About .capital domain
.capital is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by Donuts (Delta Mill, LLC) through its backend registry provider, Demand Media. It was delegated to the root zone on April 11, 2014, as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program. The application succeeded despite an early warning from the Governmental Advisory Committee, which cited concerns about protecting geographic terms. As a commercial domain product, it is defined as an open TLD intended to provide greater expression on the Internet.
Who can register .capital domain
Registration for .capital domains is open to everyone without pre-registration verification or eligibility restrictions. Donuts' application stated it would not use pre-registration verification, arguing it could deny access to legitimate registrants. The registry plans to control abuse through extensive user and rights protection mechanisms instead. There are no geographic, organizational, or trademark-based requirements for general registration.
How to register .capital domain
- Search for your desired .capital domain name's availability using any ICANN-accredited registrar's search tool.
- Compare prices, registration term lengths, and add-on services like WHOIS privacy or email hosting from different registrars before selecting one.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate contact information and selecting your desired registration period, which typically starts at one year.
- After purchase, verify your contact details via email and configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point to your hosting provider.
Typical uses of .capital domain
The .capital extension is commonly adopted by businesses, financial institutions, investment firms, and consultancies seeking to project an image of strength, centrality, and financial acumen. It is a popular choice for companies in the finance and venture capital sectors, as the term "capital" directly resonates with their core operations. Entrepreneurs and startups also use it for branding related to business hubs or flagship projects, choosing it over more generic alternatives to convey a focused, professional identity.
Tips for registering .capital domain
- The minimum registration term is typically one year, with options to register for multiple years upfront.
- WHOIS privacy services are generally available for .capital domains through most registrars, though you should confirm this during the selection process.
- The registry has stated it will implement extensive rights protection mechanisms, including adherence to the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP).
- Standard grace periods for renewal and redemption policies apply, as mandated by ICANN for gTLDs.
Frequently asked questions about .capital domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .capital domain?
As of today, .capital domains start from $4.99/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $156.37/yr across 33 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .capital domains?
NameBeta tracks 33 registrars that support .capital domain registration, with the cheapest option at $4.99/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .capital domain?
The registry for .capital domains is Identity Digital, administered by Binky Moon, LLC.
Who can register a .capital domain?
While registration is open to all, businesses and trademark holders have access to additional safeguards. The registry committed to implementing rights protection mechanisms as required by ICANN, such as the Trademark Clearinghouse. This provides a sunrise period for trademark owners to register corresponding domains before general availability. There are no special documentation requirements for general public registrants.
Can I transfer a .capital domain between registrars?
Transferring a .capital domain between registrars follows the standard ICANN inter-registrar transfer policy. You must initiate the transfer at the gaining registrar and ensure the domain is unlocked, with WHOIS privacy disabled, and that you have the correct authorization code. Transfers cannot proceed if the domain is within 60 days of initial registration or a previous transfer, or if a registrar lock is active.
What dispute resolution policies apply to .capital domains?
.capital domains are subject to ICANN-mandated dispute policies, including the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) for trademark-based complaints. The registry also committed to having clear remediation and takedown policies as part of its application. For rapid suspension of clear-cut trademark infringement cases, the Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) system may also apply.
Are there any content or usage restrictions for .capital domains?
The registry's application indicated it would be an open TLD without specific content restrictions tied to the string's meaning. However, all registrants must adhere to the registry's acceptable use policy and ICANN requirements. Abuse, such as phishing or malware distribution, is controlled through the registry's stated "extensive user and rights protections" rather than pre-screening content.
How are trademark owners protected during the launch of a .capital domain?
Trademark owners were protected through a sunrise period, which is a standard launch phase for new gTLDs. During this period, verified trademark holders in the Trademark Clearinghouse could register domains matching their marks before the general public. After the sunrise period, a Trademark Claims service provides notifications to potential registrants and trademark owners about possible infringements.
