About .coop domain
.coop is a sponsored top-level domain (sTLD) operated by DotCooperation LLC, a subsidiary of the National Cooperative Business Association. It was delegated in 2001 as part of ICANN's initial expansion of new gTLDs. The registry is responsible for enforcing strict eligibility policies to maintain the domain's intended use. Surplus revenues from the registry are committed to a Digital Divide Fund to support cooperative development.
Who can register .coop domain
Registration for a .coop domain is restricted. Only bona fide cooperatives, their wholly owned subsidiaries, and organizations that exist to promote or support cooperatives are eligible. Registrants must provide verifiable materials to prove their status. This typically includes an affirmation of membership from two recognized cooperative organizations in their country or region, which is used to verify eligibility before a domain is activated.
How to register .coop domain
- Search for your desired .coop domain name through an accredited registrar to check its availability. Be prepared to provide details about your cooperative status during the search or inquiry process.
- Select an ICANN-accredited registrar that offers .coop registrations and review their specific pricing, which includes the registry's eligibility verification fee. Compare any additional services like DNS management.
- Complete the registrar's checkout process. You will need to submit the required eligibility documentation, such as affirmations from cooperative organizations, for the registry's approval.
- Once your eligibility is verified by the registry, finalize your registration by confirming your contact details. Your domain will then be activated, and you can configure DNS settings through your registrar's control panel.
Typical uses of .coop domain
The .coop extension is primarily used by authentic cooperatives worldwide to clearly signal their business structure and shared values. This includes agricultural co-ops, credit unions, retail cooperatives, and housing co-ops. Organizations that support the cooperative movement, such as federations and development agencies, also use it. Entities choose .coop over generic alternatives to establish immediate credibility and solidarity within the global cooperative community, leveraging the domain's built-in directory and marketing resources.
Tips for registering .coop domain
- Registrations require an upfront eligibility verification by the registry, which involves a separate fee in addition to the standard domain registration cost.
- The registry operates a dispute resolution policy, and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is designated to handle domain name disputes under the .coop space.
- Some generic word domains at the second level are reserved by the sponsor and may be allocated through a proposal process that requires the domain to be made accessible to all relevant cooperatives.
- Active .coop domain holders are automatically included in the online cooperative directory at directory.coop and receive a periodic newsletter from the registry.