About .website domain
.website is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) that emerged from ICANN's 2012 New gTLD Program. The registry is operated by Radix Technologies Inc., which secured the right to operate the extension after winning a private auction against competing applicants Top Level Domain Holdings Ltd. and Donuts in October 2013. The Registry Agreement with ICANN was signed on April 3, 2014, and the extension was delegated to the Root Zone of the DNS on May 30, 2014. It is one of several descriptive gTLDs designed to serve as a clear, self-explanatory online identifier for virtually any kind of web presence.
Who can register .website domain
.website is an open gTLD with no geographic, organizational, or industry-based restrictions. Any individual, business, or organization worldwide can register a .website domain without needing to meet special eligibility criteria or submit documentation. There are no trademark-based sunrise requirements that limit early access to brand owners only. This makes it one of the more accessible new gTLDs available through commercial registrars.
How to register .website domain
Search for your desired .website domain name using the availability tool at any accredited registrar that carries the extension. Because .website is a descriptive and popular string, your first-choice name may already be taken — have a few alternatives ready before you begin.
Compare registrar offerings before committing, paying attention to both the first-year registration price and the renewal rate, which can differ significantly. Also check whether WHOIS privacy protection is included or available as an add-on, since this varies by registrar.
Complete the checkout process by selecting your registration term (typically one to ten years) and adding any desired extras such as hosting, email forwarding, or domain privacy. Longer registration terms can sometimes offer better per-year value and lock in current pricing.
After purchase, verify your registrant contact details via the confirmation email sent by your registrar, as ICANN requires accurate WHOIS information. Then configure your DNS settings — pointing nameservers to your hosting provider or setting up DNS records — so your domain resolves correctly.
Typical uses of .website domain
.website appeals to a broad range of registrants who want a domain name that immediately communicates what they are offering online. Freelancers, small businesses, and creative professionals often choose it when their preferred .com name is unavailable, using .website as a clean, memorable alternative. Portfolio sites, landing pages, and personal blogs are common applications. Organizations building a dedicated web presence for a project, product, or campaign also find the extension useful because it is self-descriptive and requires no explanation to visitors about what kind of destination they are reaching.
Tips for registering .website domain
- Registration terms are typically available from one to ten years; registering for multiple years upfront can protect against renewal price increases and reduces the risk of accidentally letting a domain lapse.
- Be aware that introductory first-year prices at many registrars are significantly lower than standard renewal rates — always check the renewal price before purchasing to avoid surprises.
- WHOIS privacy protection is widely available for .website domains but is not always included by default; confirm whether your chosen registrar bundles it or charges separately.
- After registration, most registrars apply a transfer lock (commonly 60 days) that prevents the domain from being moved to another registrar — plan accordingly if you anticipate needing to transfer soon after purchase.
- Redemption grace periods apply if a domain expires and is not renewed; recovering a domain in the redemption phase typically incurs a substantial fee, so keeping auto-renewal enabled is strongly recommended.
Frequently asked questions about .website domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .website domain?
As of today, .website domains start from $0.98/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $56.95/yr across 35 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .website domains?
NameBeta tracks 35 registrars that support .website domain registration, with the cheapest option at $0.98/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .website domain?
The registry for .website domains is Radix, administered by Radix Technologies Inc..
Who can register a .website domain?
.website is an unrestricted gTLD, meaning there are no eligibility requirements tied to nationality, profession, or organization type. Any registrant — individual or entity, anywhere in the world — can register a .website domain through an accredited registrar without submitting supporting documentation. The only standard requirement is providing accurate and complete contact information in compliance with ICANN's WHOIS accuracy policies.
Can I transfer a .website domain between registrars?
Transferring a .website domain to a different registrar follows the standard ICANN inter-registrar transfer process, which requires an authorization code (also called an EPP or auth code) obtained from your current registrar. A 60-day transfer lock is typically imposed after a new registration or a completed transfer, during which outbound transfers are blocked. Once the lock period has passed, you can initiate a transfer at any time, and the process generally completes within five to seven days after the gaining registrar confirms the request.
Does .website have a grace period after expiration?
Yes, like most gTLDs, .website domains go through a standard expiration lifecycle. After the expiration date there is typically a grace period of around 30 days during which you can renew at the standard rate, followed by a redemption grace period of up to 30 additional days where recovery is possible but incurs a significant redemption fee. After the redemption period ends, the domain enters a pending-delete phase and is eventually released for public re-registration, at which point the original registrant loses all claim to it.
Are premium .website domains available, and how are they priced?
Yes, a portion of .website domain names are designated as premium by the registry, meaning they carry higher registration and renewal fees than standard domains. Premium names are typically short, dictionary-word, or highly descriptive strings considered to have greater commercial value. Pricing for premium domains varies widely and is set by the registry; your registrar's search tool will usually flag a domain as premium and display the applicable price before you complete a purchase.
What dispute resolution policies apply to .website domains?
.website domains are subject to ICANN's Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP), which allows trademark holders to challenge registrations they believe were made in bad faith or constitute cybersquatting. The Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) system is also available as a faster, lower-cost option for clear-cut cases of trademark infringement. Complainants must demonstrate that the domain is identical or confusingly similar to their mark, that the registrant has no legitimate interest in it, and that it was registered and is being used in bad faith.
Was there a sunrise period for trademark holders when .website launched?
New gTLDs launched under ICANN's 2012 program, including .website, typically include a sunrise period before general availability, during which trademark holders with records in the Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH) can register matching domain names ahead of the general public. This mechanism gives brand owners an early opportunity to secure their marks and helps reduce trademark abuse at launch. If you hold a registered trademark and are concerned about protecting it under .website, registering through the TMCH or monitoring services remains a practical ongoing strategy.
