About .help domain
.help is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by Uniregistry. It was delegated to the root zone in August 2014 after Uniregistry prevailed in a private auction against two other applicants. The extension is a standard, open gTLD with no inherent restrictions on its use or purpose as a domain product.
Who can register .help domain
Registration for .help domains is open to anyone globally. There are no geographic, organizational, or trademark-based restrictions for general availability registrations. During its initial launch, a Sunrise period was held to allow trademark holders to secure corresponding names, but since then, it has operated on a first-come, first-served basis.
How to register .help domain
- Search for your desired .help domain name on a registrar's website to check its availability and see if it is offered as a standard or premium name.
- Compare the registration and renewal prices, as well as add-on services like WHOIS privacy, across different ICANN-accredited registrars that carry the TLD.
- Complete the checkout process, which typically requires selecting a registration term (often one year or more) and providing accurate registrant contact details.
- After purchase, verify your contact email and configure the domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point it to your hosting or service.
Typical uses of .help domain
The .help extension is commonly used by businesses, organizations, and individuals to create dedicated support and informational hubs. Companies often use it for customer service portals, FAQ sites, or knowledge bases, while communities and projects may use it for volunteer coordination or tutorial content. Its intuitive meaning makes it a clear choice for directing users to assistance resources over more generic alternatives.
Tips for registering .help domain
- Domains can typically be registered for a minimum term of one year, with options to register for multiple years upfront.
- WHOIS privacy protection services are generally available for .help domains through most registrars.
- Be aware that premium .help domain names may be priced significantly higher than standard registrations and often have different renewal fees.
- Standard domain transfer policies apply, but a 60-day transfer lock is usually applied after registration or a registrant change.
Frequently asked questions about .help domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .help domain?
As of today, .help domains start from $0.99/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $71.71/yr across 33 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .help domains?
NameBeta tracks 33 registrars that support .help domain registration, with the cheapest option at $0.99/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .help domain?
The registry for .help domains is Innovation Service, administered by Innovation Service Ltd.
Who can register a .help domain?
Anyone can register a .help domain without needing to provide specific documentation or prove affiliation with a support organization. During the initial launch, trademark owners had priority access, but the TLD is now fully open for public registration through any participating ICANN-accredited registrar.
Can I transfer a .help domain between registrars?
Transferring a .help domain between registrars follows the standard ICANN procedure. You must initiate the transfer at the gaining registrar, ensure the domain is unlocked and that you have the correct auth code, and then approve the transfer request. Transfers cannot be processed within 60 days of a registration or a previous registrant change.
Are there any content restrictions for .help websites?
No, the .help registry does not enforce specific content policies or require websites to be solely about help or support. Registrants have full discretion over the content hosted on their .help domains, subject to applicable law and the registry's general acceptable use policy.
How are trademark disputes handled for .help domains?
Trademark disputes are governed by ICANN's Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP). Trademark holders can file a UDRP complaint if they believe a .help domain was registered and is being used in bad faith. The registry also operated a Sunrise period for trademark validation at launch.
What happens if I forget to renew my .help domain?
Standard renewal grace periods apply. After expiration, the domain typically enters a renewal grace period (often 30-45 days) where you can renew it at the standard rate. If not renewed, it may then enter a redemption grace period for an additional fee before being released for public registration again.
