DNS hosting

For a domain name to be used online, it needs a server that will answer authoritatively on its behalf. You can run that computer for your organization’s domain yourself, have a third party run it for you, or use our DNS hosting service, which is easy to set up and completely free.

What is DNS hosting?

Domain Name System (DNS) hosting services connect your organization’s domain to platforms and services like your website, email, and other online tools. It is the service that stores DNS records for your domain and responds to queries for it. These records tell other computers on the internet where to go or what to do when someone visits your domain.

With DNS hosting, you can:

• Point your domain at an IP address using A or AAAA records
• Have your domain resolve to a provider’s web platform with CNAME records
• Set up email services using MX records
• Verify external services or configure SPF/DKIM/DMARC using TXT records
• Create subdomains such as blog.yourdomain.gov

Using our DNS hosting service

Our DNS hosting service is designed to make it easy to manage your organization’s domains right in the .gov registrar:

Simple to set up: Easy-to-use forms guide you through creating DNS records. Required fields are clearly marked so domain managers can enter the right values with confidence.

Easy to manage: Add, edit, and review DNS records directly in your domain dashboard. Everything is in one place, so you don’t need to log in to a separate DNS provider or juggle multiple accounts to manage your organization’s .gov domains.

Free to use: We offer DNS hosting for .gov domains at no cost.

Need assistance?

We can help with general questions about how to set DNS records. However, most of the details you’ll need to set DNS up for a service like a website or email will come from your web or mail service provider.