About .nc domain
.nc is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated in October 1993. It is operated by the Office des Postes et Telecommunications (OPT-NC), the telecommunications authority for New Caledonia. The registry manages the domain space with specific rules for registration at the second level and under designated second-level domains like .asso.nc and .nom.nc.
Who can register .nc domain
Registration is restricted to entities and individuals with a verifiable local presence in New Caledonia. Eligible registrants include legal entities registered in New Caledonia, self-employed professionals operating there, and adult private individuals who have been resident for more than six months. All applicants must provide documentation, such as a RIDET database extract or proof of address and identity, to prove their eligibility.
How to register .nc domain
.nc domains are not allocated through a standard commercial registrar checkout process. Applications must be submitted directly to the Office des Postes et Telecommunications, the registry operator. The process involves submitting an online request along with the required eligibility documentation for verification. The registry reviews the application against its charter, which includes checking for prohibited terms and ensuring the domain name complies with all formatting and content rules. Upon approval, the domain is delegated to the applicant.
Typical uses of .nc domain
The .nc extension is primarily used by businesses, associations, and residents connected to New Caledonia. Companies and local organizations use it to establish a clear territorial identity and signal their physical or operational presence in the collectivity. Individuals may register a .nom.nc domain for personal use, such as a portfolio or email address. While it sees some use in North Carolina due to the abbreviation, its core utility remains for entities within or targeting the New Caledonian market.
Tips for registering .nc domain
- Registrations require a minimum term of one year, with renewals possible for one-year periods.
- The registry maintains a list of prohibited terms, including generic words linked to crimes, state functions, and other reserved categories, which cannot be registered.
- Domain names must be between 3 and 250 characters, cannot begin or end with a hyphen, and can only contain letters, numbers, and hyphens.
- Private individuals are limited to registering one .nc domain and one .nom.nc domain, and the .nom.nc domain must follow a specific first name-surname format.
Frequently asked questions about .nc domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .nc domain?
As of today, .nc domains start from $131.00/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $221.00/yr across 3 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .nc domains?
NameBeta tracks 3 registrars that support .nc domain registration, with the cheapest option at $131.00/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .nc domain?
The registry for .nc domains is Office des Postes et Telecommunications.
Who can register a .nc domain?
Eligibility is strictly tied to a local presence in New Caledonia. Legal entities must be registered there and identifiable via the RIDET database. Self-employed professionals must reside and operate in the territory. Private individuals must be adults with a primary residence in New Caledonia for over six months, providing proof of address and a valid national ID or passport for verification.
Can I transfer a .nc domain between registrars?
Transfers of .nc domains between registrars follow a process governed by the local registry, as it is not a fully open, commercial namespace. To initiate a transfer, the current registrant must typically contact the Office des Postes et Telecommunications directly. The process involves verifying the registrant's identity and eligibility to ensure compliance with the TLD's local presence requirements before any change is approved.
What documentation is needed to register a .nc domain?
The required documents depend on the applicant type. A company must provide a RIDET registry extract. An association needs to submit its full name and a RIDET extract. A private individual must supply proof of an address in New Caledonia for at least six consecutive months prior to the request and a valid national identity card or passport. The registry may request additional documents if initial identification is unsuccessful.
Are there any special rules for .nom.nc domains?
Yes, the .nom.nc second-level domain is reserved exclusively for individuals. The domain name must follow a specific format: either firstname-surname.nom.nc or surname-firstname.nom.nc, using only one hyphen. Compound first names must be merged without spaces (e.g., jeanpierre-dupont.nom.nc). Each eligible individual is limited to registering just one .nom.nc domain.
What happens if a domain name contains a prohibited term?
The registry maintains an extensive list of prohibited terms, including words associated with crimes, state functions, and other reserved categories. Applications for domains containing these terms will be rejected. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure the desired name does not infringe on these prohibited or reserved lists, which are published by the Office des Postes et Telecommunications.
How are disputes over .nc domain names handled?
The registry's policy is to encourage compromises between disputing parties but otherwise stays out of direct disputes. It does not act as an arbitrator. Disputes typically must be resolved between the parties involved, potentially through legal channels or standard processes like the UDRP if trademark infringement is alleged, though the specific application of UDRP to this ccTLD should be verified with the registry.
