About .co domain
.co is a country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) originally delegated to Colombia in 1991. It is currently managed by the Ministry of Information and Communications Technologies (MinTIC) of Colombia, with registry services operated by .CO Internet S.A.S., a subsidiary of GoDaddy. The extension was re-launched for global registration in 2010, transitioning from a restricted national resource to a commercially available domain product. It operates under policies designed to align with international best practices for domain registration.
Who can register .co domain
Registration for second-level .co domains (like example.co) is open to any individual or entity worldwide without restrictions, domicile requirements, or burdensome documentation. Certain third-level domains have restrictions: .org.co is for non-profit entities in Colombia, .edu.co for Colombian educational institutions recognized by the National Ministry of Education, .mil.co for the Colombian Armed Forces, and .gov.co for Colombian government agencies. For all other registrations, no verification is needed.
How to register .co domain
- Search for your desired .co domain name's availability using any accredited registrar's search tool, checking both the shorter second-level (.co) and traditional third-level (.com.co) options.
- Compare prices, registration terms (from 1 to 5 years), and add-on services like WHOIS privacy from the list of accredited registrars before selecting one.
- Complete the checkout process with your chosen registrar, providing accurate registrant contact information as it will be verified.
- After purchase, configure your domain's DNS settings through your registrar's control panel to point to your hosting provider and complete the setup.
Typical uses of .co domain
The .co extension is commonly adopted by startups, tech companies, and entrepreneurs globally as a modern, concise alternative to .com, leveraging its association with "company" or "corporation." It is also actively used within Colombia for local businesses and organizations. Many major international brands use short .co domains for marketing campaigns or URL shorteners, valuing its brevity and global recognition. Users often choose it for its availability and contemporary feel when the perfect .com name is already taken.
Tips for registering .co domain
- Domains can be registered for a term of 1 to 5 years and are renewable for the same periods.
- WHOIS privacy protection services are generally available for .co domains through accredited registrars.
- The .co registry supports a standard dispute resolution policy (UDRP) for trademark conflicts.
- Premium domain names, including single-letter domains, are available and may carry significantly higher acquisition costs.
Frequently asked questions about .co domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .co domain?
As of today, .co domains start from $4.44/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $69.73/yr across 33 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .co domains?
NameBeta tracks 33 registrars that support .co domain registration, with the cheapest option at $4.44/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .co domain?
The registry for .co domains is Team Internet, administered by Ministry of Information and Communications Technologies (MinTIC).
Who can register a .co domain?
While second-level .co domains are open globally, eligibility for certain restricted third-level domains is based on Colombian residency or official status. For example, to register a .gov.co domain, you must be a verified Colombian government agency. No special documentation is required for standard .co or .com.co registrations, making them accessible to international buyers through any accredited registrar.
Can I transfer a .co domain between registrars?
Transferring a .co domain between registrars follows the standard EPP transfer process, requiring an authorization code from the current registrar. The domain must be unlocked and not within 60 days of initial registration or a previous transfer. Ensure WHOIS privacy is disabled and that the admin contact email is accessible to approve the transfer request initiated by the gaining registrar.
Are there any special sunrise or trademark protection periods for .co?
Yes, the .co launch included structured sunrise periods. Sunrise A allowed owners of registered local trademarks to apply for matching domains, followed by Sunrise B for trademarks of national effect. A Landrush period for high-value names preceded general availability. These periods are now closed, but trademark holders can use the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) to address cybersquatting.
Can I register internationalized domain names (IDNs) under .co?
Yes, the .co registry supports the registration of internationalized domain names in multiple scripts. Supported language groups include Spanish, Scandinavian, Asian (Chinese, Japanese, Korean), and various European languages. These IDNs are converted to the 'xn--' format for technical compatibility but appear in their native characters to users.
What happens if I don't renew my .co domain on time?
After expiration, your .co domain will typically enter a standard grace period during which you can renew it at the regular rate. If not renewed, it will then enter a redemption grace period, where recovery is possible for an additional fee. Finally, if unredeemed, the domain will be deleted and returned to the pool of available names for general registration.
