About .law domain
.law is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by Minds + Machines (MMX). It was delegated to the DNS root zone in June 2015. This TLD is a restricted, industry-specific extension designed to serve as a distinct and trusted namespace for a particular professional community, following a competitive application process during ICANN's New gTLD Program.
Who can register .law domain
Registration for a .law domain is restricted to qualified legal professionals and entities. Eligible registrants include licensed lawyers, barristers, solicitors, and recognized law firms worldwide. To register, applicants must pass an independent third-party verification process to confirm their professional credentials and standing within the legal industry. This restriction is enforced to maintain the integrity and purpose of the TLD.
How to register .law domain
- First, use a domain registrar's search tool to check if your desired .law domain name is available, keeping in mind that all registrants must be pre-verified.
- Next, if you are a qualified legal professional, you must initiate and complete the third-party verification process through the registry or your chosen registrar to prove your eligibility before purchase.
- Once verified, you can proceed to checkout with an accredited registrar, paying for your chosen registration term.
- Finally, after purchase, you will need to configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to connect it to your website or email service.
Typical uses of .law domain
The .law extension is primarily used by legal professionals and law firms to establish a clear, industry-specific online identity. Lawyers, barristers, solicitors, and legal practices choose this TLD to signal their professional specialization and build trust with clients seeking legal services. It offers a distinct alternative to more generic extensions, allowing legal entities to rebrand their online presence within a dedicated and credible namespace for the legal profession.
Tips for registering .law domain
- Registration requires successful completion of a mandatory, independent third-party verification to confirm the registrant's status as a qualified legal professional or entity.
- The TLD operates under specific registry policies designed to maintain its restricted nature, which may include periodic audits of registrant eligibility.
- WHOIS privacy services may be available but are subject to the registry's policies, which prioritize verifying the identity of legal practitioners.
- Domain transfers between registrars are possible but will likely require the registrant to re-verify their eligibility with the gaining registrar or the registry.
Frequently asked questions about .law domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .law domain?
As of today, .law domains start from $80.99/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $374.34/yr across 27 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .law domains?
NameBeta tracks 27 registrars that support .law domain registration, with the cheapest option at $80.99/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .law domain?
The registry for .law domains is GoDaddy Registry, administered by Registry Services, LLC.
Who can register a .law domain?
Registration is open to licensed legal professionals such as lawyers, barristers, and solicitors, as well as officially recognized law firms globally. The registry mandates that each applicant successfully completes a verification process conducted by an independent third party to confirm their professional credentials. This ensures the namespace remains exclusive to the legal community.
Can I transfer a .law domain between registrars?
Transferring a .law domain to a new registrar follows standard inter-registrar transfer protocols but is contingent on the registrant maintaining their verified eligibility status. The gaining registrar or the registry may require you to re-submit verification documents during the transfer process. It's advisable to confirm any specific transfer policies with both your current and prospective registrars before initiating the transfer.
What happens if my legal license expires or I am no longer qualified?
The registry for .law has policies to maintain the integrity of its restricted namespace. If a registrant's professional license expires or they no longer meet the eligibility criteria, they may be in violation of the registration agreement. This could potentially lead to the suspension or loss of the domain name, as the TLD is intended solely for active, qualified legal practitioners.
Can I register a .law domain for a legal blog or news site if I'm not a practicing lawyer?
No, the .law TLD is strictly reserved for qualified legal professionals and entities providing legal services. A legal blog or news site operated by a journalist, academic, or other non-practicing individual would not typically pass the mandatory third-party verification required for registration. Such entities would need to consider alternative, open TLDs for their online presence.
Are there any content requirements for websites using a .law domain?
While the primary restriction is on registrant eligibility, the registry's purpose is to create a trusted space for the legal profession. Although not explicitly detailed in the provided source, registrants are expected to use the domain in a manner consistent with professional legal services. The registry likely retains rights to address misuse that could damage the TLD's reputation.
