Register a .us Domain

No, .US domain registration is restricted to entities with a verifiable connection to the United States. To register a .US domain, you must meet one of the following Nexus requirements: be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, have a physical presence or business operation in the United States, or be a U.S. organization, government entity, or federally recognized tribe. This policy is enforced by the registry (NeuStar) under the authority of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to ensure that the .US namespace remains a trusted, U.S.-focused space. Registrants must provide valid U.S. contact information and agree to the Nexus requirements during the registration process.

No, .US domains are not free. They are a premium country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) and require an annual registration fee, which varies depending on the registrar. Prices typically range from $10 to $30 per year, with some registrars offering promotional discounts for the first year. While there are some free domain options available online (often as subdomains of larger services), a legitimate .US domain from an accredited registrar carries an annual cost that covers registration, DNS services, and support. It’s important to choose a reputable registrar to ensure compliance with U.S. Nexus requirements and reliable service.

Yes, you can transfer most existing domains—including .US domains—to our service, provided the domain is unlocked, not within 60 days of its initial registration or a previous transfer, and you have the correct authorization code (EPP code). The transfer process typically takes 5-7 days to complete and does not cause downtime if DNS records are properly configured. We provide step-by-step guidance and support throughout the process to ensure a smooth transition, including verifying U.S. Nexus eligibility for .US domains. Transferring often extends the registration by an additional year, adding value to your move.

To buy a domain in the United States, first choose a reputable ICANN-accredited registrar. Use their domain search tool to check availability for your desired name, especially with the .US or .com extensions. If available, proceed to registration. For a .US domain, you must verify your U.S. Nexus eligibility by providing valid U.S. contact details. Complete the secure checkout, configure DNS settings, and finalize the purchase. Your domain will be active within minutes to a few hours. Many registrars also offer bundled services like hosting, email, and website builders for a complete online presence setup.

The .US domain namespace is administered and overseen by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Day-to-day registry operations are managed by NeuStar (a subsidiary of GoDaddy) under a cooperative agreement with the NTIA. This structure ensures that the .US domain remains secure, stable, and aligned with U.S. national interests. Policy development, including Nexus requirements, is governed by the NTIA in conjunction with public and private stakeholders to maintain the integrity and trustworthiness of the .US country-code top-level domain (ccTLD).

No, you cannot purchase a .US domain forever. Like almost all domain names, .US domains are registered on an annual basis, with renewal required to maintain ownership. You can typically register a .US domain for 1 to 10 years at a time, and renew it indefinitely as long as you continue to meet U.S. Nexus eligibility requirements and pay the renewal fees. It is crucial to keep your contact information updated and renew on time to avoid losing the domain. Some registrars offer auto-renewal services to help prevent accidental expiration and potential domain loss.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is the U.S. government agency responsible for the policy oversight and management of the .US country-code top-level domain (ccTLD). The NTIA ensures that the .US namespace is operated in the public interest, maintaining security, stability, and resiliency. It sets the Nexus requirements, which restrict registration to individuals and organizations with a verifiable connection to the United States. The NTIA also oversees the registry operator, NeuStar, to ensure compliance with policies and to foster trust in the .US domain as a key piece of U.S. digital infrastructure.

Yes, .US domains can have private registration, often called WHOIS privacy or proxy service, but with important limitations due to Nexus requirements. While the public WHOIS display can mask personal contact details through a proxy service provided by the registrar, the underlying registrant information must still be verified and stored by the registrar to comply with U.S. Nexus eligibility rules. Registrars must provide this verified information to the registry and law enforcement upon request. Therefore, while public-facing privacy is available, it is not absolute anonymity, as U.S. law requires registrant accountability.

The best registrar for a .US domain depends on your needs, but key factors include: ICANN accreditation, transparent pricing without hidden renewal fees, strong customer support, easy compliance with U.S. Nexus verification, and robust management tools. Major registrars like GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Google Domains are popular choices due to their reliability and comprehensive services. It is advisable to compare pricing, read user reviews, and evaluate the ease of use of their control panels. Look for registrars that offer straightforward domain transfers, DNS management, and security features like DNSSEC and SSL certificates.

The .com domain extension is by far the most used and recognized top-level domain (TLD) in the United States and globally. It is the default choice for businesses, organizations, and individuals due to its universal familiarity and trust. However, for a U.S.-specific presence, the .US ccTLD is the official and increasingly popular choice, especially for local businesses, government entities, and individuals wanting to emphasize their American identity. While .com dominates in overall volume, .US holds significant strategic value for geo-targeting, local SEO, and establishing a clear U.S.-based digital footprint.

The .GOV domain is strictly reserved for official U.S. government organizations at the federal, state, local, and tribal levels. It is not available to the public, businesses, or individuals. To obtain a .GOV domain, an authorized representative of a qualifying government entity must apply through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which manages the .GOV registry. The process involves verifying the organization’s legal status as a U.S. government entity, completing an application, and adhering to strict security and operational requirements. There is no fee for .GOV domain registration for eligible entities.

A Domain Name Search, Registration, and Availability Checker is an online tool provided by registrars that allows you to search for your desired domain name across various extensions (like .US, .COM, .NET) to see if it is available for registration. If the name is taken, the tool often suggests alternative names or similar available domains. Once you find an available domain, you can typically proceed directly through the same interface to register it, often in just a few clicks. This integrated system streamlines the entire process of finding, checking, and securing a domain name in one seamless workflow.

A .US domain can have a positive impact on SEO for a U.S. audience by providing a strong geo-targeting signal to search engines like Google. It clearly indicates that your website is intended for users in the United States, which can help improve its ranking in local search results within the country. When combined with other local SEO best practices—such as having a physical U.S. address, local contact information, and region-specific content—a .US domain reinforces your site’s relevance to American users. While the domain extension itself is just one of many ranking factors, it contributes to a cohesive local SEO strategy that builds trust with both search engines and your target audience.