To hold most types of .AU Domain Name, you need to hold an eligible entity which is legally bound to the Domain Name. If the entity changes, you need to perform a Change of Registrant (CoR) for each Domain Name that's associated with it, should you wish to keep them.
About the .AU CoR
Unlike most TLDs, Australian Domains are unique in that they tend to need (depending on the type, ie. .au vs .com.au) a legal identifier or identity to be linked with each domain in our domestic namespace. It's good for security and enhances trust, though it can mean sorting some paperwork.
The vast majority of our clients' domain names are compliant in that a valid entity is associated with them. We work hard to ensure that any domains which become non-compliant, either by inbound transfer from a more relaxed provider or due to the entity expiring/etc, are sorted quickly!
Starting a Change of Registrant
For domains with us, you can start a CoR online via my.Merlot 24/7! If something is amiss, like the old entity was cancelled before the new entity was registered, etc, then we'll work with you to gather documentation and so on to support the regulatory push for you.
From within my.Merlot, on the left-hand side open Domains then My Domain Names, then click into (not the link itself) the domain management (or use spanner), and you will see the below screen. From there, you can launch the CoR yourself and the process goes from there.
We've handled some complex CoRs over the years - nothing so far has been impossible.
...and then...
Progressing a .AU CoR to completion
Unlike say a WHOIS update or changing DNS delegation, a CoR is NOT immediate.
You need to input the new ABN/ACN/etc, and there may be documentation requirements beyond that if there are discrepancies. This varies to multiple levels, and depends on the nature of each specific domain name and the involved losing/gaining legal entities.
As there can be audits performed by auDA and members of the public may raise a complaint due to ineligible entity, it is better that you approach your CoRs proactively rather than reactively on the back-foot against a deadline. We can assist in all lights, however advocate for early intervention.
Domains with other registrars
We can only help if you become a Managed Client and transfer the domain name/s to us, as we can then assist properly with registrar support to take a best-practices driven approach towards ensuring reclaimed domain control for your entity.
Unsure? Reach out for guidance.
