About .md domain
.md is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated to the Republic of Moldova in March 1994. The TLD is currently operated by STISC (Service for Information Technology and Cyber Security), which serves as the national registry. It is an open-use ccTLD, meaning it is available for registration by entities both within and outside Moldova. The domain operates under a set of official rules that prohibit names considered offensive or harmful to public order.
Who can register .md domain
Registration for .md domains is open to a wide range of applicants. This includes natural persons and legal entities, whether they are residents or non-residents of Moldova. Institutions of Moldovan central and local public administration are also eligible. There are no specific geographic or professional restrictions, making the TLD accessible to individuals and organizations worldwide. However, all registrants must comply with the registry's rules prohibiting domain names that infringe on intellectual property or incite hatred.
How to register .md domain
- Search for your desired .md domain name using a registrar that offers the extension, checking its availability and ensuring it meets the registry's character requirements (2-63 characters, using letters, numbers, and hyphens).
- Compare pricing and services among accredited registrars, noting that the standard annual registration fee is often around $39, and consider add-ons like WHOIS privacy if offered.
- Complete the checkout process with your chosen registrar, providing accurate registrant contact information as this will be verified.
- Finalize the registration by confirming your email and promptly configuring your domain's DNS settings to point to your web hosting or email service.
Typical uses of .md domain
The .md extension is most commonly used within Moldova by local businesses, organizations, and government institutions to establish a clear national online identity. Internationally, it has gained niche popularity among medical professionals and healthcare organizations who leverage the "MD" abbreviation for "Medical Doctor" for branding purposes, such as for clinic websites or personal portfolios. Additionally, a segment of the tech community uses .md domains for projects related to Markdown documentation or developer tools, appreciating the visual match with the file extension. Users often choose it over more generic TLDs for its memorable and profession-specific connotations.
Tips for registering .md domain
- The minimum registration term is typically one year, and domain names must be between 2 and 63 characters in length, using only Latin letters, numbers, and hyphens.
- The registry's official rules prohibit domain names that infringe on trademarks, incite hatred, discrimination, or violence, or are harmful to public order.
- WHOIS privacy services may be available through some accredited registrars, but you should verify this option during the purchase process.
- Domain disputes are subject to the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP), providing a mechanism for trademark holders to challenge bad-faith registrations.
- Always ensure your registrant contact details are accurate at the time of purchase, as the registry requires valid information for registration.