About .band domain
.band is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by Donuts (Auburn Hollow, LLC). It was delegated to the root zone in August 2014 after a successful application process in ICANN's New gTLD Program. The application was contested and resolved through a private auction. It operates under a standard Registry Agreement with ICANN, which includes Public Interest Commitments.
Who can register .band domain
Registration for .band domains is open to anyone globally without restrictions. There are no geographic, organizational, or trademark-based requirements to register. Individuals, businesses, and organizations can all register a .band domain name through an accredited registrar. No special verification or documentation is needed during the purchase process.
How to register .band domain
- Search for your desired .band domain name on a registrar's website to check its availability and see if it's a standard or premium name.
- Compare pricing, registration term options, and add-on services like WHOIS privacy or email hosting from different accredited registrars before selecting one.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate registrant contact information and selecting your desired registration period, which is typically one to ten years.
- After purchase, verify your contact email and immediately configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point to your website or service.
Typical uses of .band domain
The .band extension is commonly used by musical artists, bands, and music-related projects to create memorable and relevant web addresses. It provides a clear, niche alternative to broader extensions, helping musicians establish a distinct online identity. Solo performers, duos, and ensembles also use it for promotional sites, fan communities, or merchandise stores. Beyond music, the term "band" can attract other groups, such as sports teams or creative collectives, looking for a short, catchy domain that implies unity and collaboration.
Tips for registering .band domain
- Domains can typically be registered for a minimum of one year, with maximum terms often up to ten years.
- WHOIS privacy protection is generally available for .band domains through most registrars, allowing you to shield personal contact details from the public directory.
- Be aware of potential premium domain pricing; certain desirable .band names may be categorized as premium and carry a higher annual registration fee.
- Standard transfer policies apply, but domains may be subject to a 60-day transfer lock immediately after registration or after certain contact changes.
Frequently asked questions about .band domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .band domain?
As of today, .band domains start from $14.99/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $87.40/yr across 35 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .band domains?
NameBeta tracks 35 registrars that support .band domain registration, with the cheapest option at $14.99/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .band domain?
The registry for .band domains is Identity Digital, administered by Dog Beach, LLC.
Who can register a .band domain?
Anyone can register a .band domain, as it is an open gTLD with no eligibility restrictions. This includes individual musicians, bands of any size, music labels, fan clubs, and even non-music entities that find the term fitting. The registration process is the same as for other generic domains, requiring no proof of musical activity or special credentials from the applicant.
Can I transfer a .band domain between registrars?
Transferring a .band domain between registrars follows the standard ICANN transfer policy. You must initiate the transfer at the gaining registrar, ensure the domain is unlocked, and obtain the correct authorization code (EPP code). Transfers are typically prohibited for the first 60 days after initial registration. Once approved, the transfer process usually adds an additional year to your registration term.
Are there any content restrictions for .band websites?
There are no specific content policies mandated by the .band registry that restrict what you can publish on your website. The registry operates under standard ICANN agreements, which include general Public Interest Commitments but do not enforce niche content rules. However, all domain registrants must comply with applicable laws and are subject to universal policies like the UDRP for trademark disputes.
What happens if I forget to renew my .band domain?
Like most gTLDs, .band domains enter a grace period immediately after expiration, during which you can renew at the standard rate. If not renewed, the domain then enters a redemption grace period, where recovery is possible but involves an additional fee. Finally, if still not recovered, the domain is deleted and becomes available for public registration again. It's advisable to enable auto-renewal to avoid accidental loss.
Can I register a .band domain that includes a trademarked band name?
You can technically register such a domain, but it may be subject to a trademark dispute under policies like the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP). Trademark holders can file a complaint if they believe a registration was made in bad faith. It is recommended to avoid registering domain names that clearly infringe on established trademarks to prevent potential legal challenges and loss of the domain.
Is there a Sunrise or Trademark Claims period for .band?
As a gTLD launched in 2014, .band had a Sunrise period during its initial launch, allowing trademark holders to secure corresponding names early. The mandatory Trademark Claims service, which notifies trademark holders of potentially infringing registrations, also operated for a period. These launch phases are now complete, and registrations proceed under standard, ongoing availability.
