Published: 02.10.2026
The .us extension is the country-code domain of the United States. It is much less used in the country than .com, but it is a valuable option for projects that want a clear American identity.
Check if a .us domain is available .us Check
A short history
.us was created in the mid-1980s as one of the first country-code domains. For a long time it was little used for ordinary businesses, because American companies preferred .com, and the zone had a complex structure that placed names under state and local levels. In 2002 the registry changed the model and opened registrations directly at the second level, such as "name.us", and the extension became easier to use. Since then it has been used by individuals, companies and local governments.
Who runs it
The zone is a national resource of the United States and it is run under an agreement with the government by a commercial registry operator. Names are sold through accredited registrars, and the registry maintains the central database and name servers. DNSSEC is supported.
The nexus rule
The most important rule of .us is the so-called nexus requirement. To register a name you must have a connection with the United States. In general this means that the owner is:
- a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States;
- an organisation or company that is incorporated or organised in the United States;
- a foreign entity or individual that has a bona fide presence in the United States, such as an office or regular business activity.
The registry checks the declaration and can suspend names that do not meet the requirement. Contact data must be accurate, and in the past the registry restricted the use of privacy services, so check the current policy about hiding contact data.
Other rules
- Names can have letters, digits and hyphens, up to 63 characters.
- Registration for one year or more.
- A dispute policy applies, with attention to trademark rights.
Who uses .us
- Local businesses that want a clear American signal.
- Individuals and families with personal sites.
- State and local government bodies, schools and community groups.
- Companies that offer services only in the United States.
- Owners who protect the brand with an additional domain next to .com.
Strengths
The extension is short and shows the country clearly. The zone is well managed and less filled with spam than some generic zones. There are many good names available, so you may find a short exact name that is taken in .com.
Weaknesses
- The nexus requirement excludes owners without a connection to the United States.
- Many Americans still assume .com, so some visitors may mistype.
- Privacy protection may be limited.
Tips before you register
- Confirm that you meet the nexus requirement and keep the proof.
- Use the legal name and address in the registration data.
- Register the matching .com when it is free, and redirect.
- Host the site on servers close to your American customers.
- Use HTTPS, and set SPF, DKIM and DMARC for e-mail.
Frequently asked questions
Can a person outside the US register .us? Only if they have a qualifying connection, such as a company or a real presence in the United States.
Is .us good for local SEO? It sends a country signal, but content and local information matter more.
Can I use .us for a global business? It is possible, but .com is more usual for global brands.
