Why Is My Purchased Domain Name Not Registered

This article explains why your domain purchase may not have been successfully registered and offers tips to help you avoid this issue in the future.

 

Common reasons why it’s still not registered

If your domain wasn't successfully registered, you'll receive an email with steps to complete the process. Below are some common reasons this can happen, along with tips to help you avoid them:

• Payment Issues
• Domain Availability Conflict
• Manual Review
• Incorrect Contact Information
• Lack eligibility requirements
• Domain not supported
• Domain reserved
• Inactive ABN/ACN

 

Payment issues

The transaction may have failed due to payment issues, such as declined cards, incomplete verification, or processing errors.

 

Domain availability conflict

The domain may have been registered by someone else just before your purchase was finalized.

 

Manual review

Some domains require manual review for compliance, which can take longer—especially for premium or restricted TLDs.

 

Incorrect contact information

The information provided during domain registration doesn't match official records. Please ensure your email, phone number, and address are accurate and can be verified.

 

Lack eligibility requirements

The domain you are trying to register does not meet the necessary criteria set by the registry. Different domain extensions (TLDs) have specific rules regarding who can register them.

 

Common Reasons for Ineligibility:

• Restricted TLDs – Some domains (e.g., .gov, .edu, .org.au) require proof of eligibility, such as government affiliation, educational institution status, or non-profit registration. 
• Local Presence Requirements – Certain country-specific domains (.au, .ca, .sg) may require registrants to have a local address or business registration. 
• ABN/ACN Requirement – For .com.au, .net.au, .org.au, an active Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN) is needed. 
• Trademark or Industry-Specific Restrictions – Some domains are reserved for specific industries or trademark holders (e.g., .bank for financial institutions).

 

How to Resolve It:

• Check the Domain Requirements – Review the specific eligibility criteria for the TLD you want.

• Provide Additional Documentation – If required, submit proof of business registration, local presence, or industry certification.

Consider Alternative Domains – If you don’t meet the requirements, you may need to choose a different TLD that suits your needs.

 

Domain not supported

The domain extension (TLD) you are trying to register is not available. This can happen for several reasons:

• Unsupported TLD – The registrar does not support registrations for that specific domain extension (e.g., .xyz, .tech, etc.). 

• Country-Specific Restrictions – Some country-code domains (e.g., .uk, .ca, .au) require specific eligibility criteria and may not be available for everyone. 

• Registry Limitations – The domain's registry might not allow third-party registrations or require a special process.

 

Domain reserved

The domain name you are trying to register is not available because it has been set aside by the registry. This can happen for several reasons:

• Government – Certain domains are restricted to prevent misuse, protect trademarks, or comply with government regulations. 

• Premium Domains – Some high-value domains are held back by the registry and may only be available for purchase at a higher price and higher price has a high SEO ranking.

 

Inactive ABN/ ACN

Inactive ABN/ACN" refers to an Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN) that is no longer active. This can affect domain registration, especially for .com.au, .net.au, or .org.au domains, which require a valid and active ABN or ACN.

 

How to resolve it:

• Check Your ABN/ACN Status – Visit the Australian Business Register (ABR) to verify if it's still active. 

• Reactivate or Update Your ABN/ACN – If applicable, follow the necessary steps to renew it. 

• Use a Different Valid ABN/ACN – If your business is closed, you may need to register a new one or use a valid alternative. 

 

To check the current status of your domain name, you can use the WhoIs search tool, or contact us for immediate assistance.