About .cf domain
.cf is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for the Central African Republic, administered by the Societe Centrafricaine de Telecommunications (SOCATEL). It was delegated in 1996. Historically, it was notable for being offered for free registration through a partnership with Freenom, but following legal settlements in 2024, new registrations were closed and the domain is no longer available through commercial registrars.
Who can register .cf domain
Registration of .cf domains is currently closed to the public. The registry has ceased accepting new registrations. There are no active commercial registration channels available for individuals or entities at this time.
How to register .cf domain
.cf domains are not currently issued through a commercial registration process. Following the exit of its former commercial partner from the domain business, the registry has closed off new registries. The Central African Republic now owns the domain, and allocation is not handled through standard registrar channels. Interested parties would need to contact the registry operator, SOCATEL, directly for any potential future allocation processes, though no public process currently exists.
Typical uses of .cf domain
The .cf extension was historically used for a wide variety of purposes due to its free registration model, attracting users globally for personal projects, link shortening, and experimental sites. While intended for entities connected with the Central African Republic, its actual use was predominantly outside the country. Some users chose it for its brevity or for creating emoji domain names, which the registry supported.
Tips for registering .cf domain
- New registrations of .cf domains are not currently possible, as the registry has closed this service.
- Historically, free registrations through Freenom had restrictions, marking potentially valuable domains (like short names or trademarked terms) as "high value" and unavailable for free claim.
- The registry previously allowed the registration of emoji domain names under this extension.
- For existing domains, dispute resolution via the UDRP was applicable only to paid domains, not those obtained for free.
Frequently asked questions about .cf domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .cf domain?
As of today, .cf domains start from $24.35/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $24.35/yr across 1 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .cf domains?
NameBeta tracks 1 registrars that support .cf domain registration, with the cheapest option at $24.35/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .cf domain?
The registry for .cf domains is SOCATEL, administered by Societe Centrafricaine de Telecommunications (SOCATEL).
Who can register a .cf domain?
Currently, no one can register a new .cf domain, as the registry has suspended new registrations. Historically, registration was open globally with no geographic or organizational restrictions, though certain "high value" domain names were excluded from the free registration offering.
Can I transfer a .cf domain between registrars?
With new registrations closed, the standard inter-registrar transfer process is not applicable. For existing domain holders, transfer policies would depend on the terms of their current registrar, but the overarching registry status means managing existing registrations may be complex and subject to change.
Were .cf domains really free to register?
Yes, for a period, many .cf domains were offered for free registration through Freenom's platform. However, this did not apply to all names; the registry designated certain "high value" domains, including short names, common dictionary words, and trademarked terms for major companies, as unavailable for free registration.
What happens to my existing .cf domain now?
The status of existing registrations is uncertain following the registry changes. Domain holders should contact their current registrar for specific information about renewal, management, or expiration policies, as the registry operator's future plans for maintaining existing domains have not been publicly detailed.
Does the UDRP apply to .cf domains?
The Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) historically applied only to .cf domains that were paid for. Domains registered for free through the previous system were not subject to the UDRP, which could complicate trademark dispute resolutions for those specific names.
Can I register a domain with an emoji under .cf?
The .cf registry previously supported the registration of emoji domain names. However, with the suspension of all new registrations, this feature is no longer available for new domains. Existing emoji domain registrations would remain subject to the same uncertain status as all other .cf domains.
