About .car domain
.car is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by Charleston Road Registry Inc., a subsidiary of Google. It was delegated to the root zone in September 2015. The extension was introduced as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program and is managed as a standard, open gTLD product.
Who can register .car domain
Registration for .car domains is open to the general public with no restrictions. There are no geographic, organizational, or trademark-based requirements for registrants. Anyone can register a .car domain name through any ICANN-accredited registrar.
How to register .car domain
- Search for your desired .car domain name using a domain registrar's search tool to check its availability.
- Compare prices, registration terms, and add-on services like WHOIS privacy from different accredited registrars before selecting one.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate contact information and selecting your desired registration period, which is typically one year or more.
- After purchase, verify your contact details in the registrar's system and configure your domain's DNS settings to point to your website or email service.
Typical uses of .car domain
The .car extension is commonly used by businesses, dealerships, reviewers, and enthusiasts within the automotive industry to create memorable web addresses. It provides a relevant and specific namespace for websites related to vehicle sales, rentals, services, financing, and information. Entities choose .car to immediately signal their connection to automobiles, offering a clear alternative to more generic extensions.
Tips for registering .car domain
- Domains are typically registered for a minimum of one year, with options to register for multiple years upfront.
- WHOIS privacy protection is generally available for .car domains through most registrars, though you should confirm this during the purchase process.
- The registry has implemented ICANN-mandated rights protection mechanisms, such as the Trademark Clearinghouse, to help protect intellectual property during the registration process.
- Standard ICANN transfer policies apply, meaning domains can usually be transferred between registrars 60 days after registration, provided the domain is unlocked and you have the auth code.
Frequently asked questions about .car domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .car domain?
As of today, .car domains start from $1,863.20/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $4,741.19/yr across 26 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .car domains?
NameBeta tracks 26 registrars that support .car domain registration, with the cheapest option at $1,863.20/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .car domain?
The registry for .car domains is XYZ, administered by XYZ.COM LLC.
Who can register a .car domain?
Registration is open to anyone without restrictions. No special documentation or verification of involvement in the automotive sector is required. You can register a .car domain through any ICANN-accredited registrar that offers the extension, just like a standard .com domain.
Can I transfer a .car domain between registrars?
Transferring a .car domain follows the standard ICANN inter-registrar transfer policy. You must obtain an authorization code (EPP code) from your current registrar, ensure the domain is unlocked, and confirm that it is more than 60 days old and not within 60 days of a previous transfer. The process is initiated at the gaining registrar.
Are there any content requirements for a .car website?
No, the registry does not enforce specific content requirements. While the TLD's stated mission is to provide a space for automotive-related content, registrants are not obligated to use their .car domain for any particular type of website. It functions as an open, unrestricted namespace.
What rights protection mechanisms are in place for .car?
The registry implements ICANN-required rights protection measures, including participation in the Trademark Clearinghouse for Sunrise and Claims periods. Trademark holders can register their marks to receive notifications if someone attempts to register a matching domain and to participate in Sunrise registrations before general availability.
Can I register premium .car domain names?
Yes, the registry may designate certain domain names as "premium." These names often consist of highly desirable, short, or common keywords and are sold at a higher price, often with different renewal rates. Availability and pricing for premium names vary by registrar.
