New .au domain name has just been released on 24 March 2022. For business owners like yourself, getting hold of the right domain names is a big deal. Not only will it be the method by which customers find you online, all your future communications to potential customers and target audiences will show the same URL.
Priority Allocation Process Guide for New .au Domain Name
- Can I Register for the Exact Match of my Existing Domain Names?
- When Does the Priority Allocation Process Comes into Effect?
- What are the Priority Categories?
- Register Your New .au Direct Domain Name
An announcement for new .au direct domain name was released in Australia last year. This is major for any business owner and it is important to know about the full application process. To secure your preferred .au direct domain names and to reap the benefits for your business, read on to learn about existing names availability and the Priority Allocation Process.
Can I Register for the Exact Match of my Existing Domain Names?
You may already be using an existing domain name for your online business and are looking to secure licence of the equivalent .au direct for branding and security purposes. If you are eligible for application, you can already begin apply for the new .au direct domain name with us. 
When Does the Priority Allocation Process Comes into Effect?
The first six months of launch is when the Priority Allocation Process is active. During this first six months of launch, all .au direct matches are not available for public registration. They are kept safe and reserved for registrants of existing domain names ending in:
- .com.au
- .net.au
- .org.au
- .asn.au
- .id.au
- .gov.au
- .edu.au
If you are looking to register for the new .au direct equivalents in the .au registry, you will be able to apply for what is known as the Priority Status. For example:
Should you be the current owner of newaussiebusiness.com.au,
You can apply for Priority Status for newaussiebusiness**.au** during the Priority Allocation period.
In the event where there are other applicants interested in the same .au direct domain name as you, they too can apply for Priority Status. For example:
Should John be the current owner of newaussiebusiness.net.au,
He can also apply for Priority Status for newaussiebusiness**.au** during the Priority Allocation period.
While rare, cases where multiple registrants hold Priority Status for the same .au domain name can occur. To determine the new domain name allocation, there are priority categories to resolve help contested names. 
What are the Priority Categories?
Once you have received your Priority Status, it will be categorised into one of the following:
- Priority Category 1: Your existing domain name licence has a creation date on or before the cut-off date of 4 February 2018.
- Priority Category 2: Your existing domain name licences has a creation date after the cut-off date of 4 February 2018.
Category 1 applicants have priority over Category 2 applicants. Should there be multiple Category 1 applicants, every applicant must agree on the allocation outcome or the contested .au direct name remains unallocated. Should there be no Category 1 applicants but multiple Category 2 applicants, the contested .au direct name will be allocated to the applicant with the earliest domain licence creation date.
Register Your New .au Direct Domain Name
You still have a chance to contest for your brand’s .au equivalent domain name today. If you’re still unsure of what domain name you should register, read our article to learn how to choose the best domain name for your business. The Priority Allocation Process ensures transparency in a consistent process to help all existing owners of domain name licences register for their equivalent .au direct name. Our expert consultants will be able to help you register for your preferred .au direct domain name. We have compiled a list of FAQs on this topic if you have any further question. Call us on 1300 638 734 to secure your new .au domain name now.
