About .capetown domain
.capetown is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by ZA Central Registry (ZACR). It was delegated to the root zone on June 5, 2014, as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program. The extension was established as a geographic identifier for the city, but operates as an unrestricted, open gTLD under the ICANN framework. Its management is informed by the same consensus-driven policies that govern other gTLDs.
Who can register .capetown domain
Registration for .capetown domains is open to all interested parties globally. There are no geographic, organizational, or trademark-based restrictions for general availability. During the initial launch phases, the Cape Town Municipality and the South African national government were given a limited opportunity to reserve names. Following those periods, the TLD operates on a standard first-come, first-served basis for any registrant.
How to register .capetown domain
- Search for availability: Use a domain registrar's search tool to check if your desired .capetown name is available. It's wise to check variations, as shorter or more common names may already be registered.
- Compare registrars: Review different accredited registrars for their pricing, registration term lengths (commonly 1-10 years), and included services like WHOIS privacy or email forwarding.
- Complete purchase: Add the domain to your cart and proceed through the checkout, providing accurate registrant contact details as required by ICANN policy.
- Configure DNS: After purchase, access your registrar's control panel to point your domain's nameservers to your hosting provider and manage other DNS settings like A or MX records.
Typical uses of .capetown domain
The .capetown domain is primarily used by individuals, businesses, and organizations with a direct connection to the City of Cape Town. It serves as a proud online identifier for local tourism boards, restaurants, hotels, cultural institutions, and community projects, helping them establish a strong local presence. Entities choose this TLD to immediately signal their geographic location and association with the city's brand, often to support local tourism or community engagement. It provides an alternative to more generic extensions by offering a name that is intrinsically linked to the region.
Tips for registering .capetown domain
- Registrations follow a standard first-come, first-served model after any applicable sunrise or land rush periods.
- As an unrestricted gTLD, standard ICANN policies for transfers, renewals, and grace periods apply.
- WHOIS privacy services are typically available through accredited registrars, subject to their individual offerings.
- The registry's policies are guided by ICANN's multi-stakeholder processes for issues like disputes and cancellations.
Frequently asked questions about .capetown domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .capetown domain?
As of today, .capetown domains start from $8.35/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $151.96/yr across 12 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .capetown domains?
NameBeta tracks 12 registrars that support .capetown domain registration, with the cheapest option at $8.35/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .capetown domain?
The registry for .capetown domains is ZA Central Registry NPC trading as ZA Central Registry.
Who can register a .capetown domain?
The TLD is open for registration to anyone worldwide without the need to prove a local presence or affiliation. While the initial launch included priority registration phases for the Cape Town Municipality and South African government, general availability has no eligibility restrictions. This makes it accessible to individuals, businesses, and organizations anywhere who wish to associate their online identity with Cape Town.
Can I transfer a .capetown domain between registrars?
Transfers between ICANN-accredited registrars for .capetown domains follow the standard Inter-Registrar Transfer Policy. You will need to obtain an authorization code (EPP code) from your current registrar and ensure the domain is unlocked and not within 60 days of initial registration or a previous transfer. The gaining registrar will initiate the process, which requires confirmation from the registrant.
Were there special launch phases for .capetown?
Yes, the launch included sunrise and land rush periods before general availability. During the sunrise phase, trademark holders could register names matching their validated marks. A limited opportunity was also provided for the Cape Town Municipality and the South African national government to reserve names for official use. These phases helped manage initial demand and protect certain rights.
What dispute resolution policies apply to .capetown?
.capetown domains are subject to ICANN-mandated rights protection mechanisms, including the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) and the Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) system. These policies allow trademark owners to challenge registrations made in bad faith. The registry also implemented a Sunrise period for trademark validation during the launch.
Can I register a .capetown domain for multiple years?
Yes, you can typically register a .capetown domain for a period between 1 and 10 years at the time of initial registration, depending on your registrar's offerings. You can also renew the domain for additional terms upon expiration. It's advisable to check with your chosen registrar for their specific term limits and auto-renewal settings.
