register .us domain: You live in the US, you want a website, and you are not sure which domain extension to use. A .us name tells every visitor that your business is American, and it is often still open when the .com is taken.
You can register a .us domain for about $13.80 in the first year, and renewals average about $16.29, based on a price tracker updated on November 11, 2026. Promos start as low as $0.98, so always check the renewal price before you pay.
Here is how to do it in few steps.
How to Register a .us Domain Name With Olitt
- Visit Olitt Domains Page. Head to the Olitt Domains section to start your domain search.
- Check Availability. Enter your preferred domain name with the .us extension to see if it is available.
- Click Buy Now. . Select Nexus Category and Purpose. select the appropriate Nexus Category and state the intended purpose of registering your .us domain. These details are required by the domain registry. Click Add to Cart to proceed.
- Enter Your Details and Complete Payment. Provide the required registration and contact information, confirm your .us domain eligibility, review your order, and make payment to complete the registration
Once payment clears, the name is yours to manage. The next sections explain what to do with it.
Who Can Register .us Domain Names?
The .us extension has a rule that most extensions do not have. You must show a real link to the United States, which the registry calls a nexus.
The usTLD Nexus Requirements Policy sets three categories of people and groups who qualify.
| Category | Who qualifies | Example |
| Category 1 | A US citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or someone whose main home is in the US or its territories | A freelancer living in Texas |
| Category 2 | An organization formed under the law of a US state, the District of Columbia, or a US territory | A Delaware company or a Texas church |
| Category 3 | A foreign organization with a real US presence, such as an office or regular lawful activity there | A Kenyan firm with an office in Atlanta |
Category 3 owners must also state their country of citizenship. The policy says the US activity must be real and lawful, and it cannot exist only to win a registration.
A Quick Eligibility Check
Answer these questions in order, and stop at the first yes.
| Question | If yes |
| Are you a US citizen, a permanent resident, or based in the US? | You fit Category 1 |
| Is your business or group formed under US state or territory law? | You fit Category 2 |
| Does your foreign business have a real office or regular lawful activity in the US? | You fit Category 3 |
| None of the above? | Choose a different extension |
Keep records that back up your answer. A company certificate, a lease, or proof of US activity can help if the registry asks questions later.
Choose the Name First
Spend ten minutes on the name before you pay anything. A short name with no hyphens is easier to say, type, and remember.
If you are stuck, our list of domain name generators can give you ideas. Say each option out loud, since a name that sounds confusing will lose visitors.
Before you pay, run three quick checks.
- Trademark. Search the name so you do not copy a brand that already exists.
- Social handles. See whether the same name is free on the platforms your customers use.
- Spelling. Ask a friend to type it after hearing it once, and see if they get it right.
Contact Details and the No-Privacy Rule
Here is a rule that surprises many first-time buyers. The .us registry does not allow WHOIS privacy or proxy services, and your contact data is shown publicly.
The usTLD privacy services policy says registrars may not offer anonymous or proxy registrations. A GoDaddy help page for .us domains also states that domain privacy is not supported.
This does not mean you must expose your home. Use these habits instead.
- Use a business address. A registered office or a business mailbox keeps your home private.
- Use a dedicated email. Create one address just for the domain to keep your main inbox clean.
- Keep it accurate. False details can lead to suspension, so never invent them.
- Expect some spam. Public records attract marketing emails, so treat odd offers with caution.
How Long Should You Register For?
Registrars list a term of 1 to 10 years for .us names, and renewals follow the same range. The right choice depends on how sure you are about the project.
| Term | Good for | Trade-off |
| 1 year | Testing an idea or a short campaign | You must renew every year |
| 2 to 3 years | A new business with a clear plan | A bigger upfront payment |
| 5 years or more | A brand you plan to keep | Money is tied up in advance |
A longer term also protects you from missing a renewal email. Whatever you pick, turn on auto-renew and note the date in your calendar.
After You Register: Connect It and Keep It Safe
Owning the name is only the start. It needs to point somewhere before anyone can visit.
- Connect it to a site. Use your DNS settings to point the name at your website. If you need a home for the site, our guide to hosting with AI website builders explains what to look for.
- Turn on auto-renew. A lapsed name can be lost or cost extra to recover.
- Keep your details current. Update your address and email when they change.
- Keep your nexus. If your US link ends, you may no longer qualify to hold the name.
- Watch your inbox. The registry or your registrar may send verification or compliance notices.
If Something Goes Wrong
Even careful buyers hit a snag now and then. Here is how to handle the most common ones.
The Name Is Already Taken
Try a shorter or clearer version, or add a word that describes what you do. Avoid adding numbers or extra hyphens, since they make a name harder to share.
You can also choose a different extension if the exact name is what you care about most. For a global audience, that is often the safer path.
The Order Did Not Go Through
Check that every field is filled in with real details, and that your category and intended use are selected. Then confirm that your payment method was accepted.
If the order still fails, contact support with your name search and the time you tried. Clear details help them fix it faster.
You Never Received a Confirmation Email
Look in your spam folder first, then check that you typed your address correctly. If it is wrong, update it in your account right away, since the registry may need to reach you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Most problems come from a few easy slips. Avoid these.
- Guessing your nexus category. A wrong answer can lead to cancellation with no refund.
- Using fake contact details. Public records and spot checks make this risky.
- Ignoring the renewal price. A cheap first year can hide a higher second year.
- Forgetting auto-renew. A missed date can cost you the name.
- Registering with no plan. Know where the name will point before you pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can register a .us domain?
US citizens and permanent residents, US-based organizations, and foreign groups with a real US presence can register one. Everyone else should choose another extension.
Can someone outside the United States register a .us domain?
Only if they meet the nexus rule, such as a foreign company with a real office or regular activity in the US. They must state their country of citizenship.
Does .us support domain privacy?
No. The registry requires public contact data and does not allow privacy or proxy services.
How long can I register a .us domain for?
Registrars list terms from 1 to 10 years. Renewals follow the same range.
How much does it cost to register a .us domain?
A price tracker showed an average first-year price of about $13.80 in November 2026. Check Olitt for your live price and compare the renewal rate.
Register Your .us Domain With Olitt Today
If you qualify, you can register your .us domain in a few minutes. Olitt lets you search for names, buy domains, and connect them to a website in one account.
Check your eligibility, pick a clear name, and secure it before someone else does. Then build your site and give your customers a place to find you.
Ready to register .us domain names the safe way? Search your name on Olitt now and see whether it is available.
