What is a domain name provider?
Domain name providers are the entities that offer .au domain name services to the public.
There are two broad categories of .au domain name providers – .au registrars and .au resellers.
- .au registrars are entities accredited by auDA to have direct access to the .au registry database. They offer .au domain name licence registration services and can process new registrations, renewals, updates to registration details directly in the .au registry database. Find a list of accredited .au registrars.
- .au resellers also offer .au domain name registration services to the public. However, .au resellers do not have direct access to the .au registry database. They register and manage .au domain name registrations for their customers through an interface provided by a registrar.
In addition to domain name services, domain name providers often offer supporting services, including:
- Web hosting
- Email hosting
- An Australian based contact centre.
What is a registrar of record?
A registrar of record is the accredited .au registrar that is responsible for managing your .au domain name in the .au registry database. Resellers cannot be a registrar of record, only registrars can be a registrar of record.
All .au domain name licence holders (registrants) have a registrar of record.
If you’re the holder of a registered .au domain name, you have a registrar of record. On occasion you may be required to contact the registrar of record about matters related to your .au domain name.
You can find your registrar’s name and contact details using the .au WHOIS tool.