About .bm domain
.bm is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Bermuda. It is managed by the Registry General Department of Bermuda's Ministry of Home Affairs, operating as the Bermuda Network Information Centre (Bermuda NIC). The TLD was originally delegated in March 1993 and was redelegated to the Registrar General of Bermuda in 2007. It is intended for entities connected with Bermuda and registrations are permitted directly at the second level or under specific third-level labels.
Who can register .bm domain
Registration for a .bm domain name is restricted. The registrant must be a company, organization, charity, or individual located in Bermuda. For entities, documentary evidence of legal registration is required. For individual registrants, proof of Bermudian residency and a photo ID must be provided as part of the validation process. A Domain Name Registered Agent must also be appointed.
How to register .bm domain
- Search and Select: Identify your desired .bm domain name and choose an appropriate second-level (.bm) or third-level label (like .com.bm or .org.bm) based on your intended use, as each has a designated purpose.
- Submit Application: Through the official BermudaNIC website or an authorized agent, complete the application form, providing all required registrant and contact details, including the name of your appointed Domain Name Registered Agent.
- Validation and Approval: The BermudaNIC Registry will review your application, which includes verifying your eligibility, conducting an Internet search against third-party rights, and requesting details on the intended use and nature of business for the domain name. You must submit any required residency or incorporation documentation.
- Complete Registration: Once your application is validated and approved, you will complete the registration by accepting the legal agreement and paying the required fee to the BermudaNIC Registry to activate the domain.
Typical uses of .bm domain
The .bm extension is primarily used by businesses, organizations, and individuals with a legitimate connection to Bermuda, serving as their official online presence. Companies often register under .com.bm or .co.bm for commercial activities, while non-profits and professional bodies use .org.bm. Individuals and small businesses may use the second-level .bm or .biz.bm. It is chosen to establish local credibility and to clearly signal a genuine connection to Bermuda, distinguishing it from generic global TLDs.
Tips for registering .bm domain
- Registrations require a minimum term, typically one year, and must be renewed before expiration to avoid cancellation.
- The registry conducts a manual validation process for each application, which can include checks for intellectual property conflicts and verification of residency or corporate status.
- The BermudaNIC Registry maintains a list of reserved names, including geographical terms and names suggesting a link to the Bermudian government or British monarchy, which are generally unavailable for public registration.
- Domain names must be between 3 and 63 characters long and can only contain letters a-z, numbers 0-9, and hyphens (which cannot start or end the name).
Frequently asked questions about .bm domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .bm domain?
As of today, .bm domains start from $161.00/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $225.57/yr across 3 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .bm domains?
NameBeta tracks 3 registrars that support .bm domain registration, with the cheapest option at $161.00/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .bm domain?
The registry for .bm domains is Registry General Department, Ministry of Home Affairs.
Who can register a .bm domain?
Registration is limited to companies, organizations, charities, or individuals located in Bermuda. Individual applicants must provide proof of Bermudian residency (such as a utility bill or driver's license) along with a government-issued photo ID during the validation process. Corporate entities must submit documentary evidence of their legal registration, such as a certificate of incorporation.
Can I transfer a .bm domain between registrars?
Transferring a .bm domain to a different registrar involves updating the Domain Name Registered Agent information and ensuring the new agent is authorized. The process is governed by the BermudaNIC Registry's policies, and the registry must be notified of any change in the managing agent. It is essential to confirm that both the gaining and losing agents are recognized by the registry to facilitate a smooth transfer.
What are the rules for choosing a .bm domain name?
Domain names must be between 3 and 63 characters and can only contain letters, numbers, and hyphens (though hyphens cannot be at the start or end). The registry prohibits names that are defamatory, obscene, or abusive. Crucially, deliberate misspellings of existing domain names or trademarks to divert traffic are not allowed, and the registry will review applications for potential intellectual property conflicts.
What happens if I use my .bm domain for prohibited activities?
The BermudaNIC Registry reserves the right to cancel, suspend, or transfer a domain name registration if it is used for prohibited activities. These include spamming, intellectual property violations, distributing malware, or any illegal activities. The registry may take action to protect its integrity or if it deems the use to be in bad faith or against the interests of Bermuda.
Can I register a .gov.bm domain?
No, the .gov.bm domain is exclusively reserved for use by the Government of Bermuda and is not available for public or commercial registration. The registry maintains a reserved names list that includes this and other designations that suggest an official government link, which are protected from general registration.
How does the dispute resolution process work for .bm domains?
The registry's legal agreement outlines circumstances considered evidence of bad faith registration, such as cybersquatting on trademarks. While a specific dispute policy (like UDRP) is not detailed in the provided source, the registry has the authority to make changes to a registration based on its review. For formal trademark disputes, registrants would likely need to engage legal channels or follow any dispute procedures established by the BermudaNIC.
