Discontinuation of third level domain registrations for the .name TLD [pdf]
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📢 Official Notice: Discontinuation of Third-Level Domain (3LD) Registrations for the .name TLD
Executive Summary
The .name registry has officially announced a strategic shift in its registration architecture. To align with global DNS standards and simplify the user experience, the registry is ceasing the availability of new third-level domain (3LD) registrations.
Historically, the .name TLD was designed to facilitate personal identity via a hierarchical structure (e.g., firstname.lastname.name). Moving forward, the registry will prioritize second-level domains (2LD) (e.g., lastname.name).
🛠 Technical Transition Details
The Structural Shift
The transition involves moving from a deep hierarchy to a flatter one. This is represented by the following logic:
Comparison of Registration Types
| Feature | Third-Level Domain (3LD) | Second-Level Domain (2LD) |
|---|---|---|
| Format | label.label.name | label.name |
| Status | Active & Available | |
| Purpose | Personal Identity (First.Last) | Brand/Personal Identity |
| DNS Complexity | Higher (Additional lookup) | Lower (Standard lookup) |
| Compatibility | Limited with some legacy apps | Universal |
📉 Impact Analysis
For Existing 3LD Holders
"The discontinuation of new registrations does not imply the deletion of existing ones."
If you currently own a 3LD, please note:
- Continuity: Your domain will remain active.
- Renewals: You may continue to renew your 3LD through your current registrar.
- Management: DNS settings and WHOIS information remain unchanged.
For New Applicants
New users can no longer register domains in the x.y.name format. All new registrations must follow the x.name format.
# Example of a failed registration attempt via API
curl -X POST https://api.registrar.com/reg \
-d "domain=first.last.name" \
# Response: 403 Forbidden - 3LD_REGISTRATION_DISCONTINUED
🗺️ Domain Hierarchy Visualization
The following diagram illustrates the shift in the DNS resolution path:
📋 Action Plan for Registrars and Users
To ensure a smooth transition, the following steps are recommended:
- Update registration front-ends to disable 3LD input fields.
- Notify existing 3LD customers about the policy change.
- Encourage migration to 2LDs for better SEO and compatibility.
- Update internal documentation to reflect the
label.namestandard.
⚠️ Important Considerations
- Strikethrough Policy:
New 3LDs are permitted under special circumstances.No exceptions will be made for new 3LD requests. - Technical Note: All
inline codereferences to the registry API should now point to the 2LD endpoint. - Visual Reference:
For further inquiries, please refer to the registry's technical documentation or contact your accredited registrar.