About .bn domain
.bn is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated for Brunei. It was first introduced in June 1994 and is currently operated by the registry BNNIC (Brunei Darussalam Network Information Centre Sdn Bhd) under the sponsorship of AITI, the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry. The TLD underwent a formal redelegation process through ICANN in 2014-2015, transferring its management to the current registry entity. As a product, it functions as the national domain space for entities connected to the country.
Who can register .bn domain
Registration under .bn is restricted and requires a local presence. Applicants must be bonafide residents or entities within Brunei. The registry's policies outline specific documentary requirements to verify this eligibility. Registrations are also categorized under specific second-level domains like .com.bn, .edu.bn, and .org.bn, each intended for different types of entities such as commercial companies, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations.
How to register .bn domain
- First, use a registrar's search tool to check if your desired .bn domain name is available, keeping in mind the strict naming policies that prohibit certain terms and the character limit of 63.
- If available, you can proceed with a registrar authorized by BNNIC, such as Imagine or Datastream Digital, to review the registration terms and pricing.
- Complete the checkout process, which will involve submitting your application and the required documentation to prove your local residency or entity status in Brunei.
- After payment, your application will be processed by the registry; upon approval, you will need to configure your domain's DNS settings to point to your hosting provider.
Typical uses of .bn domain
The .bn extension is primarily used by individuals, businesses, and organizations based in or strongly connected to Brunei. Companies operating within the country often register under .com.bn to establish a local commercial identity, while educational and governmental bodies use .edu.bn and .gov.bn respectively. It serves as a clear geographic signal for websites targeting the Bruneian market or community, differentiating them from global alternatives.
Tips for registering .bn domain
- Registration is subject to strict naming policies; domain names cannot contain expressions resembling official or royal names, sovereign country names, or religiously sensitive terms.
- The domain name must consist of roman alphabets, numerals, and hyphens, with a maximum length of 63 characters before the .bn suffix.
- The registry currently restricts registrations to bonafide local residents, with the possibility of opening to international non-residents at its own discretion in the future.
- Disputes are governed by the Brunei Darussalam Dispute Resolution Policy (BDRP), a specific policy for this ccTLD.