Frequently Asked

Do you have a question about .biz domains? Our FAQs include answers to the most common questions from our users.

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Definitions

What’s a TLD?
A TLD, or top-level domain, is a name at the head of the Domain Name System (DNS) naming hierarchy. It’s the string of letters following the last (rightmost) “.”. Examples of TLDs include .biz, .co, .club and .us.
What is a registrant?
A registrant is a company, organization or individual who desires to register and use a domain name.
What’s the difference between a registry and a registrar?
A registry maintains a database of all domains in its TLD namespace and ensures domains can be found by Internet users all over the world. A registrar, on the other hand, is an accredited partner of a registry. Registrars sell domain names and other web services to customers. Registrars choose to offer a variety of TLDs like: .biz., com., .net, or .CO to name a few.
What is WHOIS?
A WHOIS database provides information on individual domain registrations. Every registry is required to maintain a WHOIS database with details about registered domain names as well as contact information about the owners of such names. The information typically includes the domain name, sponsoring registrar, key transaction dates, name server information, and contact information. Information for .biz domains may be found at www.WHOIS.biz

General FAQs

Who is Registry Services
Registry Services, LLC (GoDaddy Registry) is a leading domain name industry pioneer and is the Registry Operator for the .biz Top-Level Domain. We’ve played a role in the growth and evolution of nearly every aspect of the domain name space. Today we are the world’s largest provider of digital naming services, with a dream team of the industry’s most passionate leaders, innovators, and influencers.
What is Registry Services’ relationship with ICANN?
The ICANN organization accredits Registry Operators to provide certain domain name registration services relating to gTLDs. As the Registry Operator of the .biz gTLD, Registry Services, LLC and ICANN have executed a Registry Agreement which outlines certain responsibilities for each party for the successful management and usability for all .biz domain names.
Can I use .biz brand assets on my website?

Yes, provided your company or organization agrees to the marketing guidelines and terms and conditions described in the .biz Brand Identity Guidelines. You must agree to the .biz Marketing Guidelines in order to download or use any .biz collateral. You may find .biz marketing assets and resources by clicking here.

Premium Names

What is a .biz “premium” domain name?
A .biz premium domain name is a domain name that has a higher than standard price to reflect its relative value in the marketplace. Premium domain names may include, among other things, names such as one, two and three-character domain names, popular keyword domains, brandable domains, and generic term domains that are in high demand. Premium domain names are generally those that can be used by many different people for many different reasons.
Why does the .biz Registry offer premium domain names?
The domain name market has evolved substantially since the early days of the Internet and the .biz Registry has evolved its namespace accordingly.  As the market for domain names has grown, it has become increasingly clear that not all domain names are of equal value.  Just as with stocks, real estate or any other asset class — domain names can and do have different levels of value.
How long has the .biz Registry offered premium domain name options?
Historically, .biz premium domains were available only by personally contacting the .biz Registry or through one of a select number of reputable aftermarket providers.  As online sales technologies and domain sales strategies have advanced, the .biz Registry began to expand the manner in which premium domains could be distributed.

As of March 2020, the .biz Registry implemented a new pricing strategy to allow premium priced domain names to be marketed and sold directly through the retail distribution network — exactly the same way as standard priced domain names have always been made available. Unlike the past where most premium priced domains had no common, structured approach to sales platforms or pricing, today consumers can quickly and easily purchase premium .biz domain names directly from their preferred providers on the domain registration platforms they are most comfortable using.

How and where can I register a .biz premium domain name?
Registering a .biz premium domain name is exactly like registering any standard domain name from your preferred .biz domain retailer.  To find your ideal .biz domain name, you can search out site, go to your preferred domain retailer (for example, GoDaddy, Name.com, Domain.com, etc.), put the available premium domain name in your shopping cart and pay for it.
How much do .biz premium domain names cost?
All .biz premium domain names are valued based on a variety of attributes including thousands of historic and comparable sales, current market trends, keyword and keyword phrase popularity among other things.  From time to time, the .biz Registry will evaluate its premium domain name price structure and options which may result in necessary adjustments to continue to meet market value and demand.   For specific premium domain name prices, please check with your preferred .biz domain retailer. It is important to note that prices will vary according to each retailer’s individual pricing policies and practices.
How much does it cost to renew my .biz premium domain name?
Whatever premium price you may have initially paid to register your .biz premium domain name, your annual renewal fee will be the “standard” renewal fee charged for all .biz domain names.  Please check with your preferred domain retailer for details, as fees may differ according to each retailer’s individual pricing policies and practices.

Domain Management

How do I register a .biz domain?
You may search and register for your .biz idea, business or blog website name by clicking here. Once found, you may register with your preferred .biz provider or one of the retailer choices we offer.
What is the standard price of a .biz domain name?
The standard price of .biz domain names will generally differ from retailer to retailer, depending on the level of service offered and the various packages, promotions or discounts a retailer may be offering at any given time. It’s always a good idea to shop around for the best possible deal.
Are Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) offered in .biz?
.biz currently offers many IDN languages. For a list of these languages and language tables, please visit www.my.biz/policies/IDNs
Why are some .biz domain names reserved?
Names are reserved to protect technical Internet interoperability and per ICANN policy. Changes relative to the reserved list are subject to either Registry or ICANN review and approval.
How do I transfer my .biz domain name?
“Domain name transfers fall in one of two categories: Registrant Transfer or Name Change — Each Registrar has unique requirements for making changes to the registrant field of a domain name. Registrants must contact the sponsoring Registrar for information regarding Registrant Name Changes and/or Transfers. The sponsoring Registrar appears in each domain name’s WHOIS record (www.WHOIS.biz). Registrar-to-Registrar Transfer — ICANN rules require that a domain name be registered for a minimum of 60 days before it can be transferred to another Registrar. If your domain name meets these requirements, contact your current sponsoring Registrar and request for the < AUTHINFO > code, which the gaining Registrar will use to initiate the transfer process for your domain name.”
What is an code?
An < AUTHINFO > code is a six- to 16-character “password” assigned by your sponsoring Registrar to be used during domain name transfers. It identifies your domain name in the Registry. No domain name transfer request can be successfully executed without this password. Registrars are contractually required to provide this code upon Registrant request. Registrants are advised to protect their < AUTHINFO > codes to avoid unauthorized transfers of their domain names.
What is the Redemption Grace Period (RGP)?
The Redemption Grace Period (RGP) is the 35 days following the deletion of a .US domain name. The purpose of RGP is to allow registrars and/or their registrants to correct for inadvertent deletions. During the first 30 days of Redemption Grace Period, Registrars may request the Registry to redeem a deleted domain, and thus restore it to its original status prior to deletion. Redemptions may not be performed during the final 5 days of RGP. The WHOIS record indicates if a domain is eligible for redemption. Domains that are eligible are marked “PendingDelete (RESTORABLE)”. A domain that is “PendingDelete (SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE)” cannot be redeemed. All redemption requests must be submitted through your Registrar.
What is PendingDelete Status?
When deleted, all domains that have been registered for more than 5 days are initially placed on PendingDelete status before being purged (or dropped) from the Registry database and made available for registration. The exception to this rule is domains that are deleted within the first 5 days of initial registration. These domains will be dropped immediately, and not be placed in PendingDelete status. Domains remain on PendingDelete status for a period of 35 days before being dropped, unless they are “redeemed” by the sponsoring registrar. This period is known as the Redemption Grace Period (RGP). See below for more information on RGP and domain redemptions.
How do I find a list of .biz domains scheduled to be released from the Registry?
A list of upcoming .biz domain deletions can be obtained from our .biz Expired and Dropping Domains Reports found here.
What should I do if someone infringes on a trademark I own with a .biz domain name?
If you believe that your trademark rights are being infringed upon by someone who has registered a .biz domain name, you can contact the domain owner directly by finding their contact information on the .biz WHOIS <>. If direct contact does not resolve the conflict, then you have the option to utilize the Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) which has been implemented by ICANN and Neustar for domain dispute resolution.
How can I get access to the .biz zone file?
To obtain access to the .biz zone file, you must set up an account and create a user profile with verifiable information through ICANN’s Centralized Zone Data Service (CZDS).  Additional information and assistance using the CZDS may be found here.    

Domain Security

What is Registry Services doing about Domain Name abuse such as phishing, malware, and spam?
Registry Services has implemented procedures to rapidly take down any website in cases where phishing, pharming, malware, or other significant security threats have been identified. We are also reviewing procedures and policies to quickly suspend domains in instances where serial cyber-squatting can be established. For more information, please click here
What is DNSSEC?
DNSSEC stands for Domain Name System (DNS) Security Extensions, which enable DNS clients (resolvers) to (1) validate origin authentication of DNS data; (2) confirm data integrity; and (3) authenticate denial of existence.
What problem does DNSSEC solve?
When implemented end-to-end, DNSSEC protects end users from exposure to DNS cache poisoning. Cache poisoning is a corruption of the DNS that enables the spread of viruses, worms, and other malicious files/content. Cache poisoning occurs when data is provided to a caching name server that did not originate from an authoritative Domain Name System (DNS) source. Once a DNS server receives non-authentic data and caches it for future use, it will then supply that non-authentic data to its client servers. The impact of cache poisoning on end users is that they may be directed to IP addresses they did not intend to reach, and may not be aware of the associated risks.
What problem does DNSSEC NOT solve?
DNSSEC does not solve Denial of Service (DoS) or Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks on any system. DNSSEC does not prevent incorrect data entry into a zone (if the IP address is entered wrong, it will not be corrected). DNSSEC’s improvement to other applications is limited to ensuring that applications get correct/authenticated information and nothing more. Phishing attacks are still possible through carefully crafted email and spam delivery. Sensitive information such as credit card numbers on a web server are encrypted via secure socket layers (SSL), and not through DNSSEC.
How does DNSSEC work?
DNSSEC uses cryptographic electronic signatures (referred to as public and private keys) to determine the authenticity of data. DNS clients that are DNSSEC-enabled will validate any DNS response received by automatically checking the authenticity of the cryptographic signatures. If the key is missing or not recognized, the response is not validated and the DNS will not pass the false information on to the user.
What’s the process for implementing DNSSEC?
At this time, DNSSEC is fully deployed on the .biz TLD and is accepting submissions known as DS records. .biz accredited registrars will be able to register DNSSEC information on their customers’ behalf. For more information on how to submit DS records, please contact your specfic domain name provider.
Is there a requirement that registrars implement DNSSEC?
.biz accredited registrars are not required to implement DNSSEC. Support for DNSSEC is optional but recommended to help secure and prevent cache poisoning in the .biz namespace.
Is DNSSEC available to .biz web address holders?
The .biz TLD implemented DNSSEC in its namespace in 2010. To determine if and when DNSSEC is supported, .biz web address holders should contact their domain name provider.
How does a customer sign a .biz zone with DNSSEC?
If the customer is using a DNS managed service provider, they should contact the provider for instructions to turn on DNSSEC. If the customer is operating their own DNS set up, there are a number of steps to perform. First, make sure the tools in use are capable of DNSSEC. This may mean upgrading the DNS software. Second, after preparing and documenting a plan, create cryptographic key pairs and enter them in the zone. Third, run a DNSSEC zone signer (dependent on the tools in use) to generate the first signed zone. The process of signing will have to be repeated as the signatures will have a limited lifetime. The final step is to publish the zone. The managed service provider should be able to provide guidance along the way.
Where can more information be found on DNSSEC?
A general collection of information on DNSSEC can be found here.

Registrars & Resellers

Who can become a .biz-Accredited Registrar?
Any organization that is ICANN accredited and meets the .biz Accreditation criteria can become an Accredited Registrar partner for .biz domain names. Contact Us to learn more about the accreditation process and criteria.
Which Registry Services Provider (RSP) does the .biz Registry use for its technical provisions?
Registry Services, LLC (GoDaddy Registry) is the Registry Operator for all .biz registry services including technical, marketing, policy and operational support. GoDaddy Registry is the world’s largest provider of digital naming services and has provided the platform for .biz domain name registrars since 2001. As a domain industry pioneer, GoDaddy Registry has played a role in the growth and evolution of nearly every aspect of the domain name space.
Where can I find technical support in relation to my .biz accreditation?

For technical support for .biz Registrars or Resellers, please contact your Registry Services Relationship Manager or .biz customer support here.

Find your .biz

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