About .us domain
.us is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated for the United States. It is managed by Registry Services, LLC, a subsidiary of GoDaddy, under contract with the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The extension was first established in February 1985, making it one of the earliest ccTLDs. It operates with a unique locality-based namespace alongside standard second-level registrations.
Who can register .us domain
Registration is restricted to entities with a verified connection to the United States. Eligible registrants include U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and domestic organizations or corporations. Foreign entities with a bona fide presence in the United States or its territories may also register a .us domain. Registrants must provide complete and accurate contact information, as anonymous registrations using WHOIS privacy services are not permitted for this TLD.
How to register .us domain
- Search for your desired .us domain name at a participating registrar to check its availability, keeping in mind the nexus eligibility requirements you must meet.
- Compare pricing, registration term options, and any bundled services from different accredited registrars before proceeding to checkout.
- Complete the purchase, ensuring you accurately provide all required registrant contact information, as it will be publicly visible in the WHOIS directory.
- After registration, verify your contact details are correct and configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point to your hosting service.
Typical uses of .us domain
The .us extension is commonly used by entities seeking to establish a clear American identity online. A primary use case is for U.S. state, local, and tribal governments, often utilizing its structured locality namespace (e.g., ci.city.state.us). Some American businesses and organizations also register .us domains as a patriotic alternative to generic TLDs like .com. Additionally, it is popular for creative domain hacks that incorporate the "us" suffix into a brand or service name.
Tips for registering .us domain
- WHOIS privacy or proxy registration services are not allowed for .us domains; all registrant contact information must be publicly available.
- The registry conducts periodic "spot checks" to verify that registrants continue to meet the U.S. nexus requirements.
- Domains can be registered through the standard second-level process or, in some cases, through a delegated manager for specific locality-based namespaces.
- Registrations must comply with the .us Acceptable Use Policy, which prohibits use for illegal activities, including the sale of opioids and distribution of malware.
Frequently asked questions about .us domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .us domain?
As of today, .us domains start from $3.84/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $68.56/yr across 29 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .us domains?
NameBeta tracks 29 registrars that support .us domain registration, with the cheapest option at $3.84/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .us domain?
The registry for .us domains is GoDaddy Registry, administered by Registry Services, LLC.
Who can register a .us domain?
Registration is open to U.S. citizens, residents, and organizations, as well as foreign entities that can demonstrate a legitimate presence in the United States. This "nexus" requirement is enforced, and registrants must provide verifiable U.S. contact information. The registry actively audits this information, and failure to maintain eligibility can result in the domain being suspended or deleted.
Can I transfer a .us domain between registrars?
.us domains can be transferred between accredited registrars following standard inter-registrar transfer procedures. You will need to obtain an authorization code from your current registrar and ensure the domain is unlocked and not within a 60-day transfer lock period following a previous transfer or registration. The new registrar will initiate the transfer, which requires approval from the administrative contact.
What is the locality namespace and how do I register a domain in it?
The locality namespace is a hierarchical system within .us for geographic and affinity-based domains, like city.state.us. Registrations in this space are handled by delegated managers, not through standard commercial registrars. You must contact the specific manager for the desired locality zone to inquire about availability and process, which can differ from the streamlined second-level registration.
What dispute resolution policy applies to .us domains?
Disputes over .us domain names are governed by the usTLD Dispute Resolution Policy (usDRP), which is similar to the UDRP but tailored for this ccTLD. Complaints can be filed with approved providers like the American Arbitration Association or the National Arbitration Forum. The policy covers instances of bad faith registration and use, such as cybersquatting on trademarks.
Are there any content restrictions for .us websites?
Yes, registrants must adhere to the .us Acceptable Use Policy. This policy prohibits using the domain for illegal purposes, including distributing malware, phishing, selling pharmaceuticals without authorization, distributing child abuse imagery, or infringing on intellectual property rights. Violations can lead to the suspension or termination of the domain registration.
