About .services domain
.services is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by Donuts (Fox Castle, LLC). It was delegated to the root zone in April 2014 as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program. The registry agreement was signed with ICANN in February 2014, establishing Donuts as the official registry operator. It is an open TLD designed to provide greater expression on the Internet without pre-registration verification policies.
Who can register .services domain
Registration for .services domains is open to anyone globally, with no eligibility restrictions. There are no geographic, organizational, or trademark-based requirements to register a name. The TLD does not employ pre-registration verification, as the registry considers such measures potentially harmful to legitimate registrants. It is intended to be an accessible namespace for all interested parties.
How to register .services domain
- Search for your desired .services domain name on a registrar's website to check its availability and see if it is a standard or premium name.
- Compare prices, registration terms, and add-on services like WHOIS privacy or email hosting from various accredited registrars before selecting one.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate contact information and selecting your desired registration period, which is typically one to ten years.
- After purchase, verify your contact details as required by ICANN and configure your domain's DNS settings to point to your website or email service.
Typical uses of .services domain
The .services extension is commonly used by businesses and professionals across a wide range of service-oriented industries to clearly communicate their offerings. Companies in fields like consulting, maintenance, cleaning, legal, financial, and creative services frequently choose this TLD for its descriptive and professional quality. It provides a direct, memorable alternative to more crowded extensions like .com, allowing service providers to instantly signal their business category within their web address.
Tips for registering .services domain
- Domains can typically be registered for a period of 1 to 10 years, with renewal required to maintain ownership.
- WHOIS privacy protection is generally available as an optional add-on purchase through most registrars.
- The registry implements extensive user and rights protection policies, including standard dispute resolution procedures like the UDRP.
- Standard registration is subject to ICANN-mandated grace periods for renewal and redemption after expiration.
Frequently asked questions about .services domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .services domain?
As of today, .services domains start from $3.99/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $95.40/yr across 33 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .services domains?
NameBeta tracks 33 registrars that support .services domain registration, with the cheapest option at $3.99/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .services domain?
The registry for .services domains is Identity Digital, administered by Binky Moon, LLC.
Who can register a .services domain?
There are no special eligibility criteria; any individual, business, or organization worldwide can register a .services domain. The registry explicitly designed it as an open TLD, avoiding pre-verification that might block legitimate registrants. You will only need to provide valid contact information during the checkout process at any accredited domain registrar.
Can I transfer a .services domain between registrars?
Transferring a .services domain to a new registrar follows the standard ICANN transfer policy. You must initiate the transfer at the gaining registrar and ensure the domain is unlocked and that you have the correct authorization code. Transfers are typically completed within 5-7 days, provided the domain has been registered for over 60 days and is not within a redemption period.
What dispute resolution policies apply to .services domains?
.services domains are subject to ICANN's Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) for trademark-based disputes. The registry also states it has clear remediation and takedown policies to control abuse and protect user rights. These policies are designed to address bad-faith registrations while maintaining an open registration model.
Are there premium .services domain names?
Yes, the registry designates certain .services domain names as "premium." These names often consist of highly sought-after keywords or short phrases and are sold at a higher price point than standard registrations. Premium pricing is set by the registry and can vary significantly; the price is typically displayed during the search and checkout process at your registrar.
What happens if I forget to renew my .services domain?
After expiration, your domain will enter a standard renewal grace period (typically 30 days) during which you can renew it at the standard rate. If not renewed, it will then enter a redemption grace period for an additional fee before being released for general registration. It is crucial to keep your contact email up-to-date to receive renewal notices.
