Before you request a .gov domain

To get a .gov domain, you need to submit a request using our online form. Domains are approved only for authorized requesters from eligible U.S.-based government organizations that meet our naming requirements.

• Non-federal organizations: Requesters must be a government employee or work on behalf of the government in a technological, administrative, or executive capacity.
• Federal organizations: These agencies limit who can submit requests on their behalf. Federal employees should coordinate with their CIO office to obtain the appropriate internal approvals.

If you have important deadlines to meet, plan ahead and start the request process as soon as possible. Completing our request form might take 15 minutes, but it may take several weeks to be evaluated by our team. Requests from officials in a senior role (e.g., a CIO, a city manager) may be processed faster.

The guidance below is meant to help you understand the process and navigate it efficiently.

Steps to take before you request your .gov domain

Complete your request as quickly as possible by taking these actions.

• Eligibility: Make sure your organization is eligible to have a .gov domain.
• Domain name: Choose an available .gov domain that complies with our requirements.
• Senior official: Find out who your senior official is and make sure they approve your request.
• Request form: Gather all the information you’ll need to complete your domain request.
• Account: Create a Login.gov account. You’ll need a Login.gov account to request a .gov domain. Login.gov provides a simple and secure process for signing in to many government services with one account.

Verify your identity with Login.gov (required for first-time domain requestors)

Before you can request your first .gov domain, we’ll require you to verify your identity with Login.gov. This is a necessary layer of security that requires you to prove you are you, and not someone pretending to be you. You’ll need a state-issued ID, a Social Security number, and a phone number for identity verification. You’ll be prompted to verify your identity when you begin the domain request process.

Read more about verifying your identity with Login.gov

Information you’ll need to complete the domain request form

We’ll ask you questions about your organization and the domain you want. Here’s what you’ll need to know to complete the form.

• Type of government organization you represent
• Organization name and mailing address
• Your senior official
• Current websites for your organization (if you have one)
• .Gov domain you want
• Purpose of your domain
• Your contact information
• Other employees from your organization

What happens after you request your .gov domain

We’ll review your request. This review period usually takes around 10 business days.

During our review we’ll verify that:

• Your organization is eligible for a .gov domain
• You work at the organization and/or can make requests on its behalf
• Your requested domain meets our naming requirements

After your domain is approved, we’ll ask you to provide the following information:

• Domain name server information (required)
• Additional domain managers
• Security email for public use

Before your approved .gov domain can be used, you’ll need to connect it to your DNS hosting service. At this time, we don’t provide DNS hosting services.

Read more about domain management.

Start your domain request

Ready to request a .gov domain? Get started! You don’t have to complete the process in one session. You can save your progress and come back to it when you’re ready.

Start a .gov domain request