About .prof domain
.prof is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by Charleston Road Registry Inc., a subsidiary of Google. It was delegated to the DNS root zone in September 2014 as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program. The registry agreement was signed with ICANN in July 2014, finalizing its status as a registrable domain extension.
Who can register .prof domain
Registration for .prof domains is generally open to the public without specific eligibility restrictions. Any individual, business, or organization can register a .prof domain name through an accredited registrar. There are no geographic, professional, or trademark-based verification requirements mandated by the registry for standard registrations.
How to register .prof domain
- Search for your desired .prof domain name's availability using a domain registrar's search tool. Consider checking for variations if your first choice is already registered.
- Compare pricing, registration term lengths, and additional services like WHOIS privacy or email hosting from different registrars that offer the .prof extension.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate registrant contact information and selecting your desired registration period, which is typically one year or more.
- After purchase, verify your contact details via email if required and configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point to your website or service.
Typical uses of .prof domain
The .prof extension is commonly used by professionals across various fields to establish a distinct online presence that highlights their expertise. It is a popular choice for consultants, freelancers, academics, and licensed practitioners such as lawyers, accountants, and architects who wish to create a memorable web address that immediately communicates their professional status. These users often select .prof over more generic extensions to project credibility and specialization directly within their domain name.
Tips for registering .prof domain
- Domains are typically registered for a minimum of one year, with options to register for multiple years in advance.
- WHOIS privacy protection services are generally available for .prof domains through most accredited registrars.
- Standard domain transfer policies apply, allowing transfers between registrars subject to a 60-day transfer lock following registration or a previous transfer.
- The registry may operate a sunrise period for trademark holders and may offer premium domain names at varying price points.