The complete guide to domain regulations, naming standards, and the global governance system that keeps the internet organized.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is the nonprofit organization responsible for coordinating the maintenance and procedures of several databases related to the namespaces of the Internet, ensuring the network's stable and secure operation.
ICANN accredits domain registrars, manages the root DNS servers, oversees new TLD applications, and sets the policies that govern all registries worldwide.
Sets global policy and coordinates TLD allocation.
Operates and maintains the database for a TLD (e.g. Verisign for .com).
Sells domain names to the public (e.g. GoDaddy, Namecheap).
How authority flows from ICANN down to the end registrant — and how your domain request travels back up.
The domain authority chain: from ICANN policy down to end registrant
All domain names must conform to technical and policy rules defined by ICANN and RFC standards.
Each label (part between dots) must be 1–63 characters. Total domain length cannot exceed 253 characters.
Letters (a–z), digits (0–9), and hyphens (–). Hyphens cannot appear at the start or end of a label, and cannot appear in positions 3 and 4 simultaneously (reserved for IDN encoding).
Non-ASCII characters (Arabic, Chinese, etc.) are encoded using Punycode — e.g. münchen.de becomes xn--mnchen-3ya.de.
Certain names are reserved and cannot be registered — e.g. localhost, test, example.
Registering a domain name follows a standardized process governed by ICANN-accredited registrars.
Select your desired domain name and extension. Check availability using a WHOIS lookup tool.
Only ICANN-accredited registrars can register domains. Compare pricing, privacy options, and support.
ICANN requires accurate registrant contact data (WHOIS). You may opt for privacy protection to mask it publicly.
Domains are registered for 1–10 years. You receive confirmation with your EPP code and nameserver details.
Point your domain to your hosting by setting A records, CNAME records, or custom nameservers.
Registering a domain that infringes on an existing trademark is illegal and subject to dispute proceedings.
The Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) allows trademark holders to file complaints against registrants. The process is handled by ICANN-approved providers such as WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization).
A step-by-step overview of how a UDRP domain dispute is filed, reviewed, and decided.
UDRP dispute flow — from complaint filing to panel decision
| Phase | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Active | 1–10 years | Domain is registered and fully operational. |
| Expiry Grace Period | 0–30 days | Domain has expired but registrant can renew at normal price. |
| Redemption Grace Period | 30–75 days | Domain is suspended. Can be restored at a higher fee. |
| Pending Delete | 5 days | Domain is queued for deletion and cannot be restored. |
| Available | After deletion | Domain is released back into the pool and can be re-registered. |
Once registered, a domain passes through a series of phases before it can be registered again by someone else.
Domain lifecycle from active registration through deletion and re-availability
Quick answers to the most common domain questions.