About .cars domain
.cars is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) delegated under ICANN's New gTLD Program. The registry operator is Uniregistry, and the TLD was delegated to the root zone on May 2, 2015. It was awarded to Uniregistry following a private auction in October 2014, where it prevailed over other applicants. The extension is managed as a commercial domain product with open registration.
Who can register .cars domain
Registration for .cars domains is open to anyone globally without restriction. There are no geographic, organizational, or trademark-based eligibility requirements to register a domain. Individuals, businesses, and organizations of any type can register a .cars domain name through an accredited registrar.
How to register .cars domain
- Search for your desired .cars domain name on a domain registrar's website to check its availability and see if it is offered as a standard or premium name.
- Compare pricing, registration term lengths, and add-on services like WHOIS privacy or email hosting from different registrars before adding the domain to your cart.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate registrant contact information and selecting your desired registration period, which is typically one to ten years.
- After purchase, verify your contact email to activate the domain and then configure its DNS settings to point to your website or email service.
Typical uses of .cars domain
The .cars extension is commonly used by businesses, dealerships, manufacturers, and enthusiasts within the automotive industry to create memorable and relevant web addresses. It serves as a direct and descriptive namespace for websites related to vehicle sales, reviews, parts, servicing, and automotive news. Entities choose .cars to immediately communicate their focus on automobiles, differentiating themselves from more generic extensions. This targeted TLD helps in branding and searchability for a wide range of car-related ventures.
Tips for registering .cars domain
- Domains can typically be registered for 1 to 10 years, with renewal required at the end of each term to maintain ownership.
- WHOIS privacy protection is generally available for .cars domains through most registrars, allowing you to shield personal contact details from the public directory.
- Premium .cars domain names with desirable keywords are often sold by the registry at higher, non-standard prices through registrars.
- Standard domain transfer policies apply, allowing transfers between registrars after an initial 60-day lock period following registration or a previous transfer.
Frequently asked questions about .cars domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .cars domain?
As of today, .cars domains start from $1,863.20/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $4,583.73/yr across 26 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .cars domains?
NameBeta tracks 26 registrars that support .cars domain registration, with the cheapest option at $1,863.20/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .cars domain?
The registry for .cars domains is XYZ, administered by XYZ.COM LLC.
Who can register a .cars domain?
There are no eligibility restrictions for registering a .cars domain; it is open to the general public worldwide. This means individuals, auto clubs, repair shops, dealerships, and media companies can all register a name without providing special documentation. The registry operates it as an open gTLD, so registration is first-come, first-served through any ICANN-accredited registrar.
Can I transfer a .cars domain between registrars?
Transferring a .cars domain to a new registrar follows the standard ICANN transfer policy. You must initiate the transfer at the gaining registrar, ensure the domain is unlocked at the current registrar, and obtain the correct authorization code. Transfers are typically prohibited for the first 60 days after initial registration or a previous transfer, and the domain's registration period is extended by one year upon a successful transfer.
Are there any content restrictions for .cars websites?
No, the .cars registry does not enforce specific content policies or require websites to be exclusively about automobiles. While the TLD is marketed toward the automotive sector, registrants are free to use their domains for any lawful purpose. This is consistent with most open gTLDs, where the registry does not audit or restrict website content based on the domain name's meaning.
How are disputes over .cars domain names handled?
Disputes are governed by ICANN's Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP), which applies to all open gTLDs. Trademark holders can file a UDRP complaint to challenge registrations made in bad faith. The registry also likely participates in the Trademark Clearinghouse, providing a Sunrise period for trademark owners and a Trademark Claims service to notify potential registrants of existing trademark rights.
What happens if I don't renew my .cars domain on time?
After expiration, your domain typically enters a renewal grace period (often 30-45 days) where you can renew it at the standard rate. If not renewed, it then enters a redemption grace period, where recovery is possible for an additional fee. Finally, if not redeemed, the domain is deleted from the registry and becomes available for public registration again on a first-come, first-served basis.
