long do I have to respond?

You will be given a deadline to submit the required information. If the issue relates to renewal, the required
information must be completed before the domain expiry date to avoid disruption.

What happens if I do not respond?

The domain may not be renewed, may be suspended, and may eventually be cancelled.

Will my website or email be affected?

Yes. If a domain is suspended, cancelled, or unable to renew due to non-compliance, associated services such as
websites and email may stop functioning until the issue is resolved.

What makes a domain eligible

I updated my contact information, but WHOIS does not show the eligibility
changes. Why?

Domain contact information is different from eligibility information. Make sure the eligibility details, such as Registrant Name, Eligibility Type, ABN, ACN, or Name Relation, have been updated through the correct compliance process.

Can I update my details instead of providing documents?

Sometimes, updating registrant details such as ABN, ACN, or business name is enough to resolve the issue.
However, supporting documentation may still be required if the registry cannot automatically validate the updated information.

Is there a fee for compliance checks?

No. Compliance checks are free. However, a fee may apply if a Registrant Name Change is required.

Aside from the Registrant Name Change, do I still need to pay for the domain renewal?

No. A completed Registrant Name Change includes a two-year domain re-registration and resets the domain's expiry date.

How will I be notified?

Notifications are sent by email. Ensure your account, reseller, registrant, and domain contact details are current and monitored.

Who can I contact for help?

If you need assistance, contact the support team: aucompliance@tppwholesale.com.au. Phone or chat support may also be available.

Summary