: As of 2024, .gov domains are provided at no cost to qualifying U.S. government organizations, removing financial barriers for smaller municipalities. Quick Comparison: .gov vs. .com/.org .gov Domain .com / .org Domain Availability Restricted to U.S. Govt only Open to anyone Registration Through get.gov Through private registrars Verification Rigorous identity vetting Little to no identity vetting Public Perception High trust/official source Variable/commercial Cost Free (for eligible entities) Annual subscription fee
: Registration is strictly limited to U.S.-based government entities , including federal, state, local, and tribal organizations.
: Organizations using .gov benefit from enhanced security requirements. For example, multi-factor authentication (MFA) is required for domain management, and the domain space is monitored for potential threats. buy gov domain
For more details on the application process, you can review the requirements for operating a .gov domain at the official site. Eligibility for .gov domains - get.gov
: A .gov domain is a "critical indicator" of official status. The public generally views these sites as more authoritative and trustworthy than commercial alternatives, which is essential for disseminating public services. : As of 2024,
: These domains cannot be used for commercial purposes, such as private advertising or personal benefit.
The process of "buying" a domain is strictly regulated and limited to verified U.S. government organizations. Unlike common extensions like .com , you cannot simply purchase a .gov domain from a private registrar; it must be requested through the official get.gov portal managed by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) . Review of .gov Domains : As of 2024
Only verified U.S. government organizations can register and operate a . gov domain. Before you request a .gov domain | get.gov