: As of 2024, .gov domains are provided at no cost to qualifying U.S. government organizations, removing financial barriers for smaller municipalities. Quick Comparison: .gov vs. .com/.org .gov Domain .com / .org Domain Availability Restricted to U.S. Govt only Open to anyone Registration Through get.gov Through private registrars Verification Rigorous identity vetting Little to no identity vetting Public Perception High trust/official source Variable/commercial Cost Free (for eligible entities) Annual subscription fee
Only verified U.S. government organizations can register and operate a . gov domain. Before you request a .gov domain | get.gov buy gov domain
For more details on the application process, you can review the requirements for operating a .gov domain at the official site. Eligibility for .gov domains - get.gov : As of 2024,
: A .gov domain is a "critical indicator" of official status. The public generally views these sites as more authoritative and trustworthy than commercial alternatives, which is essential for disseminating public services. gov domain
: These domains cannot be used for commercial purposes, such as private advertising or personal benefit.
: Registration is strictly limited to U.S.-based government entities , including federal, state, local, and tribal organizations.
The process of "buying" a domain is strictly regulated and limited to verified U.S. government organizations. Unlike common extensions like .com , you cannot simply purchase a .gov domain from a private registrar; it must be requested through the official get.gov portal managed by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) . Review of .gov Domains