About .gold domain
.gold is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by Donuts (June Edge, LLC). It was delegated to the root zone on March 24, 2015, and entered general availability on July 8, 2015. The extension was introduced as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program to expand consumer choice in the domain name marketplace. It is a commercial, open TLD with no inherent restrictions on its registration or use.
Who can register .gold domain
Registration for .gold domains is open to any individual or organization worldwide. There are no geographic, professional, or trademark-based restrictions on who can register. This TLD operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning any eligible entity can secure an available name without needing to verify their connection to a specific industry or community.
How to register .gold domain
- First, use a domain registrar's search tool to check if your desired .gold domain name is available for registration.
- Compare pricing, renewal rates, and add-on services like WHOIS privacy protection across different accredited registrars before selecting one.
- Complete the online checkout process, which typically requires providing registrant contact details and selecting a registration term, often starting at one year.
- After purchase, verify your contact email and configure the domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point it to your website or email service.
Typical uses of .gold domain
.gold domains are commonly used by businesses and individuals within the precious metals industry, such as bullion dealers, refiners, and jewelers, to create a direct and memorable association with their trade. Beyond this primary sector, the extension is also adopted by financial services, luxury brands, and high-value retailers seeking to convey qualities of quality, prestige, and enduring value. Its short, positive connotation makes it a versatile choice for branding across various premium markets.
Tips for registering .gold domain
- Domains can typically be registered for a minimum term of one year, with options to register for multiple years upfront.
- WHOIS privacy services are generally available for .gold domains through participating registrars to shield personal contact information from public view.
- The TLD is subject to standard ICANN transfer policies, allowing transfers between registrars after an initial 60-day lock period following registration or a previous transfer.
- Premium domain names within the .gold space may be available at higher, non-standard prices set by the registry.
Frequently asked questions about .gold domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .gold domain?
As of today, .gold domains start from $4.99/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $214.50/yr across 35 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .gold domains?
NameBeta tracks 35 registrars that support .gold domain registration, with the cheapest option at $4.99/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .gold domain?
The registry for .gold domains is Identity Digital, administered by Binky Moon, LLC.
Who can register a .gold domain?
Yes, .gold is an open TLD with no eligibility requirements. Any person, company, or entity from any location can register a .gold domain, provided the desired name is available. There is no need to prove a connection to the gold industry or any other specific field. Registration is conducted on a first-come, first-served basis through any ICANN-accredited registrar.
Can I transfer a .gold domain between registrars?
Transferring a .gold domain to a new registrar follows the standard ICANN inter-registrar transfer policy. After the initial 60-day lock period expires, you can initiate a transfer by obtaining an authorization code from your current registrar and approving the transfer request. The process usually takes 5-7 days to complete and will extend your registration by one year upon successful transfer.
Are there any special rights protection mechanisms for trademark owners?
As part of the New gTLD Program, the .gold registry implements several rights protection mechanisms. These include a Sunrise Period for trademark holders to secure domains before general availability and the Trademark Claims Service, which alerts both registrants and trademark owners about potential conflicts. Standard dispute resolution procedures like the Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) and Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) also apply.
What happens if I forget to renew my .gold domain?
After a domain expires, it typically enters a renewal grace period of approximately 30 days, during which you can renew it at the standard rate. If not renewed, it may then enter a redemption grace period for an additional 30 days, where recovery is possible but often involves an extra fee. After these periods, the domain is deleted and becomes available for public registration again.
Can I register a .gold domain for multiple years?
Yes, you can usually register a .gold domain for multiple years at the time of initial purchase or during renewal. The maximum registration term is often 10 years. Registering for multiple years can lock in the current price and ensure you don't accidentally lose the domain due to a missed renewal notice.
