About .legal domain
.legal is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by the registry Donuts (Blue Falls, LLC). It was delegated to the root zone in November 2014 after a private auction process. The TLD was introduced as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program and is managed under a standard Registry Agreement.
Who can register .legal domain
Registration for .legal domains is open to the general public with no eligibility restrictions. Any individual, business, or organization worldwide can register a .legal domain name. There are no requirements to prove affiliation with the legal profession or to provide specific documentation.
How to register .legal domain
- Use a domain registrar's search tool to check if your desired .legal domain name is available, noting that many registrars offer bulk search tools and premium domain listings.
- Compare pricing, renewal rates, and bundled services like WHOIS privacy or email hosting from different accredited registrars that offer the extension.
- Complete the online checkout process, which typically requires selecting a registration term (often 1-10 years) and providing accurate registrant contact details.
- After purchase, verify your contact email and configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point to your website or email service.
Typical uses of .legal domain
The .legal extension is commonly adopted by law firms, solo practitioners, legal technology companies, and legal information services to establish a professional and immediately relevant web address. It provides a clear, industry-specific signal, helping these entities stand out in search results and marketing materials compared to more generic alternatives like .com or .net. Legal blogs, continuing education providers, and professional associations also utilize this TLD to underscore their focus and expertise.
Tips for registering .legal domain
- Domains can typically be registered for a minimum of one year, with many registrars offering terms up to ten years.
- WHOIS privacy protection is generally available for .legal domains, allowing registrants to shield their personal contact information from public view.
- The registry operates a Sunrise Period and Trademark Claims service to help protect registered trademarks during the launch of new domain names.
- Standard ICANN transfer policies apply, but domains may be subject to a 60-day transfer lock following registration or a change of registrant information.
Frequently asked questions about .legal domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .legal domain?
As of today, .legal domains start from $4.99/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $184.17/yr across 33 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .legal domains?
NameBeta tracks 33 registrars that support .legal domain registration, with the cheapest option at $4.99/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .legal domain?
The registry for .legal domains is Identity Digital, administered by Binky Moon, LLC.
Who can register a .legal domain?
There are no professional or geographic barriers to registering a .legal domain. It is available globally to anyone, from multinational law firms and legal startups to individuals creating a personal blog about law. No proof of legal credentials or business license is required during the registration process.
Can I transfer a .legal domain between registrars?
Transferring a .legal domain between registrars follows the standard ICANN procedure. You must first unlock the domain at your current registrar and obtain an authorization (EPP) code. The transfer will be subject to a 60-day lock if the domain was recently registered or if the registrant contact information was recently updated.
What trademark protection mechanisms were in place for the launch of .legal?
Donuts implemented a Sunrise Period, allowing trademark holders to register corresponding domain names before general availability. They also operate a ongoing Trademark Claims service, which notifies trademark owners if someone attempts to register a domain matching their mark and alerts the registrant of potential claims.
Are there any content restrictions for websites using a .legal domain?
There are no specific content policies enforced by the .legal registry that mandate website content be related to legal services. Registrants must, however, comply with the general terms of service of their registrar and applicable laws. The registry's Public Interest Commitment does not impose unique content requirements for this TLD.
How does the redemption period work for an expired .legal domain?
If a .legal domain expires and is not renewed, it will enter a standard redemption grace period (typically 30 days) after the initial auto-renew grace period. During the redemption period, the original registrant can usually recover the domain by paying a redemption fee in addition to the renewal cost, before it is released back to the public for registration.
