About .porn domain
.porn is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by ICM Registry. It was delegated to the root zone in December 2014 and entered general availability in June 2015. The registry also operates the .xxx sTLD and implemented a grandfathering policy, automatically reserving matching .xxx names in the .porn zone at no initial cost to those registrants.
Who can register .porn domain
Registration for .porn domains is open to the public without restriction. Anyone can register a .porn domain name through an accredited registrar. There are no geographic, organizational, or trademark-based eligibility requirements to purchase a domain. The TLD is marketed as an alternative for entities within the adult entertainment community.
How to register .porn domain
- Search for your desired .porn domain name on a registrar's website to check its availability and see if it is offered as a standard or premium name.
- Compare pricing, registration term lengths, and add-on services like WHOIS privacy protection from different ICANN-accredited registrars before proceeding to checkout.
- Complete the purchase process, which typically requires providing accurate registrant contact information and selecting a registration period, often one to ten years.
- After registration, verify your contact email to activate the domain and configure its DNS settings through your registrar's control panel to point it to your hosting.
Typical uses of .porn domain
The .porn extension is primarily used by websites within the adult entertainment industry to clearly label their content. It offers an alternative to .xxx, often at a lower price point and without the specific policy requirements of a sponsored TLD. Businesses, content creators, and platforms choose this TLD to directly signal the nature of their site to users, helping with audience targeting and content filtering.
Tips for registering .porn domain
- Domains can typically be registered for a minimum of one year, with renewal terms set by individual registrars.
- WHOIS privacy protection services are generally available for this gTLD, but you should confirm this feature with your chosen registrar before purchasing.
- The registry implemented a sunrise period for trademark holders, and a grandfathering policy automatically reserved matching .xxx domain names in the .porn zone.
- Standard domain transfer policies apply, but domains may be subject to a 60-day transfer lock following registration or a previous transfer.
Frequently asked questions about .porn domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .porn domain?
As of today, .porn domains start from $51.95/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $203.39/yr across 21 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .porn domains?
NameBeta tracks 21 registrars that support .porn domain registration, with the cheapest option at $51.95/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .porn domain?
The registry for .porn domains is ICM Registry PN, administered by ICM Registry PN LLC.
Who can register a .porn domain?
There are no eligibility restrictions for registering a .porn domain; it is an open gTLD. Any individual, business, or organization can register one through any ICANN-accredited registrar that offers the extension. This openness allows a wide range of entities within and related to the adult entertainment community to secure relevant domain names.
Can I transfer a .porn domain between registrars?
Transferring a .porn domain between registrars follows the standard ICANN transfer policy. You will need to 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. The transfer itself is initiated at the gaining registrar, who will process the request once you confirm it via email.
Were .xxx domain names automatically reserved in .porn?
Yes, ICM Registry implemented a grandfathering policy where all existing .xxx domain names were automatically reserved as matching .porn names at no initial cost to the .xxx registrant. This was done to provide brand protection. If a .xxx holder wishes to actively register and use the corresponding .porn domain, they can do so by paying a registration fee to the registry.
What dispute resolution policies apply to .porn domains?
.porn domains are subject to the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP), which allows trademark holders to challenge bad-faith registrations. The registry also likely participated in a Sunrise period for trademark owners before general availability. For rapid takedown of clear-cut trademark infringements, the Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) system may also be applicable.
Are there any content requirements for .porn websites?
Unlike its sponsored counterpart .xxx, the .porn gTLD does not have mandatory content policies enforced by a sponsoring organization. Registrants are not required to adhere to a specific set of responsible practices as a condition of registration. However, all registrants must still comply with applicable local laws and ICANN's baseline registry agreement terms.
