About .kids domain
.kids is a proposed generic top-level domain (gTLD) that was part of ICANN's New gTLD Program. It is not currently an active, delegated TLD available for registration. The application process involved multiple applicants, including Amazon and the DotKids Foundation Limited, with the latter applying as a Community Priority Application. The string was subject to a successful similarity objection from Google, which grouped the applications into a single contention set.
Who can register .kids domain
As a proposed TLD, .kids is not available for registration to anyone. The community application from the DotKids Foundation Limited outlined an intent to restrict registrations to organizations and services focused on children. Under that proposed model, registrants would need to adhere to a strict content policy ensuring all material is beneficial and kid-centric.
How to register .kids domain
This TLD has not been delegated and is not sold through commercial registrars. The allocation process would depend on the outcome of ICANN's application and contention resolution procedures. If delegated to the community applicant, a specific policy framework would be established to govern who can request domains and how those requests are evaluated. The final delegation status and operational model remain undetermined.
Typical uses of .kids domain
If delegated, the .kids extension would be intended for websites dedicated to children's content, services, and safety. Its primary use case would be for organizations, charities, educational institutions, and services that create content specifically for a young audience, aiming to provide a trusted and clearly demarcated online space. The TLD would be chosen to signal a safe and appropriate environment for children, differentiating it from more general-purpose extensions.
Tips for registering .kids domain
- As a proposed TLD, there are no active registration terms, pricing, or policies available for review.
- Any future operational model would likely include strict content policies to ensure all material under the .kids namespace is suitable for children.
- The community application proposed a governance structure involving policy development with relevant organizations focused on children's welfare.
Frequently asked questions about .kids domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .kids domain?
As of today, .kids domains start from $5.38/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $34.56/yr across 13 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .kids domains?
NameBeta tracks 13 registrars that support .kids domain registration, with the cheapest option at $5.38/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .kids domain?
The registry for .kids domains is DotKids Foundation, administered by DotKids Foundation Limited.
Who can register a .kids domain?
.kids is not currently a live TLD, so no one can register a domain. If it were to be delegated based on the community application, eligibility would likely be restricted to verified organizations, charities, educational bodies, and services whose primary purpose is creating content for or about children. Registrants would need to demonstrate their focus and agree to enforce content policies that limit material to that which is beneficial for a young audience.
Can I transfer a .kids domain between registrars?
Since .kids is not an active TLD, inter-registrar transfer policies do not exist. If it becomes operational, standard transfer procedures governed by ICANN policy would likely apply, provided the domain is not under a lock for a new registration period. Any community-specific restrictions on eligibility would also apply to transfers, meaning the gaining entity would need to meet the same criteria as the original registrant.
What was the community application's proposed content policy?
The DotKids Foundation Limited's application included a Public Interest Commitment to restrict content to only beneficial, kid-centric material. This meant registrants would be contractually obligated to ensure their website content is appropriate for an audience under the age of 18. The registry intended to enforce this policy to maintain the TLD as a trusted space, potentially through monitoring and a defined compliance mechanism.
How were objections handled during the application process?
Google filed a string similarity objection against the .kids applications from Amazon and the DotKids Foundation, which was successful. This objection grouped the two applications into a single contention set, meaning they would need to resolve their contention (e.g., through negotiation, auction, or community priority evaluation) before one could proceed. Additionally, the European Commission issued a communiqué flagging potential legal and policy concerns with the applications.
What is a Community Priority Application?
A Community Priority Application is a mechanism in ICANN's New gTLD Program where an applicant can claim exclusive right to a string by demonstrating formal support from a defined community and that the application serves a public interest. If the application passes a Community Priority Evaluation, it can win the string without going to auction. The DotKids Foundation applied under this model, seeking endorsements from children's organizations.
