About .bt domain
The .bt domain is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated to the Kingdom of Bhutan. It is operated by the .bt NIC, a service of Bhutan Telecom under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Information and Communication. The extension was introduced in July 1997. It is a product intended for entities connected with Bhutan, with registrations available at both the second and third levels under specific categories.
Who can register .bt domain
Registration is open to both national and international entities, but it is not an unrestricted, open product. National individuals must provide a valid trade license for company-related registrations. Organizations and government offices need a signed authorization letter from the head of the organization. International companies must submit proof of qualifying documents, such as a registered trade license along with an application on company letterhead with a seal.
How to register .bt domain
- First, search for your desired domain name's availability on the official .bt NIC website or through an authorized registrar that offers .bt domains.
- If available, you will need to prepare and submit the required documentation based on your registrant type (e.g., trade license, authorization letter) as part of the application process.
- Submit your application and complete the checkout process, which includes paying the registration fee to the registry or an accredited registrar.
- After payment, your application and documents will be reviewed by the registry; upon approval, you can configure your domain's DNS settings to make it active.
Typical uses of .bt domain
The .bt extension is primarily used by entities with a verifiable connection to Bhutan. Common registrants include local commercial businesses using .com.bt, educational institutions using .edu.bt, and government bodies using .gov.bt. Non-profit organizations and network providers also utilize .org.bt and .net.bt, respectively. Individuals and companies choose this TLD to establish a clear, official online presence tied directly to Bhutan, often for local credibility or to serve the Bhutanese market specifically.
Tips for registering .bt domain
- Registrations require a minimum of three characters for the domain name label.
- Applicants must provide specific documentation, such as a trade license or official letter, to prove eligibility before a domain can be activated.
- The registry offers registrations at both the second level (e.g.,
example.bt) and at the third level under specific categories (e.g., example.com.bt).
Frequently asked questions about .bt domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .bt domain?
As of today, .bt domains start from $224.99/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $253.00/yr across 2 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .bt domains?
NameBeta tracks 2 registrars that support .bt domain registration, with the cheapest option at $224.99/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .bt domain?
The registry for .bt domains is Bhutan Telecom, administered by Ministry of Information and Communications.
Who can register a .bt domain?
Eligibility extends to individuals, companies, organizations, and government offices connected to Bhutan, as well as international companies. The key requirement is providing valid documentation that proves your qualification. For example, a local business needs a trade license, while an international company must submit an application on official letterhead with a seal alongside its license.
Can I transfer a .bt domain between registrars?
Transferring a .bt domain between registrars is subject to the policies of the .bt registry. Typically, you must ensure the domain is unlocked at your current registrar and obtain an authorization code. The transfer request must then be initiated through the gaining registrar, and you may need to reconfirm your eligibility documentation as part of the registry's verification process.
What documentation is needed for a government office to register a .gov.bt domain?
A government office must provide a signed letter from the head of the office authorizing the domain registration. This letter serves as official proof that the domain is being registered for legitimate government use. The application is then submitted to the .bt registry for review and approval before the domain becomes active.
Can I register a .bt domain name directly at the second level?
Yes, the .bt registry allows registrations directly at the second level, such as yourname.bt. Alternatively, you can also register at the third level under specific purpose-based subdomains like .com.bt or .org.bt. The choice depends on your intended use and which namespace best fits your organization's profile.
What happens if my application or documents are rejected?
If your application or supporting documents do not meet the registry's requirements, your registration request will be denied. The registry or your registrar should communicate the reason for rejection. You can typically correct the issue, such as by providing the proper documentation, and resubmit your application for a new review.
