The registration process
When you apply for a domain name through the Netregistry website, our system will attempt to validate and approve your application automatically. Some domain applications require a manual approval process, where our domain administration team will ensure your application meets the eligibility criteria defined by the regulatory body for the associated domain space (e.g. auDA – the regulatory body for .au domains). Once your application is deemed valid, your domain registration will be completed and your account will be established with Netregistry.
This account is managed through The Console, Netregistry’s online services management system. You will receive the following important notifications via email:
- TheConsole Account login details
- receipt for payment
After which you will have an established account and will be ready to set up web hosting for your newly registered domain name.
Domain Certificates
Each successful registration includes a downloadable domain certificate for the registrant owner to keep on file (if required). To download a copy of the certificate:
- Login with your Account Reference and Password
- Click Administer against the domain name in question
- Click [Domain Name] icon to access the registry information
- Click [Download Domain Certificate]
The rest of this article is for general information on Domain Name registration.
What is a domain name?
A domain name is a usable method of navigating the internet.
Originally the internet was comprised only of IP addresses, such as 202.124.241.200. domain names were introduced to make the internet easier – it’s a lot easier to remember a name like mywebname.com.au than it is to remember the 12 digits behind the name.
Domain names are comprised of 2 or more parts, separated by dots. For example, the domain icann.org has 2 parts – “icann” and “org”. “org” is the top level domain, or the end of the name, and “icann” is the second level domain. The domain name “netregistry.com.au” has 3 parts – “netregistry”, “com” and “au”. The “au” is the top level domain, which is short for Australia. The “com” is the second level, which means that the domain name is a commercial business operating in Australia, and “Netregistry” is the name that Netregistry chose for our website. This is also the third level in the domain “netregistry.com.au”.
For worldwide domains, such as .com, .net, .org, .info & .biz, you can register domains at the second level – such as “icann.org”. For Australian domains, you can register domains at the third level only – like “netregistry.com.au”, or “mybusiness.net.au”.
If you want a domain name, follow this link to register your own domain name today.
History of domain names
domain names were created because they are easier to remember than numerical IP addresses. Every domain name is unique and is mapped to an IP address through the domain name system (or DNS for short).
There are 13 computers throughout the world called Root Servers, which hold the information containing the whereabouts for all top level domain names (.com, .info, .org, .au, .jp, .uk, etc). The top level domain names include universal names such as .com and .info, as well as country-based names such as .au and .uk.
Every top level domain has its own database where information concerning the location of 2nd level domains are held. For example, the .com database would contain the information about the whereabouts of the Netregistry.com domain name, while the .au database would contain information about the whereabouts of the .com.au domain.
Some countries, such as Australia, sell domain names in the third level only – ie – domain.com.au. The information for domain.com.au would be stored in the .com.au database (or registry).
If you want a domain name, follow this link to register your own domain name today.
Domain name pricing and registration periods
There are distinct bodies that control the regulations for different types of domain names. These bodies have differing rules for registrations and registration periods. For example, auDA (Australian Domains) will only allow 2 year registration periods, whereas ICANN (com/net/org/info/biz) permits up to 10 years of registration for a domain.
To view our entire listing, pricing and registration periods, click here.
How long does it take to register a domain name?
Once applications for a domain name are submitted to Netregistry, our domain administration team will process your request straight away. You will generally not need to wait any longer than 60 minutes (during business hours) for your registration to be processed. Please note, if submitted outside of business hours it may take a little longer.
If you have not been contacted within 24 hours – please contact Netregistry’s domain administration team who will update you on the progress of your application. Simply email domains@netregistry.com.au or call us!
