.au Direct domains (example.au) became available in March 2022.
An initial 6 month priority window allowed owners of existing AU domains (eg. example.com.au / example.net.au) the chance to secure the corresponding .au Direct domain (example.au). This window closed on 20th September 2022.

If multiple Category 1* owners submitted a Priority Application during the priority window, the new .au Direct domain is considered as 'Contested'.
To retain 'active interest' in a Contested .au Direct domain, the Priority Application must be renewed by the 20th September each year.

Applicants have the freedom to transfer their application between Accredited Registrars.
The transfer window for Priority Applications runs between 23rd June to 20th September.

Costs

• Transferring a Priority Application is Free
• The renewal price for Priority Applications is the same as a 1 year .au Direct domain renewal - see our prices here
• Note: All Priority Application fees are non-refundable
• A renewal invoice will be organised after a successful transfer request has been processed

Transfer Process

• The Priority Application Transfer Process is administered by auDA
• If you'd like to move your Priority Application to us, please follow the prompts on auDA's page here: https://priority.auda.org.au/
• This will trigger an email that gives you the option to transfer your application - at this stage, please select DDNS from the list of Accredited Registrars
• Note: You can only transfer your Priority Application one time each year
• Upon a successful transfer, our system will send you a renewal invoice for your Priority Application(s)
• To ensure your Priority Application is renewed, we need to receive payment of the renewal invoice, before the due date.

*Category 1 Owner: Held an existing AU domain, which was created on or before February 4, 2018 at 23:59:59 UTC