About .bj domain
.bj is a country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated to Benin. It was introduced on 18 January 1996 and is operated by the Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques et de la Poste du Bénin (ARCEP BENIN), with registry services provided by JENY SAS. The domain is managed under a public/private partnership model established by Beninese law.
Who can register .bj domain
Registration for .bj domains is restricted. The primary requirement is that the administrative contact for the domain must be located in Benin. There are no explicit citizenship or residency requirements for the registrant themselves, but the administrative contact must be based in the country. The registry also reserves the right to reject names that compromise national security, public order, or morality.
How to register .bj domain
- Search for your desired domain name through an accredited .bj registrar to check its availability, ensuring it does not start or end with a hyphen and is not on the registry's reserved list.
- Select your preferred registration term and any additional services, noting that registrations are available directly at the second level (e.g., example.bj) or at the third level under specific categories like .com.bj.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate registrant details and the mandatory administrative contact information with a local Beninese address.
- Finalize the registration by verifying your contact details and configuring your DNS settings to point the domain to your hosting provider.
Typical uses of .bj domain
The .bj extension is primarily used by entities connected to Benin, including local businesses, government bodies, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations. Many registrants choose a third-level domain like .com.bj or .gouv.bj to clearly signal their sector, such as commerce, tourism, or government services. It offers a locally relevant and trusted online identity for audiences within or related to Benin.
Tips for registering .bj domain
- Registrations are available for various terms, and you must provide an administrative contact with a verifiable address in Benin.
- The registry maintains a list of reserved names (like "bj" and "nic") and terms subject to prior review (including country names and professional titles) which cannot be registered without special authorization.
- Domain names can include a wide range of accented Latin characters and hyphens, but names composed of a single character or only two letters are prohibited.
- Certain sector-specific third-level domains, such as .gouv.bj for government entities, have specific management rules and eligibility criteria.
Frequently asked questions about .bj domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .bj domain?
As of today, .bj domains start from $29.00/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $247.00/yr across 4 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .bj domains?
NameBeta tracks 4 registrars that support .bj domain registration, with the cheapest option at $29.00/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .bj domain?
The registry for .bj domains is Autorité de Régulation des Communications Electroniques et de la Poste du Bénin, administered by Autorité de Régulation des Communications Electroniques et de la Poste du Bénin (ARCEP BENIN).
Who can register a .bj domain?
Registration is open to anyone, but it requires an administrative contact physically located in Benin. This contact does not need to be the registrant but must have a local address. Some sector-specific third-level domains, like .gouv.bj or .assur.bj, have additional eligibility criteria tied to the registrant's organizational type or professional status.
Can I transfer a .bj domain between registrars?
Transferring a .bj domain to a different registrar follows standard inter-registrar transfer protocols, provided the domain is not within a transfer lock period. The gaining registrar will initiate the process, and the administrative contact in Benin will typically need to approve the transfer. It's advisable to ensure the domain is unlocked and that all contact information is current before starting a transfer.
What names are reserved or restricted for registration?
The registry reserves several strings, including "bj", "nic", and "www", which cannot be registered. A broad category of names is also subject to prior review; this includes names of countries and cities, terms related to state institutions, regulated professions, international organizations, and values deemed contrary to public order or morality. Registration of these reviewed names requires special authorization.
Are there content or usage policies for .bj domains?
Yes, the registry's naming charter prohibits domain names that compromise national security, public order, state interests, or morality. Names must not offend religion, language, culture, or political opinions, nor use terms with racist or ethnocentric connotations. The registry has the right to suspend or delete domains that violate these policies.
Can I register a domain directly at the second level?
Yes, registrations are available directly at the second level (example.bj). Alternatively, you can register at the third level under various categorized extensions like .com.bj for businesses or .org.bj for non-profits. The choice depends on your preference for a shorter, generic address or one that immediately denotes your sector or activity.
What dispute resolution policies apply to .bj domains?
The registry's policies reference compliance with international conventions on intellectual property protection. While not explicitly detailing a specific dispute policy like UDRP in the provided sources, domain names registered with national or international trademark authorities are listed as subject to prior review, indicating a mechanism to address trademark-based claims during the registration process.
