.io
A .io domain is the country code domain for the British Indian Ocean Territory, which is made up of the Chagos Archipelago of 55 islands. The registry is operated by Internet Computer Bureau Limited. Startups and tech companies are the people most often drawn to it, partly because the letters can also stand for Input/Output, which suits technology brands.
The registry supports DNSSEC, so you can add a layer of protection to your domain’s DNS records. Names can be 3 to 63 characters long, which gives you room for a clear, short brand name. Your domain has a minimum term of 1 year and renews in 1 year steps. Internationalised names are not allowed, so your domain must use standard characters.
A .io domain is a good choice when your brand is tech focused and you want a short name that people remember. Before you register, check that the name is within the 3 to 63 character limit and that you are happy with a standard character set. Registration usually takes 1 to 3 days to complete.
Registration is open to anyone, and no local presence is required.
- You do not need to be based in the British Indian Ocean Territory to register a .io domain.
- Your name must be between 3 and 63 characters long.
- Internationalised names are not allowed, so use standard characters only.
- Your contact details must be accurate and kept up to date.
Your domain must be renewed before it expires to keep the name.
- After expiry there is a 35-day grace period in which you can still renew your domain.
- There is no separate redemption period.
- Once the grace period ends, the name is released and becomes available to others.
- Renewals are made in 1 year increments.
Internet Computer Bureau Limited, c/o Sure (Diego Garcia) Limited, Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territories, PSC 466 Box 59, FPO-AP 96595-0059, British Indian Ocean Territory (the)