About .rest domain
.rest is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) delegated to the Root Zone in April 2014. The registry operator is CentralNic, and it was originally applied for by Punto 2012 Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable. It was introduced as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program with the stated goal of creating a dedicated online namespace. The extension is a product designed to be open for registration without imposed validation criteria.
Who can register .rest domain
Registration for .rest domains is open to all parties globally. The applicant's stated policy is not to impose validation criteria, aiming to keep costs low and encourage innovation. There are no geographic, organizational, or trademark-based restrictions for general registration. Any individual or entity can register a .rest domain name for legitimate purposes.
How to register .rest domain
- Begin by searching for your desired .rest 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 or email hosting from various ICANN-accredited registrars that offer the TLD.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate registrant contact information and selecting your desired registration period, which is typically one to ten years.
- After purchase, verify your contact email to activate the domain and configure its DNS settings through your registrar's control panel to point it to your website or service.
Typical uses of .rest domain
The .rest extension is most commonly used by entities within the global restaurant industry and related services. It provides a dedicated, intuitive namespace for restaurants, chefs, food critics, guides, associations, and hospitality groups to establish a clear online identity. Registrants choose it to obtain short, relevant domain names that are often unavailable or expensive in traditional TLDs, helping customers easily locate their web presence. This focus makes it a strategic choice for businesses aiming to signal their industry affiliation directly through their web address.
Tips for registering .rest domain
- Domains are registered for standard terms, typically from one to ten years, with renewal required to maintain ownership.
- WHOIS privacy services are generally available through participating registrars, allowing you to shield personal contact details from the public directory.
- The registry operates a Sunrise Period for trademark owners, allowing them to secure corresponding domain names before general availability opens.
- Standard domain transfer policies apply, allowing transfers between registrars following ICANN's Inter-Registrar Transfer Policy, usually after 60 days.
Frequently asked questions about .rest domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .rest domain?
As of today, .rest domains start from $0.99/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $72.04/yr across 31 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .rest domains?
NameBeta tracks 31 registrars that support .rest domain registration, with the cheapest option at $0.99/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .rest domain?
The registry for .rest domains is Punto 2012, administered by Punto 2012 Sociedad Anonima Promotora de Inversion de Capital Variable.
Who can register a .rest domain?
There are no eligibility restrictions for registering a .rest domain; it is open globally to individuals, businesses, and organizations. The registry's founding principle was to avoid validation criteria to foster innovation and broad access. This means no proof of connection to the restaurant industry is required, allowing anyone to register a domain for any legitimate purpose.
Can I transfer a .rest domain between registrars?
Transferring a .rest domain to a new registrar follows standard ICANN procedures. You must initiate the transfer at the gaining registrar, ensure the domain is unlocked, and obtain the correct authorization code (EPP code) from your current provider. Transfers are typically not permitted within 60 days of registration or a previous transfer, and the process automatically extends the registration by one year.
Are there any special protections for trademark holders?
Yes, trademark holders were offered protection through a Sunrise Period prior to the general launch of the TLD. This allowed owners of validated trademarks to register corresponding .rest domain names early. Beyond this initial period, standard dispute resolution policies like the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) apply to address cases of bad-faith registration.
Can I register a .rest domain name with non-Latin characters?
The registry's application indicated support for Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) in extended Latin scripts. This allows for the registration of domain names that include accented characters used in many languages, catering to a more localized user experience. You should check with your preferred registrar for the specific IDN scripts and characters currently supported for registration.
What happens if I don't renew my .rest domain on time?
If a .rest domain expires, it typically enters a standard renewal grace period (often 30 days) where you can renew it at the standard rate. After this, the domain may enter a redemption grace period where recovery is more expensive. If not redeemed, the domain is eventually deleted and becomes available for public registration again.
