About .dev domain
.dev is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by Google Registry through its subsidiary Charleston Road Registry Inc. It was delegated to the root zone in December 2014 and became publicly available for registration in March 2019. The TLD was proposed under ICANN's New gTLD Program and was subject to name collision mitigation before its launch. It is a standard, unrestricted gTLD sold through commercial registrars.
Who can register .dev domain
Registration for .dev domains is open to anyone globally, with no eligibility restrictions based on geography, profession, or organization type. There are no verification requirements or documentation needed to prove one's status as a developer. Both individuals and companies can register .dev domains through any accredited registrar offering the extension.
How to register .dev domain
- Search for your desired .dev domain name using a domain registrar's search tool 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 or email hosting from different registrars, as fees and bundled features can vary.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate registrant contact information and selecting your desired registration period, which typically starts at one year.
- After purchase, verify your contact details as required by ICANN policy and configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point to your hosting provider.
Typical uses of .dev domain
The .dev extension is predominantly used by software developers, engineers, and technology companies. It serves as a clear, professional namespace for personal portfolios, project documentation, development tools, software libraries, and technical blogs. Developers choose .dev to immediately communicate their field of expertise and to secure a memorable, relevant web address for their technical work, distinguishing their sites from more generic extensions.
Tips for registering .dev domain
- Domains are registered for a minimum of one year, with the option to register for multiple years upfront.
- WHOIS privacy protection is generally available for .dev domains through most registrars, helping to shield personal contact information from public display.
- The TLD is on the HSTS preload list, meaning all .dev websites are required to be served over HTTPS by modern web browsers, enhancing security.
- Be aware that premium .dev domain names may be available at higher, non-standard prices set by the registry, often during the initial launch phases or for particularly desirable keywords.
Frequently asked questions about .dev domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .dev domain?
As of today, .dev domains start from $4.99/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $45.59/yr across 28 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .dev domains?
NameBeta tracks 28 registrars that support .dev domain registration, with the cheapest option at $4.99/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .dev domain?
The registry for .dev domains is Google Registry, administered by Charleston Road Registry Inc..
Who can register a .dev domain?
There are no professional or geographic restrictions for registering a .dev domain; it is available to individuals, freelancers, startups, and large corporations alike. You do not need to provide proof of being a developer or working in the tech industry. Simply choose an available name and complete the registration through any accredited domain registrar that offers the .dev extension.
Can I transfer a .dev domain between registrars?
Transferring a .dev domain between registrars follows standard ICANN procedures, provided the domain is unlocked, the authorization code is obtained, and it has been at least 60 days since registration or a previous transfer. Ensure WHOIS privacy is disabled and any outstanding fees are paid before initiating the transfer. The process typically takes 5-7 days to complete unless manually approved faster by the losing registrar.
Are there any special security considerations for a .dev website?
Yes. The .dev TLD is included on the HSTS preload list maintained by web browsers. This means browsers will automatically enforce a secure HTTPS connection for any .dev website, and will not allow connections over plain HTTP. You must obtain and install a valid SSL/TLS certificate for your .dev domain for it to be accessible in modern browsers.
What was the Early Access Program for .dev?
Prior to general availability, Google Registry conducted an Early Access Program (EAP) starting February 19, 2019. During this period, domains could be registered at a premium price that decreased each day until reaching the standard registration fee. This allowed interested parties to secure names before the official public launch on March 1, 2019.
Does .dev have a Sunrise period for trademark holders?
Yes, a Sunrise period was held from January 16 to February 19, 2019, prior to general availability. This allowed owners of trademarks recorded in the Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH) to register corresponding .dev domains, helping to protect their intellectual property rights during the initial launch phase of the TLD.
