About .lds domain
.lds is a community-based generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by IRI Domain Management, LLC, a subsidiary of Intellectual Reserve, Inc. It was delegated to the root zone in November 2014. The TLD was applied for and operates as a Community Priority Application, meaning its registration policies are designed to serve a specific, defined community. Its management is directly accountable to the leadership of the associated organization.
Who can register .lds domain
Registration for the .lds domain extension is highly restricted. Only the registry operator itself, its designated representatives, and specific officers and employees of the associated organization are authorized to register names. Eligibility is further extended to organizations that are formally affiliated with the sponsoring institution. The general public cannot register a .lds domain name.
How to register .lds domain
.lds is not allocated through standard commercial registrars. Domain names are issued through a closed, internal allocation process managed by the registry operator, IRI Domain Management, LLC. Eligible entities, as defined by the community-based restrictions, must submit requests directly to the registry or its designated administrators. The registry evaluates each request against its strict eligibility criteria before approving and delegating a domain name.
Typical uses of .lds domain
The .lds TLD is exclusively used by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its affiliated entities, and its leadership. It serves as a dedicated, trusted namespace for official church communications, resources, and affiliated organizations. This allows the community to establish a clear and authentic online presence distinct from the open domain marketplace, reinforcing the integrity of its digital properties.
Tips for registering .lds domain
- Registration is not available to the general public and is strictly limited to authorized individuals and affiliated organizations.
- As a closed, community-based TLD, standard commercial features like WHOIS privacy or public domain transfers are not applicable.
- The registry maintains full control over all domain registrations, renewals, and policy enforcement within the namespace.
- All domain usage and content are subject to the policies and oversight of the sponsoring organization.
Frequently asked questions about .lds domain
Who operates .lds domain?
The registry for .lds domains is IRI Domain Management, administered by IRI Domain Management, LLC.
Who can register a .lds domain?
Registration is strictly limited to the registry operator (IRI Domain Management, LLC), its designated representatives, and specific officers and employees of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Organizations that are formally affiliated with the Church are also eligible. There is no public registration process; all requests are vetted internally by the registry against these community criteria.
Can I transfer a .lds domain between registrars?
Inter-registrar transfers for .lds domains are not applicable in the conventional sense, as the TLD operates on a closed, non-commercial registry model. Domain management is handled internally by the registry operator. Any reassignment of a domain name from one eligible entity to another would be governed by the registry's internal policies and procedures, not by the standard transfer protocols used for open gTLDs.
What happens if an organization is no longer affiliated with the Church?
The registry's eligibility policies are designed to ensure that only currently affiliated entities hold .lds domain names. If an organization's affiliation status changes, the registry likely has policies to review and potentially reclaim the domain. The specific procedures for this are internal to the registry and the sponsoring organization's governance.
Can trademarks be used to secure a .lds domain?
The standard Sunrise period for trademark holders does not apply to this TLD, as it is a closed community space. Domain allocation is based solely on the registry's defined eligibility criteria related to organizational affiliation and role, not on trademark ownership. Trademark disputes would be handled according to the registry's internal policies rather than public UDRP or URS procedures.
Are there any content requirements for .lds websites?
As a community TLD operated by a specific religious organization, it is expected that all content published on .lds domains aligns with the values and standards of the sponsoring institution. The registry and the Church likely retain the right to enforce content policies and revoke domains for non-compliance, though the specific guidelines are internal to the organization.