About .hm domain
.hm is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated for the Heard and McDonald Islands. It is managed by the HM Domain Registry and was introduced in July 1997. The domain is operated as an open ccTLD, allowing global registrations directly at the second level, and is not used by the Australian government for its official territorial presence.
Who can register .hm domain
Registration for .hm domains is open to persons and companies anywhere in the world; there are no geographic or citizenship restrictions. The registry does not require specific documentation or verification of a connection to the Heard and McDonald Islands. However, registrants must comply with the registry's content and naming policies.
How to register .hm domain
- Search for your desired .hm domain name on the HM Domain Registry website or a participating registrar to check its availability, ensuring it meets the technical requirements of being at least three characters long and starting with a letter.
- If available, you can proceed to register directly through the registry's own platform, comparing any offered services like email hosting.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate registrant contact details as required by the registry's policies.
- After registration, manage your domain's DNS settings through the registry's control panel to point it to your web hosting or email services.
Typical uses of .hm domain
The .hm extension is used by a diverse global audience, often chosen for creative or brandable domain names due to its short, memorable nature. While historically associated with the Heard and McDonald Islands, it sees practical use by businesses, projects, and individuals worldwide, including some entities in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia. Registrants typically select it for its uniqueness and the availability of short names at the second level, rather than for a geographic connection.
Tips for registering .hm domain
- Domains must be at least three characters long, can only contain alphanumeric characters and hyphens, and must begin with a letter.
- The registry prohibits obscene or offensive domain names, names implying an interest in managing the .hm namespace, and the registration of common surnames.
- The use of .hm domains for sending unsolicited commercial email (spam) is strictly forbidden and can result in the termination of the domain and related domains.
- All registrations are made directly at the second level (e.g.,
example.hm), as third-level registrations under categories like .com.hm are not offered.
Frequently asked questions about .hm domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .hm domain?
As of today, .hm domains start from $47.15/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $169.00/yr across 4 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .hm domains?
NameBeta tracks 4 registrars that support .hm domain registration, with the cheapest option at $47.15/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .hm domain?
The registry for .hm domains is HM Domain Registry.
Who can register a .hm domain?
Registration is open globally to any individual or company without requiring proof of residency or affiliation with the Heard and McDonald Islands. The primary requirements are adherence to the technical naming rules and content policies set by the HM Domain Registry. There are no special application forms or pre-approval processes for general registrations.
Can I transfer a .hm domain between registrars?
Transferring a .hm domain between registrars follows standard ICANN transfer procedures, provided the domain is unlocked and an authorization code is obtained from the current registrar. The HM Domain Registry's own platform acts as the registrar for direct registrations, so transfers would involve moving the domain to or from their service to another accredited provider. It is advisable to confirm the domain's status and any specific registry transfer policies before initiating the process.
Are there any content restrictions for .hm websites?
Yes, the registry enforces policies against obscene or otherwise offensive content associated with .hm domain names. Furthermore, using a .hm domain to send unsolicited bulk email can lead to immediate termination of the domain registration. The registry also reserves the right to remove domains that imply an interest in the management of the .hm domain space itself.
Can I register a common surname as a .hm domain?
No, the registration of surnames contained in reputable databases is explicitly prohibited by the HM Domain Registry. These names are reserved for use by MY.HM, a service provider that supports the registry's operations. Individuals interested in services using a surname.hm address should contact MY.HM directly rather than attempting to register the domain.
What happens if I violate the registry's acceptable use policy?
Violations, particularly related to spam email originating from or advertising a .hm domain, may result in the termination of service and removal of the affected domain from the DNS. The registry's policy states that "related domains"—those sharing registrant or contact details with the violating domain—may also be removed, emphasizing the importance of strict compliance.
