February 7, 2020
Some people collect domain names like others collect stamps - and sometimes keeping track of the names can get a little, well, messy.
If you're not sure what Australian domains you or your business have registered, you're not alone and help is available.
While reminders of domain names registered will come when renewal is close to due, it's wise to maintain an up-to-date list of these valuable digital assets. Receiving registration renewal notices might be a problem if you have changed your email address, or if the contact address used was associated with someone in your business who is no longer employed there.
If you have only ever used one registrar, finding out what names you have can be done by contacting that registrar - or by simply logging into your account. If you've used multiple registrars or resellers and can't remember all of them, that's no problem - but you will need to jump through a few hoops.
Registrants wanting to check what .au domain names have been registered using their details such as a company or business name across every accredited registrar in Australia can use auDA's Request for Registry Database Search form. auDA is the administrator for Australia's .au country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD).
Note that the form linked to above can only be submitted by the individual themselves, or in the case of an organisation, by that organisation's authorised representative. Proof of identity and/or authorisation will be required. For example, if it's a search on a personal name, a copy of a driver's licence or passport. In the case of an Australian business name, a copy of the business name registration certificate is required. auDA may also request additional proof of identification.
As to how long a request will take to process, that isn't clear - auDA says it will endeavor to send the results electronically "in a timely fashion".
The form notes searches will only be carried out using the exact details provided, so if a search is also required on abbreviations or acronyms, a separate list should be attached to the form.
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How to register a name: Enter your choice in the search tool and click 'GO'. If after the check the domain names search results show your choice is available, you will then have the option to proceed to purchase registration; which is a very quick and easy process - start a search and find your ideal website address now.
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