.AU Domains and auDA
What is the life cycle of a .au domain name?
When a .au domain name is registered, it can be transferred between registries immediately (unlike GTLD domains, which have a 60 day embargo period).
An .au domain can only be renewed when it is within 90 days of it’s expiry date. When the domain is renewed, 1-5 years are added to the existing expiry date - if my domain expired on January 1 2030 and I renewed on October 1, my new expiry date would be January 1 2031.
You can change the registrant (ABN/ACN/business entity) of your .au domain name during it’s lifespan. If you do so, a new licence is issued in the name of the new registrant for one year. This means that the if you were to transfer the ownership of a domain expiring (for example) March 1 2033 on January 1 2029, the new expiry date would be January 1 2030.
When an .au domain expires, it can be renewed for 30 days after expiry. There is no redemption phase on .au domains - after the 30 days the domain status changes from “Expired” to “Pending delete”. This lasts 24-48 hours, after which the domain becomes available to be registered by the public again.
The full auDA policy on domain expiry can be read at auda.org.au.
.au Domain Eligibility Complaints And ScenariosTransferring Ownership or Updating Eligibility ID for .AU Domains/Change of Registrant (COR)