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TLD

A Top-Level Domain (TLD) is the last segment of a domain name located to the right of the dot (“.”). It is the highest level in the hierarchical domain name system of the internet. TLDs are an essential part of the domain name structure and help organize websites on the internet.

In the DNS hierarchy, a top-level domain (TLD) represents the first stop after the root zone. In simpler terms, a TLD is everything that follows the final dot of a domain name.

What is TLD ?
What is TLD ?

For example, in the domain name ‘powerhoster.com’, ‘.com’ is the TLD. Some other popular TLDs include ‘.org’, ‘.uk’, and ‘.edu’.

TLDs play an important role in the DNS lookup process. For all uncached requests, when a user enters a domain name like ‘powerhoster.com’ into their browser window, the DNS resolvers start the search by communicating with the TLD server. In this case, the TLD is ‘.com’, so the resolver will contact the TLD DNS server, which will then provide the resolver with the IP address of powerhoster’s origin server.

There are two main types of TLDs:

  1. Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs): These are the most common types of TLDs and include familiar extensions such as .com, .net, .org, .info, and many others. gTLDs are open for registration by individuals, businesses, and organizations around the world.
  2. Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs): These are specific to individual countries or territories. Each country or territory has its own unique two-letter code, such as .us for the United States, .uk for the United Kingdom, .ca for Canada, and so on. ccTLDs are typically managed by the respective country’s registry and may have specific eligibility requirements or restrictions.

In addition to these two main categories, there are also specialized or sponsored TLDs that serve particular communities or industries. Examples include .gov for government websites, .edu for educational institutions, and .museum for museums, .com is intended for commercial businesses.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is the organization responsible for coordinating the domain name system, including the management of TLDs. ICANN works with various domain registries to ensure the stability and functionality of the internet’s domain name infrastructure. For example, a U.S. company called VeriSign operates all ‘.com’ and ‘.net’ TLDs.

How Many Different Types of TLDs Are There?

There are several types of Top-Level Domains (TLDs), each serving different purposes and categories of websites. The main types of TLDs include:

  1. Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs):
    • Unrestricted gTLDs: Open for registration by anyone without specific eligibility criteria.
      • .com – Commercial businesses
      • .net – Network-related services
      • .org – Non-profit organizations
      • .info – Informational websites
    • Restricted gTLDs: May have specific eligibility requirements or restrictions.
      • .gov – U.S. government agencies
      • .edu – Educational institutions
      • .mil – U.S. military
      • .int – International organizations
  2. Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs):
    • Associated with specific countries or territories, each identified by a two-letter country code.
      • .us – United States
      • .uk – United Kingdom
      • .ca – Canada
      • .de – Germany
      • .jp – Japan
  3. Sponsored Top-Level Domains (sTLDs):
    • Created for specific communities or industries, often with restrictions on registration.
      • .aero – Aerospace industry
      • .museum – Museums
      • .coop – Cooperatives
      • .edu – Educational institutions (also used as a gTLD)
      • .gov – U.S. government (also used as a gTLD)
  4. Infrastructure Top-Level Domain (arpa):
    • Used exclusively for technical infrastructure purposes and is managed by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). This category only contains a single TLD: ‘.arpa’. Named for DARPA, the U.S. military research organization that helped pioneer the modern Internet, ‘.arpa’ was the first TLD ever created and is now reserved for infrastructural duties, such as facilitating reverse DNS lookups.
  5. New gTLDs:
    • Introduced as part of ICANN’s new gTLD program to increase the availability of domain names and provide more options. Examples include:
      • .app
      • .blog
      • .guru
      • .tech
      • .design
  6. Reserved TLDs:
    • Certain TLDs are reserved for specific purposes or have not been delegated for public registration.

It’s important to note that the landscape of TLDs has evolved over time, and new gTLDs continue to be introduced.

What is the Purpose of TLD ?

The purpose of Top-Level Domains (TLDs) is to provide a structured and hierarchical system for organizing and navigating the internet. TLDs play several important roles:

  1. Organization of the Internet: TLDs help organize the vast expanse of the internet by categorizing websites into different groups based on their purposes, affiliations, or geographic locations. This hierarchical structure makes it easier for users to navigate and locate specific websites.
  2. Identification of Website Purpose or Type:
    • Generic TLDs (gTLDs): These TLDs, such as .com, .org, and .net, are often associated with specific types of entities or purposes. For example, .com is commonly used for commercial entities, .org for non-profit organizations, and .net for network-related services.
    • Country Code TLDs (ccTLDs): These TLDs are associated with specific countries or territories, helping users identify the geographical origin of a website. For instance, .us is associated with the United States, .uk with the United Kingdom, and .ca with Canada.
  3. Global and Local Differentiation: TLDs contribute to the distinction between global and local websites. Global TLDs, like .com, are accessible and commonly used worldwide, while ccTLDs are often associated with specific countries or regions, indicating a more localized focus.
  4. Brand and Identity: TLDs are an integral part of a website’s domain name, contributing to its brand and identity. Companies and organizations carefully choose domain names and TLDs that align with their brand and messaging.
  5. Technical Functionality: TLDs play a technical role in the Domain Name System (DNS) by indicating the highest level in the domain hierarchy. They help DNS servers locate and resolve domain names to their corresponding IP addresses, facilitating the routing of internet traffic.
  6. Policy and Administration: TLDs are managed by registry operators, and policies regarding their registration, renewal, and use are established by these operators. Organizations like the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) oversee the overall administration of TLDs and establish guidelines for their management.
  7. Security and Trust: The TLD is a visible component of a website’s URL, and users often associate certain TLDs with trust and legitimacy. Recognizable TLDs contribute to the perceived credibility of a website, and users may be more inclined to trust websites with well-known and reputable TLDs.

In summary, TLDs serve organizational, navigational, and technical functions on the internet.

A list of More Than 300 Domain Name Extensions and Their Definitions.

Domain name extensions always consist of the top-level domain, and sometimes a second-level domain.

The top-level domains in this list are recognized by Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which operates the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) and is in charge of maintaining the DNS root zone.

Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD)

The following table represents the generic top-level domains (i.e. including .com, .org, etc).

Domain Purpose / Sponsoring Organization
.COM Generic top-level domain
VeriSign Global Registry Services
.INFO Generic top-level domain
Afilias Limited
.NET Generic top-level domain
VeriSign Global Registry Services
.ORG Generic top-level domain
Public Interest Registry (PIR)

Generic-Restricted Top-Level Domains

Generic-restricted top-level domain names are similar to the generic top-level domains, only eligibility is intended to be restricted and ascertained more stringently.

Domain Purpose / Sponsoring Organization
.BIZ Restricted for Business
NeuStar, Inc.
.NAME Reserved for individuals
The Global Name Registry Ltd.
.PRO Restricted to credentialed professionals and related entities
Registry Services Corporation dba RegistryPro

Sponsored Top-Level Domains (sTLD)

These domains are proposed and sponsored by private agencies or organizations that establish and enforce rules restricting the eligibility to use the TLD. IANA also groups sTLDs with the generic top-level domains.

Domain Purpose / Sponsoring Organization
.AERO Reserved for members of the air-transport industry
Societe Internationale de Telecommunications Aeronautique S.C. (SITA SC)
.ASIA Restricted to the Pan-Asia and Asia Pacific community
DotAsia Organization Ltd.
.CAT Reserved for the Catalan linguistic and cultural community
Fundacio puntCAT
.COOP Reserved for cooperative associations
DotCooperation LLC
.EDU Reserved for post-secondary institutions accredited by an agency on the U.S. Department of Education’s list of Nationally Recognized Accrediting Agencies
EDUCAUSE
.GOV Reserved exclusively for the United States Government
General Services Administration Attn: QTDC, 2E08 (.gov Domain Registration)
.INT Used only for registering organizations established by international treaties between governments
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.JOBS Reserved for human resource managers
Employ Media LLC
.MIL Reserved exclusively for the United States Military
DoD Network Information Center
.MOBI Reserved for consumers and providers of mobile products and services
mTLD Top Level Domain Limited dba dotMobi
.MUSEUM Reserved for museums
Museum Domain Management Association
.TEL Reserved for businesses and individuals to publish their contact data
Telnic Ltd.
.TRAVEL Reserved for entities whose primary area of activity is in the travel industry
Tralliance Registry Management Company, LLC.

Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLD)

Country code top-level domain names are those that are generally used for a specific country or dependent territory. All ccTLD identifiers are two letters long, and all two-letter top-level domains are ccTLDs.

Some countries use a second-level domain to represent the entity type (for example, .com.cn for Chinese companies, or .org.cn for Chinese organizations).

Domain Purpose / Sponsoring Organization
 A
.AC Ascension Island
Network Information Center (AC Domain Registry) c/o Cable and Wireless (Ascension Island)
.AD Andorra
STA Servei de Telecomunicacions d’Andorra
.AE United Arab Emirates
Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA)
.AF Afghanistan
Ministry of Communications and IT
.AG Antigua and Barbuda
UHSA School of Medicine
.AI Anguilla
Government of Anguilla
.AL Albania
Electronic and Postal Communications Authority – AKEP
.AM Armenia
Internet Society
.AN Netherlands Antilles
University of The Netherlands Antilles
.AO Angola
Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade Agostinho Neto
.AQ Antarctica
Mott and Associates
.AR Argentina
MRECIC (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, Comercio Internacional y Culto)
.AS American Samoa
AS Domain Registry
.AT Austria
NIC.AT Internet Verwaltungs und Betriebsgesellschaft m.b.H
.AU Australia
.au Domain Administration (auDA)
.AW Aruba
SETAR
.AX Aland Islands
Ålands landskapsregering
.AZ Azerbaijan
IntraNS
 B
.BA Bosnia and Herzegovina
Universtiy Telinformatic Centre (UTIC)
.BB Barbados
Government of Barbados Ministry of Economic Affairs and Development Telecommunications Unit
.BD Bangladesh
Ministry of Post & Telecommunications Bangladesh Secretariate
.BE Belgium
DNS BE vzw/asbl
.BF Burkina Faso
DELGI Delegational Generale Informatique
.BG Bulgaria
Register.BG
.BH Bahrain
BATELCO
.BI Burundi
Centre National de l’Informatique
.BJ Benin
Offices des Postes et Telecommunications
.BL Saint Barthelemy
Not assigned
.BM Bermuda
Registry General Ministry of Labour and Immigration
.BN Brunei Darussalam
Jabatan Telekom Brunei
.BO Bolivia
Agencia para el Desarrollo de la Información de la Sociedad en Bolivia
.BR Brazil
Comite Gestor da Internet no Brasil
.BS Bahamas
The College of the Bahamas
.BT Bhutan
Ministry of Information and Communications
.BV Bouvet Island
UNINETT Norid A/S
.BW Botswana
University of Botswana
.BY Belarus
The State Centre of Security Information of Belarus Republic
.BZ Belize
University College of Belize
 C
.CA Canada
Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) Autorite Canadienne pour les Enregistrements Internet (ACEI)
.CC Cocos (Keeling) Islands
eNIC Cocos (Keeling) Islands Ltd. Pty, d/b/a Island Internet Services
.CD Congo, The Democratic Republic of the
NIC Congo – Interpoint SARL
.CF Central African Republic
Societe Centrafricaine de Telecommunications (SOCATEL)
.CG Congo
ONPT Congo and Interpoint Switzerland
.CH Switzerland
SWITCH The Swiss Education & Research Network
.CI Cote d’Ivoire
INP-HB Institut National Polytechnique Felix Houphouet Boigny
.CK Cook Islands
Telecom Cook Islands Ltd.
.CL Chile
NIC Chile (University of Chile)
.CM Cameroon
Cameroon Telecommunications (CAMTEL)
.CN China
Chinese Academy of Sciences The Computer Network Center
.CO Colombia
Universidad de Los Andes NIC Colombia
.CR Costa Rica
National Academy of Sciences Academia Nacional de Ciencias
.CU Cuba
CENIAInternet Industria y San Jose Capitolio Nacional
.CV Cape Verde
Instituto Superior de Engenharia e Ciencias do Mar
.CX Christmas Island
Christmas Island Internet Administration Limited
.CY Cyprus
University of Cyprus
.CZ Czech Republic
CZ.NIC, z.s.p.o
 D
.DE Germany
DENIC eG
.DJ Djibouti
Societe des Telecommunications Internationales de Djibouti (STID)
.DK Denmark
Dansk Internet Forum
.DM Dominica
DotDM Corporation
.DO Dominican Republic
Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra Recinto Santo Tomas de Aquino
.DZ Algeria
CERIST
 E
.EC Ecuador
NIC.EC (NICEC) S.A.
.EE Estonia
National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics
.EG Egypt
Egyptian Universities Network (EUN) Supreme Council of Universities
.EH Western Sahara
Not assigned
.ER Eritrea
Eritrea Telcommunication Services Corporation (EriTel)
.ES Spain
Red.es
.ET Ethiopia
Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation
.EU European Union
EURid vzw/asbl
 F
.FI Finland
Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority
.FJ Fiji
The University of the South Pacific IT Services
.FK Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Falkland Islands Government
.FM Micronesia, Federated States of
FSM Telecommunications Corporation
.FO Faroe Islands
FO Council
.FR France
AFNIC (NIC France) – Immeuble International
 G
.GA Gabon
Gabon Telecom
.GB United Kingdom
Reserved Domain – IANA
.GD Grenada
The National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC)
.GE Georgia
SANET Ltd.
.GF French Guiana
Net Plus
.GG Guernsey
Island Networks Ltd.
.GH Ghana
Network Computer Systems Limited
.GI Gibraltar
Sapphire Networks
.GL Greenland
TELE Greenland A/S
.GM Gambia
GM-NIC
.GN Guinea
Centre National des Sciences Halieutiques de Boussoura
.GP Guadeloupe
Networking Technologies Group
.GQ Equatorial Guinea
GETESA
.GR Greece
ICS-FORTH GR
.GS South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Government of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI)
.GT Guatemala
Universidad del Valle de Guatemala
.GU Guam
University of Guam Computer Center
.GW Guinea-Bissau
Fundação IT & MEDIA Universidade de Bissao
.GY Guyana
University of Guyana
 H
.HK Hong Kong
Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Ltd.
.HM Heard Island and McDonald Islands
HM Domain Registry
.HN Honduras
Red de Desarrollo Sostenible Honduras
.HR Croatia
CARNet – Croatian Academic and Research Network
.HT Haiti
Consortium FDS/RDDH
.HU Hungary
Council of Hungarian Internet Providers (CHIP)
 I
.ID Indonesia
IDNIC-PPAU Mikroelektronika
.IE Ireland
University College Dublin Computing Services Computer Centre
.IL Israel
Internet Society of Israel
.IM Isle of Man
Isle of Man Government
.IN India
National Centre for Software Technology
.IO British Indian Ocean Territory
IO Top Level Domain Registry Cable and Wireless
.IQ Iraq
National Communications and Media Commission of Iraq
.IR Iran, Islamic Republic of
Institute for Studies in Theoretical Physics & Mathematics (IPM)
.IS Iceland
ISNIC – Internet Iceland ltd.
.IT Italy
IIT – CNR
 J
.JE Jersey
Island Networks (Jersey) Ltd.
.JM Jamaica
University of West Indies
.JO Jordan
National Information Technology Centre
.JP Japan
Japan Registry Services Co., Ltd.
 K
.KE Kenya
Kenya Network Information Center (KeNIC)
.KG Kyrgyzstan
AsiaInfo Telecommunication Enterprise
.KH Cambodia
Ministry of Post and Telecommunications
.KI Kiribati
Ministry of Communications, Transport, and Tourism Development
.KM Comoros
Comores Telecom
.KN Saint Kitts and Nevis
Ministry of Finance, Sustainable Development Information & Technology
.KP Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of
Korea Computer Center
.KR Korea, Republic of
National Internet Development Agency of Korea (NIDA)
.KW Kuwait
Ministry of Communications
.KY Cayman Islands
The Information and Communications Technology Authority
.KZ Kazakhstan
Association of IT Companies of Kazakhstan
 L
.LA Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Lao National Internet Committee (LANIC) Science Technology and Environment Agency
.LB Lebanon
American University of Beirut Computing and Networking Services
.LC Saint Lucia
University of Puerto Rico
.LI Liechtenstein
Hochschule Liechtenstein
.LK Sri Lanka
Council for Information Technology LK Domain Registrar
.LR Liberia
Data Technology Solutions, Inc.
.LS Lesotho
National University of Lesotho
.LT Lithuania
Kaunas University of Technology Information Technology Development Institute
.LU Luxembourg
RESTENA
.LV Latvia
University of Latvia Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science Department of Network Solutions (DNS)
.LY Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
General Post and Telecommunication Company
 M
.MA Morocco
Agence Nationale de Réglementation des Télécommunications (ANRT)
.MC Monaco
Gouvernement de Monaco Direction des Telecommunications
.MD Moldova
MoldData S.E.
.ME Montenegro
Government of Montenegro
.MF Saint Martin
Not assigned
.MG Madagascar
NIC-MG (Network Information Center Madagascar)
.MH Marshall Islands
Cabinet Office
.MK Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of
Ministry of Foreign Relations
.ML Mali
SOTELMA
.MM Myanmar
Ministry of Communications, Posts & Telegraphs
.MN Mongolia
Datacom Co., Ltd.
.MO Macao
University of Macau
.MP Northern Mariana Islands
Saipan Datacom, Inc.
.MQ Martinique
SYSTEL
.MR Mauritania
University of Nouakchott
.MS Montserrat
MNI Networks Ltd.
.MT Malta
NIC (Malta)
.MU Mauritius
Internet Direct Ltd
.MV Maldives
Dhiraagu Pvt. Ltd. (DHIVEHINET)
.MW Malawi
Malawi Sustainable Development Network Programme (Malawi SDNP)
.MX Mexico
NIC-Mexico ITESM – Campus Monterrey
.MY Malaysia
MYNIC Berhad
.MZ Mozambique
Centro de Informatica de Universidade Eduardo Mondlane
 N
.NA Namibia
Namibian Network Information Center
.NC New Caledonia
Office des Postes et Telecommunications
.NE Niger
SONITEL
.NF Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island Data Services
.NG Nigeria
Nigerian Government c/o National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)
.NI Nicaragua
Universidad Nacional del Ingernieria Centro de Computo
.NL Netherlands
Stichting Internet Domeinregistratie Nederland
.NO Norway
UNINETT Norid A/S
.NP Nepal
Mercantile Communications Pvt. Ltd.
.NR Nauru
CENPAC NET
.NU Niue
Internet Users Society – Niue
.NZ New Zealand
InternetNZ
 O
.OM Oman
Oman Telecommunications Company
 P
.PA Panama
Universidad Tecnologica de Panama Panamanian Academic National Network
.PE Peru
Red Cientifica Peruana
.PF French Polynesia
Ministère des Postes et Télécommunications et des sports, chargé des nouvelles technologies de l’information
.PG Papua New Guinea
PNG DNS Administration Vice Chancellors Office The Papua New Guinea University of Technology
.PH Philippines
PH Domain Foundation
.PK Pakistan
PKNIC
.PL Poland
Research and Academic Computer Network
.PM Saint Pierre and Miquelon
AFNIC (NIC France) – Immeuble International
.PN Pitcairn
Pitcairn Island Administration
.PR Puerto Rico
Gauss Research Laboratory Inc.
.PS Palestinian Territory, Occupied
Ministry Of Telecommunications & Information Technology, Government Computer Center.
.PT Portugal
Fundacao para a Computacao Cientifica Nacional
.PW Palau
Micronesia Investment and Development Corporation
.PY Paraguay
NIC-PY
 Q
.QA Qatar
Qatar Telecom (Q-Tel) Q.S.C.
 R
.RE Reunion
AFNIC (NIC France) – Immeuble International
.RO Romania
National Institute for R&D in Informatics
.RS Serbia
Serbian National Register of Internet Domain Names
.RU Russian Federation
Coordination Center for TLD RU
.RW Rwanda
NIC Congo – Interpoint SARL
 S
.SA Saudi Arabia
Communications and Information Technology Commission
.SB Solomon Islands
Solomon Telekom Company Limited
.SC Seychelles
VCS Pty Ltd
.SD Sudan
Sudan Internet Society
.SE Sweden
The Internet Infrastructure Foundation
.SG Singapore
Singapore Network Information Centre (SGNIC) Pte Ltd
.SH Saint Helena
Government of St. Helena
.SI Slovenia
Academic and Research Network of Slovenia (ARNES)
.SJ Svalbard and Jan Mayen
UNINETT Norid A/S
.SK Slovakia
SK-NIC, a.s.
.SL Sierra Leone
Sierratel
.SM San Marino
Telecom Italia San Marino S.p.A.
.SN Senegal
Universite Cheikh Anta Diop NIC Senegal
.SO Somalia
World Class Domains c/o Monolith Innovation Group
.SR Suriname
Telesur
.ST Sao Tome and Principe
Tecnisys
.SU Soviet Union (being phased out)
Russian Institute for Development of Public Networks (ROSNIIROS)
.SV El Salvador
SVNet Col. Medica Dr. Emilio Alvarez
.SY Syrian Arab Republic
Syrian Telecommunications Establishment (STE)
.SZ Swaziland
University of Swaziland Department of Computer Science
 T
.TC Turks and Caicos Islands
Melrex TC
.TD Chad
Société des télécommunications du Tchad (SOTEL TCHAD)
.TF French Southern Territories
AFNIC (NIC France) – Immeuble International
.TG Togo
CAFE INFORMATIQUE ET TELECOMMUNICATION
.TH Thailand
Thai Network Information Center Foundation
.TJ Tajikistan
Information Technology Center
.TK Tokelau
Telecommunication Tokelau Corporation (Teletok)
.TL Timor-Leste
Ministry of Infrastructure Information and Technology Division
.TM Turkmenistan
TM Domain Registry Ltd
.TN Tunisia
Agence Tunisienne d’Internet
.TO Tonga
Government of the Kingdom of Tonga H.R.H. Crown Prince Tupouto’a c/o Consulate of Tonga
.TP Portuguese Timor (being phased out)
.TR Turkey
Middle East Technical University Department of Computer Engineering
.TT Trinidad and Tobago
University of the West Indies Faculty of Engineering
.TV Tuvalu
Ministry of Finance and Tourism
.TW Taiwan
Taiwan Network Information Center (TWNIC)
.TZ Tanzania, United Republic of
University of Dar Es Salaam
 U
.UA Ukraine
Communication Systems Ltd
.UG Uganda
Uganda Online Ltd.
.UK United Kingdom
Nominet UK
.UM United States Minor Outlying Islands
Not assigned
.US United States
NeuStar, Inc. Loudon Tech Center
.UY Uruguay
SeCIU – Universidad de la Republica
.UZ Uzbekistan
Computerization and Information Technologies Developing Center UZINFOCOM
 V
.VA Holy See (Vatican City State)
Holy See Secretariat of State Internet Office of the Holy See
.VC Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Ministry of Telecommunications, Science, Technology and Industry
.VE Venezuela
Centro Nacional de Tecnologias de Informacion
.VG Virgin Islands, British
Pinebrook Developments Ltd
.VI Virgin Islands, U.S.
Virgin Islands Public Telcommunications System c/o COBEX Internet Services
.VN Viet Nam
Ministry of Post and Telematics
.VU Vanuatu
Telecom Vanuatu Limited
 W
.WF Wallis and Futuna
AFNIC (NIC France) – Immeuble International
.WS Samoa
Government of Samoa Ministry of Foreign Affairs
 Y
.YE Yemen
TeleYemen
.YT Mayotte
AFNIC (NIC France) – Immeuble International
.YU Yugoslavia (being phased out)
Serbian National Register of Internet Domain Names (temporary caretaker)
 Z
.ZA South Africa
ZA Domain Name Authority
.ZM Zambia
ZAMNET Communication Systems Ltd.
.ZW Zimbabwe
Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ)

Reserved Top-Level Domains

The following top-level domains are reserved by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA).

Note that some of the internationalized domains may not display correctly. This will depend on the character sets supported by your computer.

Domain Purpose / Sponsoring Organization
.TEST For use in testing of current or new DNS related code
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.EXAMPLE For use in documentation or as examples
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.INVALID Intended for use in online construction of domain names that are sure to be invalid and which it is obvious at a glance are invalid
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.LOCALHOST Reserved to avoid conflict with the traditional use of localhost. Localhost has traditionally been statically defined in host DNS implementations as having an A record pointing to the loop back IP address and is reserved for such use. Any other use would conflict with widely deployed code which assumes this use.
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.TEST Recommended for use in testing of current or new DNS related code
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.ARPA Reserved exclusively to support operationally-critical infrastructural identifier spaces as advised by the Internet Architecture Board
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.INT Used only for registering organizations established by international treaties between governments
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.测试
test:zh-Hans
Reserved for testing internationalized domain names
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.परीक्षा
test:hi-Deva
Reserved for testing internationalized domain names
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.испытание
test:ru-Cyrl
Reserved for testing internationalized domain names
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.테스트
test:ko-Hang
Reserved for testing internationalized domain names
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.טעסט
test:yi-Hebr
Reserved for testing internationalized domain names
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.測試
test:zh-Hant
Reserved for testing internationalized domain names
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.آزمایشی
test:fa-Arab
Reserved for testing internationalized domain names
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.பரிட்சை
test:ta-Taml
Reserved for testing internationalized domain names
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.δοκιμή
test:el-Grek
Reserved for testing internationalized domain names
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.إختبار
test:ar-Arab
Reserved for testing internationalized domain names
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.テスト
test:ja-Kana
Reserved for testing internationalized domain names
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority

Registering Domain Names

Domain name extensions always consist of the top-level domain, and sometimes a second-level domain.

The top-level domains in this list are recognized by Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which operates the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) and is in charge of maintaining the DNS root zone.

Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD)

The following table represents the generic top-level domains (i.e. including .com, .org, etc).

Domain Purpose / Sponsoring Organization
.COM Generic top-level domain
VeriSign Global Registry Services
.INFO Generic top-level domain
Afilias Limited
.NET Generic top-level domain
VeriSign Global Registry Services
.ORG Generic top-level domain
Public Interest Registry (PIR)

Generic-Restricted Top-Level Domains

Generic-restricted top-level domain names are similar to the generic top-level domains, only eligibility is intended to be restricted and ascertained more stringently.

Domain Purpose / Sponsoring Organization
.BIZ Restricted for Business
NeuStar, Inc.
.NAME Reserved for individuals
The Global Name Registry Ltd.
.PRO Restricted to credentialed professionals and related entities
Registry Services Corporation dba RegistryPro

Sponsored Top-Level Domains (sTLD)

These domains are proposed and sponsored by private agencies or organizations that establish and enforce rules restricting the eligibility to use the TLD. IANA also groups sTLDs with the generic top-level domains.

Domain Purpose / Sponsoring Organization
.AERO Reserved for members of the air-transport industry
Societe Internationale de Telecommunications Aeronautique S.C. (SITA SC)
.ASIA Restricted to the Pan-Asia and Asia Pacific community
DotAsia Organization Ltd.
.CAT Reserved for the Catalan linguistic and cultural community
Fundacio puntCAT
.COOP Reserved for cooperative associations
DotCooperation LLC
.EDU Reserved for post-secondary institutions accredited by an agency on the U.S. Department of Education’s list of Nationally Recognized Accrediting Agencies
EDUCAUSE
.GOV Reserved exclusively for the United States Government
General Services Administration Attn: QTDC, 2E08 (.gov Domain Registration)
.INT Used only for registering organizations established by international treaties between governments
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.JOBS Reserved for human resource managers
Employ Media LLC
.MIL Reserved exclusively for the United States Military
DoD Network Information Center
.MOBI Reserved for consumers and providers of mobile products and services
mTLD Top Level Domain Limited dba dotMobi
.MUSEUM Reserved for museums
Museum Domain Management Association
.TEL Reserved for businesses and individuals to publish their contact data
Telnic Ltd.
.TRAVEL Reserved for entities whose primary area of activity is in the travel industry
Tralliance Registry Management Company, LLC.

Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLD)

Country code top-level domain names are those that are generally used for a specific country or dependent territory. All ccTLD identifiers are two letters long, and all two-letter top-level domains are ccTLDs.

Some countries use a second-level domain to represent the entity type (for example, .com.cn for Chinese companies, or .org.cn for Chinese organizations).

Domain Purpose / Sponsoring Organization
 A
.AC Ascension Island
Network Information Center (AC Domain Registry) c/o Cable and Wireless (Ascension Island)
.AD Andorra
STA Servei de Telecomunicacions d’Andorra
.AE United Arab Emirates
Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA)
.AF Afghanistan
Ministry of Communications and IT
.AG Antigua and Barbuda
UHSA School of Medicine
.AI Anguilla
Government of Anguilla
.AL Albania
Electronic and Postal Communications Authority – AKEP
.AM Armenia
Internet Society
.AN Netherlands Antilles
University of The Netherlands Antilles
.AO Angola
Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade Agostinho Neto
.AQ Antarctica
Mott and Associates
.AR Argentina
MRECIC (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, Comercio Internacional y Culto)
.AS American Samoa
AS Domain Registry
.AT Austria
NIC.AT Internet Verwaltungs und Betriebsgesellschaft m.b.H
.AU Australia
.au Domain Administration (auDA)
.AW Aruba
SETAR
.AX Aland Islands
Ålands landskapsregering
.AZ Azerbaijan
IntraNS
 B
.BA Bosnia and Herzegovina
Universtiy Telinformatic Centre (UTIC)
.BB Barbados
Government of Barbados Ministry of Economic Affairs and Development Telecommunications Unit
.BD Bangladesh
Ministry of Post & Telecommunications Bangladesh Secretariate
.BE Belgium
DNS BE vzw/asbl
.BF Burkina Faso
DELGI Delegational Generale Informatique
.BG Bulgaria
Register.BG
.BH Bahrain
BATELCO
.BI Burundi
Centre National de l’Informatique
.BJ Benin
Offices des Postes et Telecommunications
.BL Saint Barthelemy
Not assigned
.BM Bermuda
Registry General Ministry of Labour and Immigration
.BN Brunei Darussalam
Jabatan Telekom Brunei
.BO Bolivia
Agencia para el Desarrollo de la Información de la Sociedad en Bolivia
.BR Brazil
Comite Gestor da Internet no Brasil
.BS Bahamas
The College of the Bahamas
.BT Bhutan
Ministry of Information and Communications
.BV Bouvet Island
UNINETT Norid A/S
.BW Botswana
University of Botswana
.BY Belarus
The State Centre of Security Information of Belarus Republic
.BZ Belize
University College of Belize
 C
.CA Canada
Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) Autorite Canadienne pour les Enregistrements Internet (ACEI)
.CC Cocos (Keeling) Islands
eNIC Cocos (Keeling) Islands Ltd. Pty, d/b/a Island Internet Services
.CD Congo, The Democratic Republic of the
NIC Congo – Interpoint SARL
.CF Central African Republic
Societe Centrafricaine de Telecommunications (SOCATEL)
.CG Congo
ONPT Congo and Interpoint Switzerland
.CH Switzerland
SWITCH The Swiss Education & Research Network
.CI Cote d’Ivoire
INP-HB Institut National Polytechnique Felix Houphouet Boigny
.CK Cook Islands
Telecom Cook Islands Ltd.
.CL Chile
NIC Chile (University of Chile)
.CM Cameroon
Cameroon Telecommunications (CAMTEL)
.CN China
Chinese Academy of Sciences The Computer Network Center
.CO Colombia
Universidad de Los Andes NIC Colombia
.CR Costa Rica
National Academy of Sciences Academia Nacional de Ciencias
.CU Cuba
CENIAInternet Industria y San Jose Capitolio Nacional
.CV Cape Verde
Instituto Superior de Engenharia e Ciencias do Mar
.CX Christmas Island
Christmas Island Internet Administration Limited
.CY Cyprus
University of Cyprus
.CZ Czech Republic
CZ.NIC, z.s.p.o
 D
.DE Germany
DENIC eG
.DJ Djibouti
Societe des Telecommunications Internationales de Djibouti (STID)
.DK Denmark
Dansk Internet Forum
.DM Dominica
DotDM Corporation
.DO Dominican Republic
Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra Recinto Santo Tomas de Aquino
.DZ Algeria
CERIST
 E
.EC Ecuador
NIC.EC (NICEC) S.A.
.EE Estonia
National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics
.EG Egypt
Egyptian Universities Network (EUN) Supreme Council of Universities
.EH Western Sahara
Not assigned
.ER Eritrea
Eritrea Telcommunication Services Corporation (EriTel)
.ES Spain
Red.es
.ET Ethiopia
Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation
.EU European Union
EURid vzw/asbl
 F
.FI Finland
Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority
.FJ Fiji
The University of the South Pacific IT Services
.FK Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Falkland Islands Government
.FM Micronesia, Federated States of
FSM Telecommunications Corporation
.FO Faroe Islands
FO Council
.FR France
AFNIC (NIC France) – Immeuble International
 G
.GA Gabon
Gabon Telecom
.GB United Kingdom
Reserved Domain – IANA
.GD Grenada
The National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC)
.GE Georgia
SANET Ltd.
.GF French Guiana
Net Plus
.GG Guernsey
Island Networks Ltd.
.GH Ghana
Network Computer Systems Limited
.GI Gibraltar
Sapphire Networks
.GL Greenland
TELE Greenland A/S
.GM Gambia
GM-NIC
.GN Guinea
Centre National des Sciences Halieutiques de Boussoura
.GP Guadeloupe
Networking Technologies Group
.GQ Equatorial Guinea
GETESA
.GR Greece
ICS-FORTH GR
.GS South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Government of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI)
.GT Guatemala
Universidad del Valle de Guatemala
.GU Guam
University of Guam Computer Center
.GW Guinea-Bissau
Fundação IT & MEDIA Universidade de Bissao
.GY Guyana
University of Guyana
 H
.HK Hong Kong
Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Ltd.
.HM Heard Island and McDonald Islands
HM Domain Registry
.HN Honduras
Red de Desarrollo Sostenible Honduras
.HR Croatia
CARNet – Croatian Academic and Research Network
.HT Haiti
Consortium FDS/RDDH
.HU Hungary
Council of Hungarian Internet Providers (CHIP)
 I
.ID Indonesia
IDNIC-PPAU Mikroelektronika
.IE Ireland
University College Dublin Computing Services Computer Centre
.IL Israel
Internet Society of Israel
.IM Isle of Man
Isle of Man Government
.IN India
National Centre for Software Technology
.IO British Indian Ocean Territory
IO Top Level Domain Registry Cable and Wireless
.IQ Iraq
National Communications and Media Commission of Iraq
.IR Iran, Islamic Republic of
Institute for Studies in Theoretical Physics & Mathematics (IPM)
.IS Iceland
ISNIC – Internet Iceland ltd.
.IT Italy
IIT – CNR
 J
.JE Jersey
Island Networks (Jersey) Ltd.
.JM Jamaica
University of West Indies
.JO Jordan
National Information Technology Centre
.JP Japan
Japan Registry Services Co., Ltd.
 K
.KE Kenya
Kenya Network Information Center (KeNIC)
.KG Kyrgyzstan
AsiaInfo Telecommunication Enterprise
.KH Cambodia
Ministry of Post and Telecommunications
.KI Kiribati
Ministry of Communications, Transport, and Tourism Development
.KM Comoros
Comores Telecom
.KN Saint Kitts and Nevis
Ministry of Finance, Sustainable Development Information & Technology
.KP Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of
Korea Computer Center
.KR Korea, Republic of
National Internet Development Agency of Korea (NIDA)
.KW Kuwait
Ministry of Communications
.KY Cayman Islands
The Information and Communications Technology Authority
.KZ Kazakhstan
Association of IT Companies of Kazakhstan
 L
.LA Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Lao National Internet Committee (LANIC) Science Technology and Environment Agency
.LB Lebanon
American University of Beirut Computing and Networking Services
.LC Saint Lucia
University of Puerto Rico
.LI Liechtenstein
Hochschule Liechtenstein
.LK Sri Lanka
Council for Information Technology LK Domain Registrar
.LR Liberia
Data Technology Solutions, Inc.
.LS Lesotho
National University of Lesotho
.LT Lithuania
Kaunas University of Technology Information Technology Development Institute
.LU Luxembourg
RESTENA
.LV Latvia
University of Latvia Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science Department of Network Solutions (DNS)
.LY Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
General Post and Telecommunication Company
 M
.MA Morocco
Agence Nationale de Réglementation des Télécommunications (ANRT)
.MC Monaco
Gouvernement de Monaco Direction des Telecommunications
.MD Moldova
MoldData S.E.
.ME Montenegro
Government of Montenegro
.MF Saint Martin
Not assigned
.MG Madagascar
NIC-MG (Network Information Center Madagascar)
.MH Marshall Islands
Cabinet Office
.MK Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of
Ministry of Foreign Relations
.ML Mali
SOTELMA
.MM Myanmar
Ministry of Communications, Posts & Telegraphs
.MN Mongolia
Datacom Co., Ltd.
.MO Macao
University of Macau
.MP Northern Mariana Islands
Saipan Datacom, Inc.
.MQ Martinique
SYSTEL
.MR Mauritania
University of Nouakchott
.MS Montserrat
MNI Networks Ltd.
.MT Malta
NIC (Malta)
.MU Mauritius
Internet Direct Ltd
.MV Maldives
Dhiraagu Pvt. Ltd. (DHIVEHINET)
.MW Malawi
Malawi Sustainable Development Network Programme (Malawi SDNP)
.MX Mexico
NIC-Mexico ITESM – Campus Monterrey
.MY Malaysia
MYNIC Berhad
.MZ Mozambique
Centro de Informatica de Universidade Eduardo Mondlane
 N
.NA Namibia
Namibian Network Information Center
.NC New Caledonia
Office des Postes et Telecommunications
.NE Niger
SONITEL
.NF Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island Data Services
.NG Nigeria
Nigerian Government c/o National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)
.NI Nicaragua
Universidad Nacional del Ingernieria Centro de Computo
.NL Netherlands
Stichting Internet Domeinregistratie Nederland
.NO Norway
UNINETT Norid A/S
.NP Nepal
Mercantile Communications Pvt. Ltd.
.NR Nauru
CENPAC NET
.NU Niue
Internet Users Society – Niue
.NZ New Zealand
InternetNZ
 O
.OM Oman
Oman Telecommunications Company
 P
.PA Panama
Universidad Tecnologica de Panama Panamanian Academic National Network
.PE Peru
Red Cientifica Peruana
.PF French Polynesia
Ministère des Postes et Télécommunications et des sports, chargé des nouvelles technologies de l’information
.PG Papua New Guinea
PNG DNS Administration Vice Chancellors Office The Papua New Guinea University of Technology
.PH Philippines
PH Domain Foundation
.PK Pakistan
PKNIC
.PL Poland
Research and Academic Computer Network
.PM Saint Pierre and Miquelon
AFNIC (NIC France) – Immeuble International
.PN Pitcairn
Pitcairn Island Administration
.PR Puerto Rico
Gauss Research Laboratory Inc.
.PS Palestinian Territory, Occupied
Ministry Of Telecommunications & Information Technology, Government Computer Center.
.PT Portugal
Fundacao para a Computacao Cientifica Nacional
.PW Palau
Micronesia Investment and Development Corporation
.PY Paraguay
NIC-PY
 Q
.QA Qatar
Qatar Telecom (Q-Tel) Q.S.C.
 R
.RE Reunion
AFNIC (NIC France) – Immeuble International
.RO Romania
National Institute for R&D in Informatics
.RS Serbia
Serbian National Register of Internet Domain Names
.RU Russian Federation
Coordination Center for TLD RU
.RW Rwanda
NIC Congo – Interpoint SARL
 S
.SA Saudi Arabia
Communications and Information Technology Commission
.SB Solomon Islands
Solomon Telekom Company Limited
.SC Seychelles
VCS Pty Ltd
.SD Sudan
Sudan Internet Society
.SE Sweden
The Internet Infrastructure Foundation
.SG Singapore
Singapore Network Information Centre (SGNIC) Pte Ltd
.SH Saint Helena
Government of St. Helena
.SI Slovenia
Academic and Research Network of Slovenia (ARNES)
.SJ Svalbard and Jan Mayen
UNINETT Norid A/S
.SK Slovakia
SK-NIC, a.s.
.SL Sierra Leone
Sierratel
.SM San Marino
Telecom Italia San Marino S.p.A.
.SN Senegal
Universite Cheikh Anta Diop NIC Senegal
.SO Somalia
World Class Domains c/o Monolith Innovation Group
.SR Suriname
Telesur
.ST Sao Tome and Principe
Tecnisys
.SU Soviet Union (being phased out)
Russian Institute for Development of Public Networks (ROSNIIROS)
.SV El Salvador
SVNet Col. Medica Dr. Emilio Alvarez
.SY Syrian Arab Republic
Syrian Telecommunications Establishment (STE)
.SZ Swaziland
University of Swaziland Department of Computer Science
 T
.TC Turks and Caicos Islands
Melrex TC
.TD Chad
Société des télécommunications du Tchad (SOTEL TCHAD)
.TF French Southern Territories
AFNIC (NIC France) – Immeuble International
.TG Togo
CAFE INFORMATIQUE ET TELECOMMUNICATION
.TH Thailand
Thai Network Information Center Foundation
.TJ Tajikistan
Information Technology Center
.TK Tokelau
Telecommunication Tokelau Corporation (Teletok)
.TL Timor-Leste
Ministry of Infrastructure Information and Technology Division
.TM Turkmenistan
TM Domain Registry Ltd
.TN Tunisia
Agence Tunisienne d’Internet
.TO Tonga
Government of the Kingdom of Tonga H.R.H. Crown Prince Tupouto’a c/o Consulate of Tonga
.TP Portuguese Timor (being phased out)
.TR Turkey
Middle East Technical University Department of Computer Engineering
.TT Trinidad and Tobago
University of the West Indies Faculty of Engineering
.TV Tuvalu
Ministry of Finance and Tourism
.TW Taiwan
Taiwan Network Information Center (TWNIC)
.TZ Tanzania, United Republic of
University of Dar Es Salaam
 U
.UA Ukraine
Communication Systems Ltd
.UG Uganda
Uganda Online Ltd.
.UK United Kingdom
Nominet UK
.UM United States Minor Outlying Islands
Not assigned
.US United States
NeuStar, Inc. Loudon Tech Center
.UY Uruguay
SeCIU – Universidad de la Republica
.UZ Uzbekistan
Computerization and Information Technologies Developing Center UZINFOCOM
 V
.VA Holy See (Vatican City State)
Holy See Secretariat of State Internet Office of the Holy See
.VC Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Ministry of Telecommunications, Science, Technology and Industry
.VE Venezuela
Centro Nacional de Tecnologias de Informacion
.VG Virgin Islands, British
Pinebrook Developments Ltd
.VI Virgin Islands, U.S.
Virgin Islands Public Telcommunications System c/o COBEX Internet Services
.VN Viet Nam
Ministry of Post and Telematics
.VU Vanuatu
Telecom Vanuatu Limited
 W
.WF Wallis and Futuna
AFNIC (NIC France) – Immeuble International
.WS Samoa
Government of Samoa Ministry of Foreign Affairs
 Y
.YE Yemen
TeleYemen
.YT Mayotte
AFNIC (NIC France) – Immeuble International
.YU Yugoslavia (being phased out)
Serbian National Register of Internet Domain Names (temporary caretaker)
 Z
.ZA South Africa
ZA Domain Name Authority
.ZM Zambia
ZAMNET Communication Systems Ltd.
.ZW Zimbabwe
Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ)

Reserved Top-Level Domains

The following top-level domains are reserved by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA).

Note that some of the internationalized domains may not display correctly. This will depend on the character sets supported by your computer.

Domain Purpose / Sponsoring Organization
.TEST For use in testing of current or new DNS related code
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.EXAMPLE For use in documentation or as examples
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.INVALID Intended for use in online construction of domain names that are sure to be invalid and which it is obvious at a glance are invalid
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.LOCALHOST Reserved to avoid conflict with the traditional use of localhost. Localhost has traditionally been statically defined in host DNS implementations as having an A record pointing to the loop back IP address and is reserved for such use. Any other use would conflict with widely deployed code which assumes this use.
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.TEST Recommended for use in testing of current or new DNS related code
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.ARPA Reserved exclusively to support operationally-critical infrastructural identifier spaces as advised by the Internet Architecture Board
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.INT Used only for registering organizations established by international treaties between governments
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.测试
test:zh-Hans
Reserved for testing internationalized domain names
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.परीक्षा
test:hi-Deva
Reserved for testing internationalized domain names
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.испытание
test:ru-Cyrl
Reserved for testing internationalized domain names
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.테스트
test:ko-Hang
Reserved for testing internationalized domain names
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.טעסט
test:yi-Hebr
Reserved for testing internationalized domain names
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.測試
test:zh-Hant
Reserved for testing internationalized domain names
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.آزمایشی
test:fa-Arab
Reserved for testing internationalized domain names
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.பரிட்சை
test:ta-Taml
Reserved for testing internationalized domain names
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.δοκιμή
test:el-Grek
Reserved for testing internationalized domain names
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.إختبار
test:ar-Arab
Reserved for testing internationalized domain names
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
.テスト
test:ja-Kana
Reserved for testing internationalized domain names
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority

Registering Domain Names

You can register top-level domain names via Power Hoster.

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