Restricted TLDs and Eligibility Requirements
Restricted TLDs and Eligibility Requirements
Not all domain extensions are available to everyone. Restricted TLDs enforce eligibility rules set by their registry operators, limiting who can register a domain under that extension. Understanding these restrictions before you search for a domain can save you time and avoid order rejections.
Why Are Some TLDs Restricted?
Restrictions exist for several reasons:
- Consumer protection — Ensuring that domains in regulated industries are held by legitimate entities (e.g.,
.bank,.pharmacy). - Geographic relevance — Maintaining the local character of country code or city-level domains (e.g.,
.us,.nyc). - Professional credibility — Limiting extensions to qualified practitioners (e.g.,
.law,.cpa). - Government use — Reserving extensions for official government entities (e.g.,
.gov,.mil).
Common Types of Restrictions
| Restriction Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Residency / Nexus | Registrant must reside in or have a connection to a specific country or region | .us, .ca, .eu, .nyc |
| Industry verification | Registrant must operate in a specific industry and pass verification | .bank, .insurance, .pharmacy |
| Professional license | Registrant must hold a valid professional license | .law, .cpa, .dental |
| Government affiliation | Limited to government entities | .gov, .mil |
| Trademark-based | Requires ownership of a matching trademark | .amazon (brand TLD) |
| Membership | Requires membership in a sponsoring organization | .coop, .museum, .aero |
How to Check Eligibility
- Read the registry policy — Each restricted TLD has a published set of eligibility requirements available on the registry operator’s website.
- Check during search — When you search for a domain through 10Corp, any restrictions are noted alongside the search results or during the checkout process.
- Prepare documentation — Common documents include government-issued ID, business registration certificates, professional licenses, and proof of address.
- Allow extra time — Restricted TLD registrations may require manual review and can take longer to process than unrestricted ones.
What Happens if You Don’t Qualify?
If you register a restricted TLD domain without meeting the eligibility requirements:
- The registry may reject the registration during verification.
- The domain may be suspended or deleted after a post-registration audit.
- You may lose the domain and any associated fees without a refund.
Always verify your eligibility before committing to a purchase.
Popular Restricted TLDs
| TLD | Key Requirement |
|---|---|
.us | Must have a U.S. nexus (citizen, resident, or organization) |
.ca | Canadian presence requirement (CIRA) |
.eu | EU/EEA residency or establishment |
.uk | UK address required |
.nyc | Physical address in New York City |
.bank | Verified banking institution |
.pharmacy | Verified pharmacy with regulatory compliance |
.gov | U.S. government entity |
.edu | Accredited post-secondary institution |
Summary
Restricted TLDs serve important roles in maintaining trust, safety, and relevance on the internet. Before attempting to register a restricted domain, verify that you meet all eligibility requirements and have the necessary documentation ready. Use the 10Corp domain search to identify restrictions early in the process.