About .sm domain
.sm is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated for San Marino. It is managed by the registry Telecom Italia San Marino S.p.A. and was introduced in August 1995. The TLD is active and names can be registered directly at the second level.
Who can register .sm domain
Registration is open to any entity, whether from San Marino or abroad. However, there are specific restrictions on the number of registrations allowed per entity: companies are limited to 50 domain registrations per year, while individuals and other organizations are limited to one registration in total. The registry also prohibits the assignment of domain names with pornographic, offensive, or discriminatory content.
How to register .sm domain
- Search for availability: Use a registrar that offers .sm domains to check if your desired name is available, ensuring it meets the technical requirements of 3 to 63 characters using letters, digits, or hyphens (not starting or ending with a hyphen).
- Compare registrar options: Review different accredited registrars for their pricing, registration term options, and any additional services like WHOIS privacy, which may be offered.
- Complete the purchase: Proceed with the checkout process at your chosen registrar, providing accurate registrant contact information as required for the registration.
- Configure your domain: After purchase, access your registrar's control panel to manage your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point it to your hosting service.
Typical uses of .sm domain
The .sm extension is primarily used by entities connected with San Marino, including local businesses, organizations, and residents. It also sees occasional use as a domain hack for websites whose names end in the "-ism" suffix, providing a creative and memorable alternative to more common TLDs. Users choose .sm to establish a clear geographic identity or to leverage its unique character combination for branding purposes.
Tips for registering .sm domain
- The minimum registration length for a domain name is 3 characters, and the maximum is 63 characters.
- Companies are restricted to registering a maximum of 50 .sm domains per year, while individuals and other organizations are limited to one registration in total.
- Domain names with evident pornographic, offensive, or discriminatory references will not be assigned by the registry.
- A wide range of names are reserved and cannot be registered, including one or two-character names, geographic names of San Marino, and common protocol or technology names.
Frequently asked questions about .sm domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .sm domain?
As of today, .sm domains start from $178.00/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $325.00/yr across 3 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .sm domains?
NameBeta tracks 3 registrars that support .sm domain registration, with the cheapest option at $178.00/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .sm domain?
The registry for .sm domains is Telecom Italia San Marino, administered by Telecom Italia San Marino S.p.A..
Who can register a .sm domain?
Registration is open to both local and international entities without a strict residency requirement. However, companies are capped at 50 registrations per year, and individuals or other organizations are limited to just one .sm domain in total. All applicants must ensure their desired domain name does not violate the registry's content policies against offensive or discriminatory material.
Can I transfer a .sm domain between registrars?
Transferring a .sm domain between registrars follows standard ICANN transfer procedures, typically requiring an authorization code from the current registrar and unlocking the domain. It is advisable to confirm with both the gaining and losing registrars that they support .sm transfers and to ensure the domain is not within a 60-day lock period following a previous registration or transfer, which is a common industry practice.
What names are reserved and cannot be registered under .sm?
The registry maintains a list of reserved names that are not available for public registration. This includes one or two-character names, units of measure, protocol names (like http), technology names, other gTLD strings (like .com), and geographic names related to San Marino. Names related to gambling, trademarks, and state institutions are also reserved.
Are there any content restrictions for .sm websites?
Yes, the registry explicitly states that domain names with evident pornographic, offensive, or discriminatory content relating to gender, race, religion, or political beliefs will not be assigned. This is a registration-time policy, and violating it could likely lead to the domain's revocation.
What is the dispute resolution policy for .sm domains?
The source material indicates there is no formal, third-party dispute policy like UDRP specifically mentioned for the .sm ccTLD. Decisions relating to disputes are taken solely by the San Marino telecommunications authority. For trademark conflicts, parties would likely need to engage directly with the registry or pursue legal action under applicable law.
