About .il domain
.il is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated to Israel. It is one of the earliest registered ccTLDs, having been delegated on 24 October 1985. The domain extension is operated by the Israel Internet Association (ISOC-IL), which manages the registry through its NIC-ISRAEL division. The registry also administers the internationalized domain name (IDN) version, .ישראל.
Who can register .il domain
Registration eligibility depends on the chosen second-level domain (SLD). The .co.il and .org.il SLDs are open to any person or legal entity, intended for commercial and non-profit use respectively. Other SLDs have specific restrictions: .ac.il is for recognized academic institutions, .gov.il for governmental entities, .idf.il for Israel Defense Forces entities, .muni.il for municipal authorities, and .net.il is reserved for licensed Internet Service Providers. The registry reserves the right to screen and reject applications.
How to register .il domain
- First, search for your desired domain name's availability using a registrar that offers .il extensions, specifying the appropriate second-level category like .co.il or .org.il.
- Compare prices, registration terms (typically one year minimum), and add-on services like WHOIS privacy from accredited .il registrars before selecting one.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate registrant contact information as required by the registry's rules.
- After purchase, verify your contact details via email and configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, through your registrar's control panel to point to your hosting.
Typical uses of .il domain
The .il extension is predominantly used by entities and individuals connected with Israel, serving as the primary national online identity. Businesses operating within or targeting the Israeli market commonly register .co.il domains, while non-profits, NGOs, and community groups use .org.il. It is a popular choice for establishing local credibility and relevance, often preferred over generic TLDs for its strong association with the country.
Tips for registering .il domain
- Registrations under .co.il and .org.il are typically for a minimum of one year, with renewal required annually.
- The registry has rules against domain names containing obscene language or content injurious to public order under Israeli law.
- For specific SLDs like .ac.il or .idf.il, you must provide authorization from the relevant governing body (e.g., the Council for Higher Education or the IDF's MAMRAM).
- Domain names must comply with character set rules; Latin-script names use a-z, 0-9, and hyphens, while Hebrew-script names use the Hebrew alphabet, digits, and hyphens.
Frequently asked questions about .il domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .il domain?
As of today, .il domains start from $35.92/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $42.61/yr across 2 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .il domains?
NameBeta tracks 2 registrars that support .il domain registration, with the cheapest option at $35.92/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .il domain?
The registry for .il domains is Israel Internet Association, administered by The Israel Internet Association (RA).
Who can register a .il domain?
Registration is open to any person or legal entity for the .co.il (commercial) and .org.il (non-profit) second-level domains. For other SLDs like .ac.il, .gov.il, or .idf.il, you must be the specific type of institution (e.g., a recognized academic body or a government entity) and may need to provide official authorization. The .net.il SLD is exclusively for licensed Israeli Internet Service Providers.
Can I transfer a .il domain between registrars?
Transferring a .il domain between accredited registrars is generally supported, following standard inter-registrar transfer protocols. You will need to obtain an authorization code (EPP code) from your current registrar and initiate the transfer at the gaining registrar. Ensure the domain is not within a 60-day lock period following a previous registration or transfer, and that the registrant contact information is up-to-date to receive confirmation emails.
What are the character rules for registering a Hebrew-script .il domain?
Hebrew-script domain names can be registered under the .ישראל IDN or within Hebrew third-level domains under SLDs like .org.il. The name can only contain characters from the Hebrew alphabet, digits (0-9), and hyphens. It must not start with a digit, and cannot begin or end with a hyphen or contain two consecutive hyphens. The name must be between 2 and 63 characters in length when represented in its readable form.
How are disputes over .il domain names resolved?
The Israel Internet Association provides an optional dispute resolution process through an Advisory Committee. This process can address conflicts such as trademark infringement or bad-faith registrations. While the UDRP (Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy) may also apply, registrants should refer to the specific rules published by the registry for the official procedure and grounds for filing a complaint.
Can I register a domain directly under .il (at the second level)?
No, direct second-level registrations under .il are not supported. All registrations must occur at the third level under one of the designated second-level domains, such as .co.il, .org.il, .ac.il, or .gov.il. The structure is designed to categorize registrations by the type of entity, ensuring the namespace remains organized.
Are there any content restrictions for .il websites?
Yes, the registry's rules prohibit domain names that contain obscene words, foul language, or names that are injurious to public order or public sensibilities. Furthermore, domain names must comply with the laws of the State of Israel. The registry reserves the right to screen applications and reject those that do not meet these standards.
