About .mov domain
.mov is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by Charleston Road Registry Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Google. It was delegated to the root zone in August 2014 as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program. The registry's stated mission is to extend the utility of the DNS by providing a dedicated domain space, and it outsources critical registry functions to Google Registry Services. The TLD was introduced as an open and unrestricted namespace for registration.
Who can register .mov domain
Registration for .mov domains is open to the general public with no restrictions. There are no geographic, organizational, or trademark-based requirements for eligibility. Any individual, enterprise, small business, or organization can register a domain name within this gTLD. Access to the registry services is available to all ICANN-accredited registrars.
How to register .mov domain
- Search for your desired .mov domain name's availability using the search tool at any ICANN-accredited registrar that offers the extension.
- Compare the registration prices, term lengths, and additional features like WHOIS privacy or email forwarding offered by different registrars before selecting one.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate contact information and selecting your desired registration term, which is typically one year or more.
- After purchase, verify your contact details via email and configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point to your hosting provider.
Typical uses of .mov domain
The .mov extension is most commonly used for websites and services related to digital video content. Registrants often choose it to create a direct and memorable association with video files, user-generated content, or movie-related promotions. This makes it a popular choice for individuals sharing personal videos, businesses hosting video repositories, and brands creating promotional landing pages for film or media projects, offering a targeted alternative to broader TLDs.
Tips for registering .mov domain
- Domain names are registered on an annual basis, with a typical minimum term of one year.
- The registry operates an open registration policy with no restrictions on second-level domain names.
- WHOIS privacy services are generally available through most registrars, but you should confirm this during the purchase process.
- Standard ICANN transfer policies apply, allowing inter-registrar transfers subject to a 60-day lock after registration or previous transfer.