Every extension is run by a registry that sets its own rules. Most popular extensions are open to anyone, but some are limited to residents, businesses or specific groups, and all of them have limits on name length and registration period.
Each extension's page in the TLD directory lists its rules. This article explains what they mean.
Open vs restricted extensions
Open extensions can be registered by anyone, anywhere, with no paperwork: .com, .net, .org, .io, .co, .dev, .app, .xyz and most newer generic extensions.
Restricted extensions have eligibility requirements. In the directory, use the Restricted filter to see them, or Open to hide them. Search results also show a notice on restricted extensions; hover or tap it to read a summary.
Types of restriction
Local presence
The registrant must have an address in the country or region. Examples include many European and Asian country extensions. Some registries accept a business address or a trustee service; others require a resident individual or a locally registered company.
Local activity or connection
The registrant must show a real connection to the country, such as doing business there or having customers there, without necessarily living there. .ca, for example, requires a Canadian presence that fits one of several categories.
Business or organization eligibility
Some extensions are for a specific type of registrant: registered companies, professionals in a regulated field, or members of a community. Proof may be requested during or after registration.
Email verification
Some registries require you to confirm your email address after registration. If you do not confirm in time, the domain can be suspended until you do.
Additional documents
A few extensions ask for identity or trademark documents. Registration can take longer, and it can be refused if the documents do not meet the registry's rules.
Important: registries can review registrations after the fact. If you register a restricted extension without meeting its requirements, the domain can be suspended or deleted, usually without a refund.
Name length
Every extension sets a minimum and maximum number of characters for the name before the extension.
- The maximum is usually 63 characters, the technical limit for one part of a domain name.
- The minimum varies: commonly 1, 2 or 3 characters.
- Very short names are often reserved or sold as premium names.
The extension's page shows its exact limits. NameFlow's search accepts names of 2 to 63 characters.
Allowed characters are letters a to z, digits 0 to 9, and hyphens. A hyphen cannot be the first or last character.
Registration period
Domains are registered for a whole number of years. Each extension sets:
- Minimum period: usually 1 year, but some extensions require 2 years or more up front.
- Maximum period: usually up to 10 years.
The extension's page shows both. A longer initial period protects the domain for longer, but you still pay for each year. See Understanding Domain Pricing.
WHOIS privacy
When a domain is registered, the owner's contact details are stored with the registry. Public lookup services (WHOIS and its successor, RDAP) can show some of these details.
Some registrars sell WHOIS privacy (a proxy service that replaces your details in public lookups). NameFlow does not offer a WHOIS privacy or proxy service.
- Many registries now hide personal data by default, especially for individuals, because of privacy laws such as the GDPR.
- Some extensions require accurate, visible contact details. This is common for country extensions such as
.us. - The extension's page shows what the registry's rules say about privacy.
Whatever is shown publicly, the registry and registrar hold your real details, and they must be accurate. Inaccurate contact details are a common reason for suspension.
Before you register a restricted extension
- Open the extension's page in the TLD directory and read its rules.
- Check that you, or your company, meet them today, not "soon".
- Have any documents ready (company registration, proof of address).
- Consider an open alternative if you are unsure. See Choosing a TLD.