What is .dot?
.dot entered the DNS root zone on May 18, 2016, 10 years ago. It came out of ICANN's New gTLD Program, the 2012 application round that grew the root from 22 generic TLDs to well over a thousand.
Dish DBS Corporation also runs 9 other TLDs, including .blockbuster, .data, .dish, .dtv and .latino.
On the technical side, .dot is served by 4 authoritative name servers, every one of them reachable over IPv6. It is also DNSSEC-signed: the root zone carries a DS record for .dot, which lets validating resolvers check its answers cryptographically. Registration data is published over RDAP and WHOIS (the WHOIS server is whois.nic.dot).
Same registry, other endings
9 other TLDs share this operator.
.dot FAQ
What does .dot mean?
.dot is a generic top-level domain named for the word "dot", and it's aimed at tech & startups. It doesn't belong to any country.
What is .dot used for?
.dot is mostly used for tech & startups. Like most gTLDs, it's a label of intent rather than a guarantee — check the site, not just the ending.
What country is .dot?
None. .dot is a generic top-level domain, so it isn't tied to any country.
Who owns the .dot domain extension?
Dish DBS Corporation operates .dot as its registry, under a registry agreement with ICANN.
When was .dot created?
.dot was delegated to the DNS root zone on May 18, 2016.
Is .dot a valid domain?
Yes. .dot is an active top-level domain in the DNS root zone, delegated in 2016, so .dot addresses work in every browser.
Can I buy a .dot domain?
.dot names are sold through ICANN-accredited registrars. Some gTLDs restrict who can register, so read Dish DBS Corporation's policy if you're unsure.
Is .dot DNSSEC-signed?
Yes, the root zone holds a DS record for .dot.
Sources
Data from IANA root zone version 2026102000. Last changed December 12, 2025. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
