Legacy Mapped → Guides → After someone dies → Domain names

How to transfer someone's domain name after they die

A domain name can usually be transferred to someone else after the owner dies, but it has to be done before it expires. If a domain lapses, the website and any email on it stop working, and the name can be released to the public. Act early, especially if the domain runs a business website or family email.

Last changed: 19 October 2026

Step 1: Find the registrar and expiry date

• Search their inbox for renewal notices or invoices from domain providers, such as Crazy Domains, VentraIP, GoDaddy or Squarespace.
• Run a WHOIS lookup on the domain to see the registrar and expiry date. For .au domains, use the WHOIS lookup on auDA's website.
• If expiry is close, ask the registrar whether the estate can pay to renew while the transfer is sorted out.

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.au domains (.com.au, .net.au, .au)

.au domains are licences, not property you own outright, and they're governed by auDA's rules. Three things matter:

1. The executor is responsible. Under clause 2.11.4 of auDA's current Licensing Rules, when an individual registrant dies, the executor takes responsibility for the domain as if they were the registrant. Within a reasonable time, and having regard to the person's wishes, they must either transfer it or cancel it. Contact the registrar within the first month: the rules also deem some licences cancelled 30 days after the holder ceases to exist, and it isn't clear how registrars apply that after a death. (auDA Licensing Rules)
2. The new holder must be eligible. The person receiving the domain must have an Australian presence (such as Australian citizenship, permanent residency or an ABN) and meet the rules for that namespace. For .com.au, the new holder must be a commercial entity (for example, have an ABN) and the domain must also match their name, business name or trade mark, or meet another allowed test, such as naming a service they provide. (auDA)
3. Watch the expiry date. A transfer can't happen after the licence term has expired. An expired .au domain can be renewed for 30 days after expiry, and after that it's released to the public.

Contact the registrar with the death certificate, proof of executor status, and the new registrant's details. The registrar processes the transfer.

.com, .net and other global domains

There's no single rule. Each registrar sets its own process for deceased registrants. Larger registrars, such as GoDaddy, have an estate or account recovery process for executors. Expect to provide:

• Death certificate
• Grant of probate or letters of administration
• The new owner's details

Some registrars ask for a court order. Search your registrar's help centre for "deceased" or "estate".

Don't forget what's attached

Transferring a domain doesn't automatically move the website hosting or email connected to it. These are often billed separately and renew on their own dates. Back up website files and important emails before anything expires.

What you'll usually need

• Domain name, registrar and account email
• Death certificate
• Proof of executor or administrator status
• Details of the new owner (and, for .au, evidence of their eligibility)

This guide is general information only, not legal, financial or tax advice. Providers change their processes, so always confirm the current steps on the linked official page. For advice on a specific estate, speak with a solicitor, accountant or licensed financial adviser.