Information Centre

To find a domain name or obtain a website address is a very simple process nowadays - but there are a few important points you need to bear in mind in your search for domains.

The first point is to remember that you aren't actually buying a domain name - no-one can buy Internet domains outright as registration is just a license you get from the registry to use the web name - a little like renting a house as opposed to purchasing one.

Getting your own website address can be done entirely online and is a fairly rapid exercise - but you should check your eligibility before searching and commencing the registration process. While domains ending in .com, .net, .org, .info and .biz have very few requirements; you'll find that to register a .au domain name does have quite stringent eligibility criteria as set down by the .au registry - so check the guidelines first before your purchase. These guidelines are a very good thing - they help maintain the integrity of the .au space; which benefits all.

After ensuring you're eligible to register a website name, then it's just a matter of running a domain name search at a registrar to find out if the name you would like to get is available to acquire. A search feature is also available at the bottom of this page.

After entering in your web site address choice, the search application will check your choice against the registry database and let you know within a few seconds whether the domain is available to get - and if it is, you will then have the option to proceed past the search stage to purchasing a domain lease; i.e. registering it.

If you choose to go ahead with your purchase, you will be taken to a secure online form that will obtain your details. After submitting your request, you will get a domain name order notification via email and once your request is approved, you'll then receive an official licence stating you are now the registrant; plus a tax receipt relating to your acquisition.

Since it's so quick and easy to find domain names, don't put it off any longer, start your search for your new website name now and get a domain licence for your chosen address while it's still available to acquire - before someone else gets it.

We hope this article has helped you in learning how to register a domain name. If you require any assistance or advice, you can search our domain FAQ's for information; but please don't hesitate to contact us via email or on 1300 863 436 if you can't find what you're looking for. We look forward to becoming your registrar!