Frequently Asked Questions

About .DESIGN Domain Names

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Last Updated: May 12, 2015 9:46 AM

The field of design can stretch from website design to interior design, and encompasses a range of artistry. The .design domain name is ideal for both individual freelancers and well as firms, and any blogger or reviewer who may be passionate about the design community on any level.

Registration Phases

The .design launch is divided into three registration phases: Trademark Holder (Sunrise), Priority Pre-Registration (Early Access) and General Availability. Each phase has specific application requirements:

Pre-Registration

Pre-registration gives you the best possible chance of securing a domain name before it's available to the general public, but it doesn't guarantee you will get it. You can pre-register for Sunrise, Early Access and General Availability phases, and we'll submit your registration application when the phase begins.

Multiple applications with different registrars are resolved on a first-come, first-served basis during General Availability. If you aren't able to secure the domain name, we'll refund the registration fee. Application fees will not be refunded.

Trademark Holder Registration - Sunrise

From February 24, 2015 at 14:00 UTC to April 28, 2015 at 24:00 UTC, trademark holders can submit an application to register a .design domain containing their owned mark, before it's available to the public.

Trademark validation goes through the Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH), which is an ICANN global repository for trademark data. Visit the TMCH website for information on registering a trademark.

Bulk .design registration is not supported during Sunrise.

If you aren't able to secure the domain name, we'll refund the registration fee. Application fees will not be refunded.

NOTE: You cannot cancel your pre-registration application. If you are awarded the domain name, you have 5 days to cancel your domain name and get a refund of the registration fee only.

Priority Pre-Registration - Early Access

From May 5, 2015 at 14:00 UTC to May 11, 2015 at 14:00 UTC, customers can purchase .design domain names at a premium price and on a first-come, first-served basis. This phase offers the best chance of securing a domain name.

Bulk domain registration is not supported during this phase.

The first 4 days of Priority Pre-Registration will have different fees, with day one being the highest and every day thereafter decreasing in price. Days 5 through 7 will be the same fee. The price of a domain registration during Priority Pre-Registration includes the registration fee and a non-refundable early application fee. For example, if a domain name's registration fee is $30 and the early application fee is $12,500, then the total cost is $12,530.

The price of your gTLD may vary based on the domain you search for and pre-register. The early application fee is NOT refundable if the domain is rewarded and then dropped. The early application fee is not charged if you do not get the domain. The registration fee is refundable if the domain name is dropped, or if you do not get the domain name.

General Availability

Beginning May 12, 2015 at 14:00 UTC, customers can register .design domain names on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bulk .design registration is supported during General Availability.

Multiple applications with different registrars are resolved on a first-come, first-served basis during General Availability. If you aren't able to secure the domain name, we'll refund the registration fee.

NOTE: You cannot cancel your pre-registration application. If you are awarded the domain name, you have 5 days to cancel your domain name and get a refund of the registration fee.

Registration Information

For up-to-date information on .design, click here.

Who can register .design domain names?

Anyone can register .design domain names on a first come, first serve basis.

These domain names can have up to 63 characters, with a minimum of three characters, and can contain letters (a to z), numbers (0 to 9), and hyphens (except as the first or last characters of the domain name). You cannot register domain names with special characters such as & and #. IDNs (International Domain Names) will be supported in the following languages: Latin and Arabic.

Which registry controls .design domain names?

TopLevelDesign is the sponsor and CentralNic is the backend provider for the .design extension.

For how long can I register .design domain names?

You can pre-register a .design domain name for a minimum of one year and a maximum of 10 years.

When do .design domain names renew?

Your .design domains will be auto-renewed on their expiration date and will be parked after the first failed billing attempt. If the domain name is not renewed within 40 days of expiration, it will be cancelled.

Can I transfer .design domain names to my account with you?

Yes. See Transfer domain to IX-ONE DOMAIN HOST for details on the transfer process.

Can I transfer .design domain names from you to another registrar?

Yes. See Transferring Domain Names to Another Registrar for details on the transfer process for these domain names.

Can I add privacy and protection to .design domain names?

Domains By Proxy Private Registration is available for .design domain names, but Protected Registration is not.

Can I backorder .design domain names?

No. We currently do not support the backorder of .design domain names.

Can I move .design domain names to another account with you?

Yes. See Moving a Domain Name Out of Your Account to start the account move process.

Can I update the contact information for .design domain names?

Yes. See Update contact information for details on making these changes.

Are there nameserver requirements for my .design domain names?

One nameserver is required for .design domains to resolve, and a maximum of 13 nameservers is allowed. IPv4, IPv6, vanity nameservers and DNSSEC are supported.