We may contact you if our records show that the ABN/ACN associated with your .com.au (or other .au domain) is no longer valid. To keep your domain eligible for renewal, you’ll need to take action. You can check the current ABN/ACN linked to your domain by performing a WHOIS search at: whois.auda.org.au.
This issue often happens when an ABN expires, or if there’s been a change in ownership but the ABN hasn’t been updated in the auDA database. Although we will notify you of this issue, it’s important to note that this is beyond our control. It’s part of auDA’s policies, and we must follow their instructions.
How to Resolve the Issue
To resolve this, you may need to follow these steps:
Manual Change of Registrant (COR): If the original owner of the domain agreed to transfer it before their business was closed, you can manually request a COR. The transfer must also meet auDA’s eligibility requirements. These requirements are listed on the auDA website: Registrant Eligibility and Change registrant policy.
Businesses/Organisations with Expired ABN/ACN: If you can’t reactivate your ABN/ACN, we will need proof that the domain has changed ownership. Acceptable documents include:
• A sales agreement showing the business was sold
• A signed letter on company letterhead confirming the domain name transfer
• Any valid document showing ownership transfer
If you don’t have this documentation, please see the section: Transfer of Domain Chain Form below
Inactive Sole Traders and Partnerships
You can either:
• Reactivate your ABN online to remain eligible for the domain.
• Perform a change of registrant to update the domain’s registration to your current ABN
Transfer of Domain Chain Form
If no documentation is available for the COR process, you can complete a ‘Transfer of Domain Chain Form’ provided by Synergy Wholesale, our upstream provider. This form confirms that the current registrant no longer exists. You’ll need to submit this form along with supporting documents and a Statutory Declaration signed by a Justice of Peace.
How to Organize a Manual COR
If you need a manual COR, please contact us and provide the required documentation. We will pass your request to auDA through our provider.
Feel free to reach out with any questions, and we’ll assist in forwarding your request to auDA.
