About .be domain
.be is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Belgium. It is operated by the non-profit organization DNS Belgium, which has managed the registry since 2000, after taking over from its initial administrator at the KU Leuven. The extension was delegated in 1988 and allows for direct registration at the second level. It is a well-established domain product with a standard dispute resolution procedure (ADR) and is sold through accredited registrars.
Who can register .be domain
Registration for a .be domain is open to anyone worldwide; there are no geographic or citizenship restrictions. Individuals, companies, and organizations of any type can register a .be domain name. The registration process must be completed through a registered agent or accredited domain registrar. There are no specific verification or documentation requirements for the majority of registrations, making it a broadly accessible product.
How to register .be domain
- Search for your desired .be domain name's availability using the search tool at any accredited .be registrar. It's wise to check for potential trademark conflicts at this stage.
- Compare pricing, included features like email forwarding, and add-on services such as WHOIS privacy protection across different registrars before selecting one.
- Complete the checkout process with your chosen registrar, providing accurate registrant contact details as required by the registry's terms.
- After purchase, verify your contact email to activate the domain and proceed to configure your DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point the domain to your website or service.
Typical uses of .be domain
The .be extension is very popular within Belgium, used by businesses, individuals, and organizations to establish a local online presence. It is also commonly adopted by international entities for branding purposes, leveraging the recognizable "be" suffix. A notable global use case is by YouTube for its URL shortening service (youtu.be). Users often choose .be for its short, memorable nature and its association with a stable European country.
Tips for registering .be domain
- Domains must be between 2 and 63 characters and can only contain letters a-z, numbers 0-9, and hyphens (with specific placement rules).
- The registry's terms prohibit registering domain names for unlawful purposes, those contrary to public order or morality, or using contact details intended to shield the registrant's real identity.
- An Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) procedure is in place to handle conflicts over domain names.
- Internationalized domain names (IDNs) are supported, allowing for a specific set of accented and special characters commonly used in European languages.
Frequently asked questions about .be domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .be domain?
As of today, .be domains start from $6.00/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $54.40/yr across 20 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .be domains?
NameBeta tracks 20 registrars that support .be domain registration, with the cheapest option at $6.00/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .be domain?
The registry for .be domains is DNS Belgium vzw/asbl.
Who can register a .be domain?
There are no eligibility restrictions based on location or entity type; anyone can register a .be domain. However, you must register through an accredited agent or registrar, as the registry (DNS Belgium) does not sell domains directly to the public. It is crucial to provide complete and accurate contact information during registration, as the registry's terms explicitly prohibit using details intended to hide your real identity.
Can I transfer a .be domain between registrars?
Transferring a .be domain between registrars follows a standard process initiated by gaining an authorization code from your current registrar. The new registrar will then submit a transfer request, which typically requires confirmation from the registrant's listed email address. Ensure your domain is not within a 60-day lock period following a previous registration or transfer, and that all contact details are up-to-date to avoid transfer delays.
What characters are allowed in a .be domain name?
For standard ASCII domain names, you can use letters a-z, numbers 0-9, and hyphens. Names must be 2 to 63 characters long, cannot start or end with a hyphen, and cannot have a hyphen in both the third and fourth positions. Internationalized domain names (IDNs) are also supported, allowing for a specific set of accented characters like é, ä, and ø, following similar length and hyphen placement rules.
What happens if someone registers a .be domain that infringes on my trademark?
DNS Belgium has an established Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) procedure to handle such conflicts. This provides a faster and often less expensive path than litigation. To succeed in an ADR case, you typically need to demonstrate that the domain name is identical or confusingly similar to your trademark, that the registrant has no legitimate interest in it, and that it was registered or is being used in bad faith.
Are there any content restrictions for .be websites?
While there is no proactive content monitoring, the registry's terms and conditions require that the domain name not be used in violation of applicable laws or regulations. This includes prohibitions against use for unlawful purposes, to discriminate, or for content contrary to public order or morality. Violations could lead to a complaint process and potential action by the registry based on a legal order.
