About .city domain
.city is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by Donuts Inc. through its subsidiary Snow Sky, LLC. It was delegated to the root zone in 2014 following the ICANN New gTLD Program. The application process involved a private auction to resolve contention among multiple applicants. The registry has submitted Public Interest Commitments regarding its operation.
Who can register .city domain
Registration for .city domains is open to anyone globally without restrictions. There are no geographic, organizational, or trademark-based requirements to register a domain. Both individuals and entities can register a .city domain name through accredited registrars. No special verification or documentation is needed during the registration process.
How to register .city domain
- Search for your desired .city domain name on a registrar's website to check its availability and see if it is offered as a standard or premium name.
- Compare pricing, registration terms, and add-on services like WHOIS privacy protection between different ICANN-accredited registrars.
- 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 and configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point to your hosting or website.
Typical uses of .city domain
The .city extension is commonly adopted by municipal governments, urban development projects, local tourism boards, and city-focused media or blogs. Businesses and services that emphasize their metropolitan location or urban lifestyle, such as restaurants, event venues, and real estate agencies, also use this TLD. It provides a clear, thematic alternative to generic extensions like .com, instantly signaling a connection to urban environments and civic life.
Tips for registering .city domain
- Domains can typically be registered for 1 to 10 years, with renewal required to maintain ownership.
- WHOIS privacy protection services are generally available for .city domains through most registrars.
- Standard domain transfer policies apply, allowing transfers between registrars after an initial 60-day lock period.
- The registry operates a Sunrise Period and Trademark Claims service to protect trademark holders.
- All registrants must comply with the registry's Acceptable Use and Anti-Abuse Policy.
Frequently asked questions about .city domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .city domain?
As of today, .city domains start from $3.99/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $80.76/yr across 36 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .city domains?
NameBeta tracks 36 registrars that support .city domain registration, with the cheapest option at $3.99/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .city domain?
The registry for .city domains is Identity Digital, administered by Binky Moon, LLC.
Who can register a .city domain?
Anyone can register a .city domain, as there are no eligibility restrictions. The registration process is the same for individuals, businesses, and organizations anywhere in the world. You will need to provide standard registrant contact details, but no proof of affiliation with a specific city or municipality is required.
Can I transfer a .city domain between registrars?
Transferring a .city domain follows standard ICANN transfer procedures. The domain must be unlocked at the current registrar, and you must obtain an authorization code. Transfers are typically prohibited for the first 60 days after registration or a previous transfer. The process usually takes 5-7 days to complete once initiated.
Are there any special protections for geographic names?
The registry has Public Interest Commitments that include protections for geographic names at the second level. Certain names, such as those of cities or other geographic entities, may be reserved or have special registration requirements. This was a point addressed during the application process following GAC Early Warnings.
What dispute resolution policies apply to .city domains?
The Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) applies to .city domains for trademark disputes. Additionally, the registry participates in the Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) system for clear-cut cases of trademark infringement. Rights holders can also utilize the Trademark Claims service for notifications during domain registration.
Can I register a .city domain during a Sunrise Period?
The Sunrise Period for .city domains has concluded. It was a phase prior to general availability where verified trademark holders could register domains matching their marks. Future Sunrise periods are not typically re-opened for gTLDs after the initial launch phases are complete.
