In 2021, a new set of rules for the .au domain took effect. These are the .au Domain Administration Rules: Licensing (Licensing Rules).
The new rules contain a change that will affect some registrants of id.au domain names.
When the new rules will apply
The change to the id.au namespace rules will come into effect on 24 March 2022 at 00:00 UTC time (11am AEST).
id.au names created, renewed or transferred between registrants after 24 March 2022 (00:00 UTC time) will come under the new rules.
If you are an existing registrant, the legacy rules will continue to apply until the end of your current licence period after which, the new id.au rules will apply.
Change to the allocation rules for the id.au namespace
Allocation rules determine what name you can register in a namespace and how it must relate to you as a registrant.
Under part 2.4.8 of the Licensing Rules, after 24 March 2022, you can no longer register a name that refers to a personal interest or a hobby in the id.au namespace.
The id.au domain name being applied for must be:
a) A match to the registrant’s legal name, first name or family name;
b) An acronym or abbreviation of the registrant’s legal name, first name or family name; or
c) A nickname of the registrant.
Why this change has been made
Each namespace in .au has a dedicated purpose. The id.au namespace is intended for use as a personal identifier for Australians. This change will help the namespace better serve that purpose.
The new .au direct namespace (e.g. getyour.au) is also launching on 24 March 2022. .au direct will allow individuals to register hobbies and personal interests.
From 24 March 2022, anyone with a confirmed Australian presence (including Australian citizens and Australian permanent resident visa holders) will be eligible to register a .au direct domain name through an auDA accredited registrar.
Who this change affects
This change only affects registrants whose id.au domain names relate to a hobby or interest, rather than their legal name or nickname.
What you need to do
If your id.au domain name relates to a hobby or personal interest, you will be unable to renew it after the end of its current licence period if the expiration date is on or after 24 March 2022 (00:00 UTC time).
If you wish to register the exact match of your existing id.au domain name in the .au direct namespace, we recommend you apply for priority status to register the matching .au direct domain name via the Priority Allocation Process prior to the expiry of your existing id.au domain name licence. The Priority Allocation Process will run from 24 March to 20 September 2022.
For example, if you hold hobbyname.id.au you will have six months to apply for priority status to register hobbyname.au, provided you hold a valid licence for your id.au domain name.
Find out more about the introduction of short, simple .au direct domain names.
