Are there restrictions on who can register a .us domain?
Who Can Register a .us Domain
The .us country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) is managed by the American Registry for Internet Services (ARIS) under contract with the U.S. Department of Commerce. To register a .us domain, you must be one of the following: a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, a U.S. organization or company, or a foreign entity with a bona fide presence in the U.S. (such as an office or regular business activities).
Individuals must be at least 18 years old. Organizations can be non-profits, businesses, or government entities. There are also specific rules for certain third-level domains like .gov.us, .mil.us, and .k12.us, which have additional restrictions.
Nexus Requirements and Verification
When you register a .us domain, you must certify that you meet the nexus requirements. This is a legal attestation. The registry may conduct random audits to verify compliance. If you fail to meet the requirements or provide false information, your domain can be suspended or cancelled.
Registrars are responsible for collecting this information, but enforcement is handled by the registry. If you're unsure about your eligibility, check with your registrar before purchasing.
How to Prove Eligibility
You don't need to submit proof upfront, but you should be able to provide documentation if asked. For individuals, a government-issued ID or proof of residency works. For businesses, a business license, tax document, or articles of incorporation can demonstrate a U.S. presence.
Foreign companies with a bona fide presence might need to show a U.S. address, a registered agent, or regular business operations in the country. If you're not eligible, consider a .com or other generic TLD instead.
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- U.S. organization or company.
- Foreign entity with a bona fide presence in the U.S.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Compliance is subject to audit.
Common mistakes
- Assuming anyone can register a .us domain; it's restricted to those with a U.S. nexus.
- Thinking that you need to be a U.S. citizen; permanent residents and U.S. organizations also qualify.
- Believing that no verification occurs; the registry can audit and cancel non-compliant domains.