Official Domain Names

Official domain names are authorized domain names that are assigned and governed by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) through its authorized registering companies and recognized domain name registrars. ICANN is also responsible for the administration of Internet protocols and Internet's root server system.

In the domain market, both official domain names and unofficial domain names are available for registration. Domain names that are registered under the ICANN system are official domain names. They include generic top level domains (gTLDs), sponsored domains, country code domains (ccTLDs) and special domains. Nearly 12 gTLDs and 250 ccTLDs are available for official domain name registration.

Generic top level domains are unsponsored domain extensions that include .com, .org and .net. These are international domains with no attachment to any specific country or territory. Sponsored domains include .aero, .coop, .museum and so on. Country code domains (ccTLDs) are domains representing countries and territories. Special domains are domains that are restricted for the use of certain kinds of users. They include .edu (for educational establishments in the U.S), .gov (for agencies associated with the US government), and .mil (for the US military).

You can obtain official domain names with the able assistance of accredited domain registrars. The outer limit set for the length of official domain names is 67 characters. Unlike unofficial domain names, official domain names are mostly registered in a safe and secure environment. They enjoy all legal privileges and governmental protection. It is possible to renew, transfer and modify official domains. Any disputes with regard to these domain names can be resolved under any competent court in the appropriate jurisdiction.

There are many accredited domain registries at national and international level for official domain names registration. ICANN and Internic provides a complete list of these official domain name registrars in their websites. For further information on official domain names, you can seek the help of ICANN or its accredited members.