About .dating domain
.dating is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by Donuts (Pine Fest, LLC). It was delegated to the root zone in January 2014. The TLD was applied for as an open, unrestricted domain extension intended to provide greater expression on the Internet. The registry has stated its intent to control abuse through extensive user and rights protection mechanisms.
Who can register .dating domain
Registration for .dating domains is open to anyone globally. There are no geographic, organizational, or trademark-based restrictions for general registration. Donuts, the registry operator, does not employ pre-registration verification, stating such measures could deny access to legitimate registrants. The TLD operates under standard ICANN requirements without special eligibility criteria.
How to register .dating domain
- Search for your desired .dating domain name's availability using any ICANN-accredited registrar's search tool. It's advisable to check for premium domain names, which may have different pricing.
- Compare pricing, registration term lengths (often 1-10 years), and add-on services like WHOIS privacy protection across different registrars before selecting one.
- Complete the checkout process with your chosen registrar, providing accurate registrant contact information as required by ICANN policy.
- After purchase, verify your contact details via email and configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point to your hosting provider.
Typical uses of .dating domain
The .dating extension is commonly used by online dating services, matchmaking platforms, relationship advice blogs, and social networking sites focused on personal connections. Businesses and individuals in the dating industry choose this TLD for its immediate, clear relevance to their purpose, helping users instantly identify the site's focus. It offers a memorable and topical alternative to more generic extensions like .com or .net for this specific niche.
Tips for registering .dating domain
- Domains can typically be registered for a minimum of one year, with renewal terms set by individual registrars.
- WHOIS privacy protection is generally available for .dating domains through most registrars, subject to their specific service offerings.
- The registry implements standard rights protection mechanisms, including a Sunrise period for trademark holders and the Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) policy.
- Standard ICANN redemption grace periods apply for recovering domains after they expire.
Frequently asked questions about .dating domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .dating domain?
As of today, .dating domains start from $11.59/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $176.28/yr across 33 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .dating domains?
NameBeta tracks 33 registrars that support .dating domain registration, with the cheapest option at $11.59/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .dating domain?
The registry for .dating domains is Identity Digital, administered by Binky Moon, LLC.
Who can register a .dating domain?
The .dating TLD is an open extension with no eligibility restrictions, meaning any individual, business, or organization worldwide can register a domain. No verification of connection to the dating industry or provision of documentation is required during the standard registration process. This open policy is designed to maximize accessibility and expression for all potential registrants.
Can I transfer a .dating domain between registrars?
Transferring a .dating domain between registrars follows the standard ICANN inter-registrar transfer policy. You must initiate the transfer at the gaining registrar, ensure the domain is unlocked and that you have the correct authorization code (EPP code). Transfers cannot proceed if the domain is within 60 days of initial registration or a previous transfer, or if a registrar lock is active.
Were there any objections to the launch of .dating?
Yes, an objection was filed during the application process by Saudi Arabia's Communications and Information Technology Commission. The objection was based on concerns that the TLD might be used for pornographic sites. This comment was considered during ICANN's evaluation, but the application succeeded and was delegated as an open gTLD.
What protections are in place for trademark owners?
The registry for .dating adheres to ICANN-mandated rights protection mechanisms. This includes a Sunrise period, which allowed trademark owners to register corresponding domains before general availability. Post-launch, trademark holders can use the Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) system for clear-cut cases of infringement or the standard Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP).
Does the registry have special content or usage policies?
The registry's application stated an intent to control abuse through "extensive user and rights protections" within the framework of ICANN requirements. There are no specific content policies that restrict a .dating domain to only dating-related websites. The TLD operates as an open, unrestricted namespace, though all registrants must comply with ICANN's consensus policies and applicable law.
