FAQs about .gov domains

Domain requests

• How much does a .gov domain cost?
• I'm working with a government organization. Why do I have to provide personal information to request a domain on their behalf?
• Can I request a name like cityname.state.gov (e.g., detroit.mi.gov)?
• How much longer until I hear back about my domain request?

Get more help with domain requests.

Domain management

• How do I add or remove someone from my domain?
• Why don't I see my domain when I sign in to the registrar?
• My domain is about to expire. How can I renew my domain?
• Where can I add DNS records?
• My DNS hosting provider wants me to transfer my .gov domain to their registrar. What should I do?

Get more help with domain management.

How much does a .gov domain cost?

For eligible government organizations, .gov domains are FREE! Learn how to get a free .gov domain.

I'm working with a government organization. Why do I have to provide personal information to request a domain on their behalf?

Since most governments in the U.S. operate transparently, it’s usually not difficult to discover information about an organization. Anyone can easily find the names, roles, or email addresses of those employed, or details like official records, budgets, or a tax ID. However, it can be difficult to know whether someone approaching us actually is who they say they are, or that they really represent their purported organization.

To prevent someone from using public information to impersonate a government or an official, as well as discourage unauthorized individuals or ineligible organizations from requesting a domain, we verify the identity of new domain requestors using Login.gov. Once your identity has been confirmed, we then conduct a manual review to assess whether you actually work for, or on behalf of, a government.

Login.gov is a secure, government website that adheres to the highest standards in data protection. Most of the data you submit is not stored. You can learn more about the privacy and security measures taken to keep your information safe.

Can I request a name like cityname.state.gov (e.g., detroit.mi.gov)?

The “cityname” and “detroit” part of the examples above are subdomains. We do not register subdomains for .gov.

To use a subdomain for a particular .gov domain, like mi.gov, you need to coordinate with the registrant for that .gov domain. View data for all .gov domains, including points of contact for domains.

How much longer until I hear back about my domain request?

Our review process can take 30 business days. Due to the volume of requests, the wait time is longer than usual. It also may take longer depending on the details of your request.

You can check the status of your domain request at any time. If you have a question, contact us.

Learn more about what happens after you request a .gov domain.

How do I add or remove someone from my domain?

You can add or remove domain managers without contacting us.

1. Sign in to the .gov registrar using your Login.gov account.
2. Click the “Manage” link for your .gov domain.
3. Click “Domain managers” on the left-side navigation.
4. Add or remove domain managers as needed.

Get more help adding or removing domain managers.

Why don't I see my domain when I sign in to the registrar?

If you had a .gov account prior to November 2023, you can’t use your old credentials to access the new registrar. You’ll need to create a Login.gov account with the same email address you used to sign in to the old registrar. That will ensure that you have access to your domains.

If you need help finding the email address you used in the past, email us at [email protected].

My domain is about to expire. How can I renew my domain?

As part of launching our new registrar, we extended expiration dates for .gov domains in good standing for one year. Domains in good standing will not expire before November 1, 2024.

If you received an email that your domain is about to expire, that notification is outdated. We are rebuilding our renewal/expiration process. We’ll keep domain managers updated on our progress.

Where can I add DNS records?

To add or update DNS records like A, MX, CNAME, or TXT, you need to make changes at your DNS hosting provider. We don’t offer DNS hosting services at this time. Your provider operates your domain’s name servers, which appear as NS records in the .gov registar.

If you’re unsure who your DNS hosting provider is, sign in to the .gov registrar and review your domain’s NS records. These are your name servers, which are managed by your hosting provider. The domain in the NS record is often the name of the website where you can update your DNS records.

My DNS hosting provider wants me to transfer my .gov domain to their registrar. What should I do?

A .gov domain cannot be transferred to any other registrar. However, DNS for the domain can be managed by a third party, and as some DNS hosting providers operate registrars, their help desk or documentation may not clearly reflect the unique case of .gov domains.

If you are asked for an AUTH code by your DNS hosting provider, let them know that you’re trying to set up DNS hosting and that you cannot transfer a .gov domain to them.