Report: Guidelines and Rules for Managing .io Domain Names
The .io domain extension, originally designated for the British Indian Ocean Territory, has become a popular choice for tech companies and startups. Here's what you need to know about .io domains:
Domain Renewal and Expiration
- Renewal attempts begin 15 days before expiration
- Payment is processed through the credit card linked to your account
- Domain locks 3 days before expiration if renewal fails
- Grace periods vary by registrar:
- Tucows: 40-day grace period + 30-day redemption period
- Key-Systems: Approximately 30 days to renew after expiration
Important Features
- No 5-day registration grace period
- No refunds available after purchase
- Not eligible for free domain offers
- Whois privacy is not available
Transfer Information
- Domain transfers include a one-year registration extension
- Existing registration time is preserved
- Additional year is added to current expiration date
Key Considerations
- Double-check for typos before registration
- Verify domain intention before purchase
- Monitor renewal dates and payment methods
- Contact registrar promptly if domain expires
For tech companies and startups, .io domains offer a modern, tech-focused alternative to traditional domain extensions, though they come with stricter rules and fewer flexibility options compared to other TLDs.
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