The .NAME namespace is the only generic Top Level Domain (gTLD) authorized exclusively for private individuals. It allows domain registrations on the second domain level.
Second level .NAME registrations allow Registrants to register domains like johnsmith.name.
Note: You cannot make any changes to contacts for 5 days after registration. In addition, you cannot enable WHOIS Privacy at registration or for 5 days after registration.
Registration details
Registration details can be found in the TLD reference chart.
Eligibility
Any person can register his or her own personal name. A parent may register the personal name of his or her child, provided that the registration is in the name of the child. The same applies to names given as gifts. All registrations must remain in the name of the rightful owner of the domain. Any individual or entity can register a personal name of a fictional character if that individual or entity has trade or service mark rights to that name.
Registrants can add numeric characters to the beginning or end of a personal name to differentiate it from other personal names. For instance, if johnsmith.name is already registered, an eligible registrant may opt to purchase john5smith.name or johnsmith5.name.
Domain formats and availability
Only 2nd-level .NAME is supported
You can format .NAME domains according to one of the following examples:
- FirstnameLastname.name (second-level)
- LastnameFirstname.name (second-level)
DNS requirements
In order to activate a .NAME domain, you must provide at least one functional nameserver; however, you may provide up to six nameservers per domain.
- If a customer buys a second-level domain (e.g., smith.name), the registry controls the DNS for smith.name and the customer controls any sub-domains through their nameservers. Sub-domains on smith.name are not available for registration at the registry level.
Note: Any DNS nameservers that were previously registered with foreign registries through other registrars need to be registered with the .NAME registry. In the Domain Management section of the RWI, click Add Nameserver to All Foreign Registries.
Transfer Away: Email Forwarding
For .NAME domain bundles that include email forwarding, please note that the email forwarding service has a separate authorization code.
If you are transferring away, both the domain and the email forwarding service must be transferred separately.
To obtain the authorization code for the email forwarding service, please contact support.
Important to note
The following products and services for .name (new registration and transfer-in) are not supported.
- .NAME Defensive (Standard / Premium)
- .NAME Namewatch
- .NAME Email Forwarding (standalone product)
- 3rd-level .NAME registrations (standalone product)
- .NAME Email Forwarding & 3rd-level .NAME registrations (bundle product)
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