What does .dev stand for and who can use it?
Meaning and purpose
The .dev domain was introduced in 2019 after Google acquired the rights to the TLD. It was designed to provide a secure, dedicated space for developers, engineers, and technology professionals to showcase their work.
One key feature of .dev is that it's included in the HSTS preload list, meaning all .dev websites must use HTTPS encryption. This makes it a safer choice by default, as browsers will refuse to connect to unencrypted .dev sites.
Who can register a .dev domain?
There are no restrictions on who can register a .dev domain. Anyone can buy one through accredited registrars like Google Domains, Namecheap, or GoDaddy. It's commonly used for personal portfolios, open-source projects, documentation sites, and company engineering blogs.
Because .dev is associated with development, it can help establish credibility in the tech community. However, it's not limited to developers—businesses in other fields can use it too, though it may not be the most intuitive choice for non-technical audiences.
- Open to all registrants worldwide.
- Requires HTTPS; no plain HTTP allowed.
- Popular for developer portfolios, docs, and tech startups.
- Registration prices typically range from $10 to $20 per year.
- Available at most major registrars.
Common mistakes
- Thinking .dev is only for developers; anyone can register it.
- Assuming you can run a .dev site without an SSL certificate; HTTPS is mandatory.
- Believing .dev is a country-code TLD; it's a generic TLD managed by Google.