Definitions
Key terms from the .US Domain space
General Information
Learn more about .US and the usTLD Administrator
As a ccTLD, the usTLD registry is not bound by ICANN policies, nor does it currently have in place any accountability frameworks or exchange of letters defining any specific accountabilities. This said, we have great respect for the ICANN global consensus process and have implemented many ICANN- supported best practices on policy and procedural matters in developing the .US Top-Level Domain.
We have become a member of ICANN’s ccNSO, which is an independent process that entails developing policies that are binding for ccNSO members within the limits of national law. We will continue to reference and consider ICANN supported policies and watch with interest the evolution of policies and practices as the Departmetn of Commerce continues to define and refine registry policies.
The usTLD registry is deeply committed to ensuring the safety, security and integrity of the .US namespace and will continue to monitor and implement best practices promoted by ICANN and other industry leaders as we move forward.
It is the official country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for the United States within the global domain name system (DNS). Just as .UK is the country code domain for the United Kingdom, .US is the country code domain for the United States. Country code domains are typically denoted by only being two characters. .US is overseen by the U.S. Department of Commerce who has contracted with Registry Services, LLC to manage the namespace.
.US is the online destination of choice for anyone with a dream to chase, an idea to share, a cause to champion, or a business to promote. Whoever you are, wherever you come from, the .US community is the online place to share your story, think globally and connect locally.
Domain Management
How to register, manage, and maintain your .US domain name
Proxy, or privatized registrations, are not permitted under current policy.
The usTLD has an ongoing interest in ensuring that its top-level domain is administered in a secure manner and that the information contained within the authoritative database is reliable, accurate, and up-to date. One of the mechanisms to ensure the integrity of the .US namespace is the through the collection of true registrant information. The usTLD Registry employs an algorithm to detect the inadvertent or intentional registration of proxy, anonymous and/or private domain name registrations, and enforces a registrar’s obligation to not offer such services to .US domain name registrants.
The complete list of reserved names can be found here. Below are the following categories of reserved names:
- All numbers five digits and higher
- All numbers in the format five digits-four digits (zip codes)
- All telephone numbers including toll-free numbers
- Tagged domain names — all labels with hyphens in the third and fourth character positions (e.g. “bq–kn2n4h4b”)
Domain name transfers fall in one of two categories:
- Registrant Transfer or Name Change — Each registrar has unique requirements for making changes to the registrant field of a domain name. Registrants must contact the sponsoring registrar for information regarding Registrant Name Changes and/or Transfers. The sponsoring registrar appears in line 3 of each domain name’s WHOIS record (www.whois.us).
- Registrar-to-Registrar Transfer — usTLD policy requires that a domain name be registered for a minimum of 60 days before it can be transferred to another registrar. If your domain name meets these requirements, contact your current sponsoring registrar and request for the < AUTHINFO > code, which the gaining registrar will use to initiate the transfer process for your domain.
Domain Security
Answers to your top domain security questions
The Administrator for usTLD has implemented procedures to rapidly take down any website in cases where phishing, pharming, malware, or other significant security threats have been identified through a threat mitigation platform that protects the .US namespace with a centralized abuse detection, investigation and reporting system.
Through relentless monitoring the service not only detects malicious activity, it thoroughly investigates such activity and takes remedial action as required.
.US Locality Management
Everything you need to know about .US Locality Domain Management
Registrations in the locality space reflect the oldest part of the usTLD domain namespace. These registrations represent the political geography of the United States based on two-letter state abbreviations and divided further into localities, including cities, counties, parishes, townships, or local names (e .g., Alexandria.va.us). In addition to geographical locality names, the usTLD locality space also includes certain affinity names, for example, STATE, FED, K12, LIB, and NSN (Native Sovereign Nation). Locality and affinity names collectively compose the "locality space."
The usTLD Administrator currently serves as Registry, Registrar, and Delegated Manager for all undelegated third-level locality domains (i.e. all third-level locality domains that do not have an assigned Delegated Manager) and their child domains (fourth/fifth/sixth level domains). Additionally, under the current contract, the Administator becomes the Delegated Manager by default for any third-level locality domain whose existing Delegated Manager decides to relinquish management of that delegation. The usTLD Administrator provides continued administrative oversight to ensure usTLD policies and requirements are met by both Delegated Managers and their locality-based registrants.
Registrars & Resellers
For those interested in becoming a .US Accredited Registrar
Still Have Questions?
You may contact us for additional information.
Learn more about the usTLD
.US is the web address for American dreams of all kinds.
Stats & Trends
With .US, you get a unique web address that helps you stand out in a digital landscape. It’s a great way to differentiate yourself as the Internet becomes more crowded than ever.
Policies & Governance
Designed to safeguard and promote the public interest, the usTLD delivers a safe, reliable namespace in a policy-rich environment. .US can be registered by any individual, business, blog or...
Meet the Stakeholder Council
Increase visibility for your business with online local listing services; publish to 100+ local search platforms, mobile applications, navigation systems, and directories at one time - from one place.
Meet the Stakeholder Council
Increase visibility for your business with online local listing services; publish to 100+ local search platforms, mobile applications, navigation systems, and directories at one time - from one place.
Learn MoreHere are a few quick links for learning more about the .US top-level domain.