About .moe domain
.moe is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by Interlink. It was delegated in 2014 following a successful application in ICANN's New gTLD Program. The registry agreement was signed in late 2013, and the extension entered general availability in July 2014. It functions as a standard, unrestricted gTLD available for registration through accredited domain registrars.
Who can register .moe domain
Registration for .moe domains is open to anyone globally, with no eligibility restrictions. There are no geographic, organizational, or trademark-based requirements to register. Both individuals and entities can apply for a domain name through any ICANN-accredited registrar that has an agreement with the Interlink registry.
How to register .moe domain
- Search for your desired .moe domain name on a registrar's website to check its availability and see if it is offered as a standard or premium name.
- Compare prices, registration term lengths, and add-on services like WHOIS privacy protection from different accredited registrars before adding the domain to your cart.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate registrant contact information and selecting your desired registration period, which typically starts at one year.
- After purchase, verify your contact details via email as required by ICANN policy and proceed to configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point to your hosting.
Typical uses of .moe domain
The .moe extension is commonly used by communities and businesses associated with anime, manga, gaming, and related fan cultures. It provides a niche, identity-focused namespace for fans, creators, and marketers who wish to express their passion for specific characters, series, or hobbies. Websites often use it for fan sites, blogs, portfolios, and online stores targeting this audience, choosing it for its direct cultural resonance over more generic alternatives.
Tips for registering .moe domain
- Domains can typically be registered for a minimum of one year, with multi-year registrations available at most registrars.
- WHOIS privacy protection is generally available for .moe domains, allowing registrants to shield their personal contact information from public view.
- The registry operates standard policies for domain transfers, renewals, and redemption grace periods, similar to other gTLDs.
- Premium domain names are offered by the registry through registrars and may carry higher initial and renewal pricing.
Frequently asked questions about .moe domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .moe domain?
As of today, .moe domains start from $13.05/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $32.99/yr across 20 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .moe domains?
NameBeta tracks 20 registrars that support .moe domain registration, with the cheapest option at $13.05/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .moe domain?
The registry for .moe domains is Interlink Systems Innovation Institute K.K..
Who can register a .moe domain?
There are no restrictions on who can register a .moe domain name; it is open globally to individuals, businesses, and organizations. Registrants must apply through an ICANN-accredited registrar that has a signed agreement with the Interlink registry. No verification of identity or purpose is required beyond the standard ICANN-mandated provision of accurate contact information.
Can I transfer a .moe domain between registrars?
Transferring a .moe domain between registrars follows the standard ICANN inter-registrar transfer policy. You must initiate the transfer at the gaining registrar, ensure the domain is unlocked and the auth code is obtained from the losing registrar, and confirm the transfer via email. Transfers typically extend the registration by one year from the current expiry date.
Are there any content restrictions for .moe websites?
The .moe registry does not impose specific content restrictions on websites beyond universal legal compliance. Registrants must adhere to ICANN's policies and applicable laws, but there are no special rules regarding website theme or subject matter tied to the TLD's cultural origins. Standard dispute resolution policies like the UDRP apply to all domains.
How are trademark rights protected during .moe registrations?
Trademark holders were able to participate in a Sunrise period prior to general availability to secure domains matching their marks. Post-launch, trademark protection is provided through ICANN's standard mechanisms like the Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) and the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) for addressing bad-faith registrations.
What happens if I forget to renew my .moe domain?
After expiration, the domain typically enters a standard renewal grace period where you can renew it at the regular rate. If not renewed, it then moves into a redemption grace period where recovery is possible for an additional fee. Finally, if unredeemed, the domain is deleted and becomes available for public registration again.
