About .bb domain
.bb is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Barbados, administered by the Telecommunications Unit of the Government of Barbados. It was delegated in September 1991 and has been managed by several entities, including the University of Puerto Rico and Cable & Wireless, before being re-delegated to the government in 2007. The registry maintains a semi-restricted policy, requiring a local presence for registration.
Who can register .bb domain
Registration for .bb domains is restricted to entities with a verifiable local presence in Barbados. Applicants must provide documentation, such as a business registration certificate or a certificate from a relevant ministry, to prove their connection to the country. The registration process is managed directly by the government's Telecommunications Unit, not through commercial registrars. All persons desirous of obtaining a .bb domain must complete the official application form TU052.
How to register .bb domain
.bb domains are not allocated through a standard commercial registrar checkout flow. The process is managed directly by the government's Telecommunications Unit. Interested parties must download and complete the official Domain Name Registration Application Form TU052. This form, along with the required documentation proving local presence and the annual fee, must be submitted to the Telecommunications Unit for review and approval. Successful applicants receive their domain license directly from the registry.
Typical uses of .bb domain
The .bb extension is primarily used by entities with a genuine connection to Barbados. Common registrants include local businesses, commercial entities (often using .com.bb), network providers (.net.bb), non-profit organizations (.org.bb), and government and educational institutions (.gov.bb, .edu.bb). It is chosen by these users to establish a clear, locally trusted online identity tied directly to the country, which is important for credibility and compliance with local regulations. While it sees some usage within Barbados, its restricted nature limits broader international adoption.
Tips for registering .bb domain
- Registrations require an annual fee of BBD$120, which is notably higher than fees for many unrestricted gTLDs.
- Applicants must have a local presence in Barbados and provide supporting documentation, such as business registration certificates.
- The registry does not allow one-character domain names, and two-character names require special permission from the Chief Telecommunications Officer.
- Domain licenses are renewed annually, and the registration process is handled directly with the government's Telecommunications Unit via a specific application form.
Frequently asked questions about .bb domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .bb domain?
As of today, .bb domains start from $151.00/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $446.76/yr across 3 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .bb domains?
NameBeta tracks 3 registrars that support .bb domain registration, with the cheapest option at $151.00/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .bb domain?
The registry for .bb domains is Ministry of Innovation, Science and Smart Technology.
Who can register a .bb domain?
Registration is restricted to individuals, businesses, or organizations with a verifiable local presence in Barbados. This typically requires submitting documentation such as a business registration certificate from the Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property Office (CAIPO) or a certificate from a relevant ministry. The process is not open to the global public without such a connection, and all applications are reviewed by the Telecommunications Unit.
Can I transfer a .bb domain between registrars?
Inter-registrar transfers for .bb domains are not applicable in the conventional sense, as the registry is operated directly by the government and does not utilize a network of commercial registrars. Management of a domain, including any changes in administrative contact, would likely require direct communication and approval with the Telecommunications Unit. The specific policies for changing the entity associated with a domain are governed by the registry's official procedures.
What documentation is needed to prove local presence for a .bb registration?
Applicants must provide official documents that establish their legal or operational connection to Barbados. This can include a business registration certificate issued by the Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property Office (CAIPO), a trade license, or a certificate of incorporation. For individuals or organizations without formal business registration, a certificate from a relevant government ministry attesting to their local activity may be required as part of the application form TU052.
Are there any restrictions on the domain names I can register under .bb?
Yes, the registry enforces specific naming rules. One-character domain names are not permitted under any circumstances. Registering a two-character domain name is possible but requires special permission granted directly by the Chief Telecommunications Officer. Beyond character length, domain names must comply with the registry's general policies and should not infringe on trademarks or other legal rights.
How are disputes over .bb domain names handled?
Legal issues regarding .bb domains are handled by the Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property Office (CAIPO), which is the government arm responsible for intellectual property matters in Barbados. While the specific dispute resolution policy is not detailed in the public source, it would involve local legal frameworks and procedures. Trademark holders or other claimants would need to engage with CAIPO and potentially local courts to resolve conflicts.
