Names without a server
.local isn't a TLD you can register. It's reserved by RFC 6762 for multicast DNS, a protocol that lets devices on the same network find each other by asking everyone at once: "who is printer.local?" No central DNS server needed. That's how laptops discover printers, speakers and file servers with zero setup.
Because operating systems treat .local specially, using it for your own DNS zone (a common mistake in older corporate networks) can cause slow or failed lookups. The reserved .internal is the better choice for private DNS.
Good for
- Device discovery on home and office networks (printers, speakers, NAS boxes)
Watch out for
- Using .local for an Active Directory or internal DNS zone can break mDNS lookups
- It will never resolve on the public internet
.local by the numbers
.local is a special-use name, not a regular top-level domain. Its purpose: used by Multicast DNS (mDNS) to allow devices to find each other on local networks.
The .local domain is used for Multicast DNS (mDNS), allowing devices to find each other on local networks without needing a central DNS server. Commonly used by services like Bonjour/ZeroConf, it helps discover devices like printer.local or speaker.local connected to your local network.
For further information, see Multicast DNS (RFC 6762).
You can't register a name under .local at any registrar, and it's not meant to resolve on the public internet. That's exactly why it's useful: software and people can rely on it never colliding with a real website.
.local FAQ
Why does my printer show up as something.local?
Your devices are using multicast DNS (mDNS), which answers .local lookups directly on the local network without a DNS server. Apple's Bonjour is the best-known implementation.
Can I buy a .local domain?
No. .local is reserved by IANA for a special purpose and is not open for registration.
What is .local used for?
Used by Multicast DNS (mDNS) to allow devices to find each other on local networks.
Sources
Data from IANA root zone version 2026102000. Last changed October 21, 2026. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.