About .family domain
.family is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) delegated to the root zone on August 11, 2015, as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program. It is currently operated by Rightside (now part of Donuts) as the registry provider. The TLD was applied for by multiple entities, including Donuts, Google, and Uniregistry, before Rightside became the delegated registry. Its delegation followed ICANN's standard process for new gTLDs, including addressing name collision considerations.
Who can register .family domain
Registration for a .family domain name is open to the general public worldwide. There are no geographic, organizational, or trademark-based restrictions on who can register. Any individual, family, business, or organization can purchase a .family domain through an accredited registrar without providing special verification or documentation.
How to register .family domain
- Search for your desired .family 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 term lengths, and add-on services like WHOIS privacy or email hosting from different accredited registrars before selecting one.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate 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 provider or website.
Typical uses of .family domain
The .family extension is commonly chosen by individuals and groups seeking to create a shared online presence centered around family connections. It is popular for personal family blogs, photo-sharing sites, reunion planning pages, and genealogical research hubs. Small businesses with a family-oriented brand, such as local shops or service providers that are family-owned, also use this TLD to emphasize their heritage and values. Users select .family for its direct, memorable association with kinship and community over more generic alternatives.
Tips for registering .family domain
- Domains can typically be registered for a minimum of one year, with maximum terms often extending up to ten years.
- WHOIS privacy protection is generally available for .family registrations to keep personal contact details out of public directories.
- Be aware that some .family domain names may be classified as "premium" by the registry, carrying a higher initial and renewal price.
- Standard domain transfer policies apply, allowing transfers between registrars after an initial 60-day lock period, following ICANN's transfer procedures.