Basics

• What is a domain name?

  A domain name is the unique web address (aka the URL) for your website. Examples of domain names include "google.com" and "get.inc"

• What is a TLD?

  TLD stands for Top Level Domain, which is the technical term for a domain ending. Examples of TLDs include .com, .net, .org, and .inc.

• What is a SLD?

  SLD stands for Second Level Domain. The SLD is the phrase you choose before the TLD. In the domain name get.inc, ".inc" is the TLD and "get" is the SLD.

• What is a registry operator?

  A registry operator, or registry for short, is the wholesaler of a TLD. A registry may operate one or more specific TLDs. Intercap Registry Inc. is the registry operator of .inc, .box, and .dealer.

• What is a registrar?

  A registrar is an authorized retailer of domain names. Registrars must be accredited by ICANN to sell domains. Registrars charge customers a retail price for each domain, and then pay that TLD’s registry the wholesale price. See which registrars carry .inc.

• What is a registrant?

  The registrant is the owner of a specific domain name. Registrants must pay the annual subscription fees to their registrar to maintain ownership of their domains.

• Why are domain names important?

  A domain name can be one of your most valuable assets – it's your own piece of online real estate. A domain name is how new customers find you, form their first impressions, and recommend you to others. Your domain name is your online presence and should truly define your business.

Getting a .inc domain

• Where can I register a .inc domain?

  Search and register .inc domains at www.get.inc or visit an authorized retailer.

• How long is a .inc domain subscription?

  .inc domain names can be registered for 1-10 years.

• What .inc domains are available to register?

  Unlike most other domain endings, there are no premium or reserved .inc domains. All .inc domains have been made available for one flat price, including 1-2 characters and highly desirable keywords that typically demand significant premiums.

• How much do .inc domains cost?

  During Early Access Period, April 30 to May 7:

  • Day 1/2: $1,999 + $58,000 = $59,999
  • Day 3/4: $1,999 + $28,000 = $29,999
  • Day 4/5: $1,999 + $12,000 = $13,999
  • Day 7: $1,999 + $6,000 = $7,999

  During General Availability, May 7 onward:

  • Year 1: $1,999 MSRP
  • Annual renewal price: $2,499 MSRP
• Why are .inc domains priced differently than other domain endings?

  .inc is priced for real businesses, not speculators, so that great .inc domains are available at your authorized retailer when you need them. If .inc domains were $10 or less like other popular domain endings, many of the best domains would already be taken by opportunistic buyers, cybersquatters, or bad actors.

• Are premium renewal fees necessary to deter cybersquatting?

  In our opinion, yes. It is not uncommon for domain investors to spend hundreds of thousands on great domains in the aftermarket if they know their annual carrying costs will be $20 or less. Premium renewal fees mean that incredible .inc domains are available at your authorized retailer when you want them.

• Why do different retailers price .inc differently?

  All .inc domains carry one flat wholesale price. Each retailer has its own pricing model, and .inc cannot set this price.

About .inc

• How does .inc deter abuse?

  .inc has strict anti-abuse policies and constant monitoring for spamming, phishing, and malware, so your audience can visit your .inc website with confidence.

• What are the benefits to owning a premium domain like .inc?

  .inc domains provide instant credibility to build on your brand’s reputation. Buying an equivalent pre-owned domain in the aftermarket can be costly and time consuming. .inc saves you the headache of negotiating high upfront fees with private sellers by making incredible .inc domains available from authorized retailers, with customer support a call or click away.

• Are there any requirements to own a .inc domain?

  No. .inc domains can be registered by any individual or business, whether they are incorporated or not, and can be used for any purpose.

• What languages can .inc be registered in?

  .inc can be registered in the official languages of over 190 countries and territories. Search in your language of choice at www.get.inc.

• How does using a .inc domain impact SEO?

  According to Google, .inc domains carry the same weight as .com and .org. In fact, there have been several independent case studies published that conclude new domain endings, such as .inc, improve SEO and reduce CPC costs. Contact us for more information.

• From a technical standpoint, is there a difference between .inc and other domain endings?

  No. .inc is ICANN-accredited and functions the same way as other popular domain endings, like .com, .net, and .org.

• What should .inc domains be used for?

  .inc domains can be used for anything – from corporate sites to newsrooms, investor relations, employee portals, email, and more. View our featured clients to see how other businesses are using their .inc domains.

Launch details

• What are the different .inc launch phases?

  .inc is launched in 3 phases:

  • March 27 – April 30: Priority Trademark Registration (aka Sunrise) – exclusively for eligible trademark holders (SMD file required)
  • April 30 – May 7: Priority Public Registration (aka Early Access Period) – early bird registration for anyone to get .inc domains up to 1 week before Global public registration (early bird fees apply)
  • May 7 – onward: Global Public Registration (aka General Availability) – all .inc domains are available for immediate registration on a first-come, first-served basis

• How can I become eligible for the Priority Trademark Registration Period?

  To register your .inc domain before April 30, you must have a trademark registered in the Trademark Clearinghouse. Once your trademark has been accepted, the TMCH will assign you an SMD file. This SMD file must be submitted for validation when you register a .inc domain before April 30.

• What is an SMD file?

  An SMD file, or Signed Mark Data file, is an encrypted file that validates you as the owner of a certain trademark. One SMD file is assigned per trademark.

• What can I register during the Priority Trademark Registration Period?

  You can only register the exact trademark associated with your SMD file. For example, an SMD file for the trademark “Intercap Registry” would allow you to register “IntercapRegistry.inc” and “Intercap-Registry.inc” during the Priority Trademark Registration Period. Trademark variations and non-trademarks can be registered any time after April 30 without any form of validation.

• What if I don’t have an SMD file for my business?

  No SMD file? No problem! We recommend registering during the Priority Public Registration Period, which begins on April 30, to beat the lines before Global Public Registration on May 7.

• What is the point of the Priority Public Registration Period?

  The Priority Public Registration Period takes place between April 30 – May 7, just before the global launch. This is the first opportunity for any member of the public to register any .inc domain. There are one-time convenience fees added-on to each domain you register for getting to beat the rush and secure the most desirable .inc domains early.

• How much are renewals for domains registered during the Priority Registration Periods?

  All .inc domains carry the same flat renewal fees of $2,499/year MSRP. Convenience fees during the Priority Registration Periods are one-time only.

• Can I preorder .inc domains early?

  Yes! To give yourself the best odds of securing the .inc domain you really want, contact us or visit an authorized retailer to submit a paid preorder for any launch period.

• Will I still be charged if I don’t get the .inc domain I preordered?

  You will receive a full refund from your authorized retailer if the .inc domain you preordered is no longer available during your chosen period. Contact us to learn more.