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    5. .map

    Search For .map Domain

    Type
    Generic top-level domain
    Registry
    Google Registry
    Operator
    Charleston Road Registry Inc.
    Launched
    Registration term
    1–10 years
    DNSSEC
    Supported
    IDN
    Supported

    About .map domain

    .map is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by Charleston Road Registry Inc., a subsidiary of Google. It was delegated by ICANN in June 2017 following a registry agreement signed in 2016. The TLD was applied for by multiple parties during the New gTLD Program, with Google ultimately securing the registry contract after prevailing in a community objection proceeding. As a product, it is a standard, unrestricted gTLD available for public registration through accredited registrars.

    Who can register .map domain

    Registration for .map domains is open to anyone globally without restrictions. There are no geographic, organizational, or trademark-based eligibility requirements to register a .map domain name. Individual registrants, businesses, and organizations can all register a .map domain through any ICANN-accredited registrar that offers the extension.

    How to register .map domain

    1. Search for your desired .map domain name using a registrar's search tool to check its availability. It's useful to have alternative names in mind as your first choice may already be registered.
    2. Compare pricing, registration terms, and add-on services like WHOIS privacy or email hosting from different registrars that offer the .map extension.
    3. Complete the checkout process for your chosen domain, typically selecting a registration period of one to ten years and providing accurate registrant contact information.
    4. After purchase, verify your contact email and configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point it to your website or hosting service.

    Typical uses of .map domain

    The .map extension is commonly used by businesses, services, and projects related to cartography, navigation, and location-based technology. Companies offering mapping software, GPS services, or geographic data often choose .map for its direct, descriptive connection to their industry. It is also adopted by travel guides, event planners, and real estate platforms to highlight location-finding features, providing a memorable and relevant web address that clearly signals their site's purpose.

    Tips for registering .map domain

    • .map domains typically have a minimum registration term of one year and can be registered for up to ten years at a time.
    • WHOIS privacy protection is generally available for .map domains, allowing registrants to shield their personal contact information from the public WHOIS database.
    • The registry may operate a sunrise period for trademark holders and may reserve certain premium domain names, which could be sold at higher prices through participating registrars.
    • Standard ICANN transfer policies apply, meaning domains are typically locked for 60 days after registration or a previous transfer before they can be moved to another registrar.

    Frequently asked questions about .map domain

    Who operates .map domain?The registry for .map domains is Google Registry, administered by Charleston Road Registry Inc..
    Who can register a .map domain?

    Any individual, company, or organization worldwide can register a .map domain, as there are no eligibility restrictions. You do not need to provide documentation proving a connection to mapping or any specific industry. The process is as straightforward as registering a .com or other open gTLD through any participating registrar.

    Can I transfer a .map domain between registrars?

    Transferring a .map domain to a new registrar follows the standard ICANN inter-registrar transfer policy. You must obtain an authorization code (EPP code) from your current registrar and ensure the domain is unlocked and not within a 60-day transfer lock period following registration or a previous transfer. The transfer itself is initiated at the gaining registrar and typically completes within 5-7 days after approval.

    Are there any special rights protection mechanisms for trademark owners?

    Yes, as a gTLD launched under ICANN's New gTLD Program, .map implements standard rights protection mechanisms. These include a Sunrise Period, which allowed trademark owners an early registration opportunity, and the ongoing Trademark Claims service, which provides notifications to potential registrants if a domain matches a recorded trademark. Disputes are handled under the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP).

    What happens if I forget to renew my .map domain?

    If a .map domain expires, it typically enters a standard renewal grace period (often 30-45 days) where you can renew it at the standard rate. After this, the domain may enter a redemption grace period, where recovery is possible for an additional fee. If not recovered, the domain is eventually deleted and becomes available for public registration again through the registry's release schedule.

    Can I register a .map domain that includes non-Latin characters?

    The registration of .map domains is currently limited to standard ASCII characters (a-z, 0-9, and hyphens). The registry has not introduced support for Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs), which would allow characters from other scripts like Cyrillic or Chinese. Therefore, all registered .map domain names must use the Latin alphabet.