About .gov domain
.gov is a sponsored top-level domain (sTLD) originally delegated in 1985 as one of the Internet's first six TLDs. It is administered by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), a component of the United States Department of Homeland Security. The TLD is not sold commercially but is allocated to qualifying entities through a formal authorization process.
Who can register .gov domain
Registration is restricted to U.S.-based government organizations. Eligible entities include federal agencies, state governments, local and territorial governments, and tribal governments recognized by the federal or a state government. To register, an authorized official from the requesting entity must submit an authorization letter to CISA.
How to register .gov domain
.gov domains are not sold through commercial registrars. Registration is managed directly by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) via the get.gov website. Eligible government entities must submit a request through this portal, which includes providing required documentation and an authorization letter from a qualifying official. CISA reviews each application to ensure it meets strict eligibility and naming requirements before delegating the domain.
Typical uses of .gov domain
The .gov extension is used exclusively by official United States government entities to establish their online presence. Federal, state, and local agencies choose this TLD to signal authenticity, security, and official authority to the public, distinguishing their websites from commercial or private sites. Its use is often mandated by federal policy for civilian agencies, reinforcing trust in government digital services.
Tips for registering .gov domain
- There is no registration or annual renewal fee for .gov domains; CISA removed all fees in April 2021.
- Domain names must correspond to the requesting entity's official name or services, with specific naming conventions for state and local governments.
- The TLD has strict policies prohibiting use for political campaign or commercial purposes.
- Registration requires submission of an authorization letter signed by the entity's highest-ranking or elected official, chief information officer, or agency head.
Frequently asked questions about .gov domain
Who operates .gov domain?
The registry for .gov domains is Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
Who can register a .gov domain?
Eligibility is strictly limited to U.S. government entities, including federal, state, local, territorial, and federally or state-recognized tribal governments. Each application must be authorized by a high-ranking official from the requesting organization, such as the agency head or chief information officer, who submits a formal letter to CISA. This process ensures only legitimate government bodies can obtain a .gov domain.
Can I transfer a .gov domain between registrars?
Transferring a .gov domain between registrars is not applicable, as all registrations are managed directly by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) through the centralized get.gov system. If an eligible entity needs to change the administrative or technical contacts for a domain, it must coordinate directly with CISA. There is no commercial registrar market or inter-registrar transfer process for this TLD.
What is the process for authorizing a .gov domain?
The authorization process requires a formal letter on official letterhead from the requesting government entity. The signatory must be the highest-ranking official, such as an agency head, chief information officer, or elected official, depending on the entity type. This letter, which confirms the entity's eligibility and the intended use of the domain, must be submitted to CISA as part of the online application via get.gov. CISA reviews the submission before approving and delegating the domain.
Are there any content or usage restrictions for .gov domains?
Yes, .gov domains are subject to specific usage policies mandated by the DOTGOV Act. They cannot be used for political campaign activities or commercial purposes. Furthermore, the domain name itself must correspond to the requesting entity's official name or the services it provides. CISA maintains these requirements to minimize the risk of misleading or confusing domain names and to preserve the TLD's integrity for official government communication.
How are naming disputes or conflicting requests handled?
The registry, CISA, manages naming conflicts through its established policy framework. Generic terms are generally reserved for federal agencies, though they can be combined with state or locality names. CISA evaluates each requested name for appropriateness and compliance with its rules, which include requirements for state abbreviations or full names in many non-federal registrations. The agency makes final determinations on a case-by-case basis.