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Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions​

What is NGO.US?​

NGO.US is a domain registry dedicated to supporting nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations by providing affordable domain registration services. Our mission is to alleviate the financial burden of rising domain costs for non-commercial entities striving to make a positive impact.

Who can register a .ngo.us domain?​

Only nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations that meet our eligibility requirements can register a .ngo.us domain. Commercial entities, governmental bodies, and personal websites are not eligible.

How is .ngo.us different from other domains?​

The .ngo.us domain is specifically designed for nonprofit organizations. Unlike commercial domains, .ngo.us domains:

  • Have no renewal fees (though annual renewal is still required)
  • Undergo a verification process to ensure nonprofit status
  • Are part of a community of verified nonprofit organizations

Is .ngo.us an ICANN-accredited domain?​

No, .ngo.us is not an ICANN-accredited Top-Level Domain (TLD). We operate independently as a community-driven registry. However, .ngo.us is included in the Mozilla Public Suffix List (PSL), which enhances security by ensuring domains are treated independently by browsers.

Registration and Verification​

How do I register a .ngo.us domain?​

See our Application Process page for detailed instructions.

How much does registration cost?​

Registration requires a one-time fee. After this initial payment, there are no renewal fees, although you must still complete an annual renewal process to maintain your domain.

How long does verification take?​

The verification process typically takes 5 business days after submission of a complete application.

What information do I need to provide for verification?​

You'll need to provide:

  • Links to your organization's public online presence
  • Information about your organization's mission and activities
  • Contact information for your organization
  • The intended use of your domain

What if my organization is new and doesn't have an established online presence?​

While we prefer organizations with an established presence, new organizations can still apply. However, you'll need to provide additional documentation to demonstrate your nonprofit status and operations.

Domain Management​

How do I renew my domain?​

You'll receive renewal notifications 30 days before your domain is set to expire. Follow the instructions in the email to complete the renewal process through your registrar.

Will I ever have to pay renewal fees?​

No, there are no renewal fees for .ngo.us domains. However, you must still complete the annual renewal process to maintain your domain.

Can I transfer my domain to another registrar?​

Yes, you can transfer your domain to another accredited registrar. The transfer process is similar to other domains, but you'll need to ensure the new registrar supports .ngo.us domains.

What DNS settings do I need to use my domain?​

You'll need to configure your DNS settings through your registrar or DNS provider. Typical settings include:

  • A records (for websites)
  • MX records (for email)
  • CNAME records (for subdomains)

What happens if my organization no longer meets eligibility requirements?​

If your organization no longer meets our eligibility requirements, your domain may be suspended or terminated. We recommend proactively notifying us of any significant changes to your organization's status.

Technical Questions​

Can I use any web hosting service with my .ngo.us domain?​

Yes, you can use any web hosting service that allows custom domains. Simply configure your DNS settings to point to your hosting provider.

Can I create subdomains under my .ngo.us domain?​

Yes, you can create subdomains (e.g., subdomain.yourdomain.ngo.us) through your DNS settings.

Can I use my domain for email?​

Yes, you can set up email accounts using your .ngo.us domain. Configure MX records through your DNS settings to direct email to your preferred email service provider.

Is SSL/TLS supported for .ngo.us domains?​

Yes, you can obtain SSL/TLS certificates for your .ngo.us domain just like any other domain. Many hosting providers offer free SSL certificates through Let's Encrypt.

Contact Us​

If you have questions not addressed in this FAQ, please contact us:

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Response Time: We aim to respond to all inquiries within 2 business days

For dispute-related questions, please see our Dispute Resolution Policy.