About .surf domain
.surf is an open generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by Top Level Domain Holdings Ltd. It was delegated to the Root Zone in June 2014, having been applied for as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program. The extension operates under a standard ICANN Registry Agreement, making it available for public registration through accredited domain registrars.
Who can register .surf domain
.surf is an open TLD, meaning registration is available to any individual, organization, or business without restriction. There are no geographic, trademark, or professional membership requirements to register a .surf domain name. The registry does not require verification of a registrant's affiliation with surfing or any related activity.
How to register .surf domain
- Search for your desired .surf domain name using a domain registrar's search tool to confirm it is available for registration.
- Compare pricing, registration term lengths, and add-on services like WHOIS privacy or email hosting across different ICANN-accredited registrars.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate registrant contact information as required by ICANN policy.
- After purchase, verify your contact details via email and configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point to your website or service.
Typical uses of .surf domain
The .surf extension is commonly used by individuals, brands, and businesses connected to surfing culture and the broader watersports industry. It is chosen by professional and amateur surfers to create personal websites, by surf brands for e-commerce and marketing, and by event organizers for promoting competitions. This TLD provides a memorable and topical alternative to generic extensions, instantly signaling a site's content to its audience.
Tips for registering .surf domain
- .surf domains can typically be registered for a minimum of one year, with multi-year registration terms available.
- WHOIS privacy protection is generally offered for this gTLD by most registrars, subject to their individual service policies.
- Standard ICANN transfer policies apply, allowing transfers between registrars after an initial 60-day lock period following registration or a previous transfer.
- The registry operates under standard ICANN policies for domain renewal, grace periods, and redemption.
Frequently asked questions about .surf domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .surf domain?
As of today, .surf domains start from $1.24/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $69.93/yr across 29 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.
Which registrars support .surf domains?
NameBeta tracks 29 registrars that support .surf domain registration, with the cheapest option at $1.24/yr. Full list on this page.
Who operates .surf domain?
The registry for .surf domains is GoDaddy Registry, administered by Registry Services, LLC.
Who can register a .surf domain?
There are no eligibility restrictions for registering a .surf domain; it is open to the general public. Any person, company, or organization worldwide can register a .surf name without needing to prove a connection to surfing or watersports. The registration process is the same as for other open gTLDs, requiring only valid contact information.
Can I transfer a .surf domain between registrars?
.surf domains can be transferred between ICANN-accredited registrars using the standard authorization code (EPP code) process. Transfers are typically prohibited for the first 60 days after initial registration or a previous transfer. Before initiating a transfer, ensure the domain is unlocked at your current registrar and that WHOIS privacy is temporarily disabled to receive the necessary confirmation emails.
Are there any content restrictions for .surf websites?
The .surf registry does not enforce specific content policies beyond those required by ICANN and applicable law. Registrants are not obligated to host content related to surfing. However, the registry may have rights to suspend domains involved in clear cases of abuse, such as phishing, malware distribution, or other activities that violate its acceptable use policy.
How are trademark disputes handled for .surf domains?
.surf operates under ICANN's standard trademark protection mechanisms. The Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH) supports Sunrise periods for trademark holders and provides a Trademark Claims service. Disputes over domain names can be addressed through the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) or the Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) system, which are applicable to all open gTLDs.
Can I register premium .surf domain names?
Yes, the registry may designate certain .surf domain names as "premium." These names often consist of short, common, or highly desirable keywords and are priced higher than standard registrations. Premium pricing is set by the registry and can vary significantly; renewal fees for premium names are also typically higher than standard renewal rates.