Restricted TLDs List
By Mustafa Bilgic · Updated 18 August 2026
Restricted TLDs are domain extensions that require the registrant to meet specific eligibility criteria before registration is approved. Unlike open gTLDs where anyone can register, extensions like .gov, .edu, .bank, and .aero enforce verification requirements that preserve trust—when you see a .gov domain, you can be confident it belongs to a government entity.
Registry policies and verification requirements can change over time. Always confirm current eligibility criteria directly with the TLD's registry operator before beginning an application.
Restricted TLDs and Their Requirements
The following table lists well-known restricted TLDs and summarizes the eligibility criteria for each. Every extension has its own verification authority, and requirements are enforced during the application process before the domain is activated.
| TLD | Restricted To | Category |
|---|---|---|
| .gov | US government agencies | Government |
| .edu | US accredited post-secondary institutions | Education |
| .mil | US military | Government |
| .bank | Verified banking institutions | Finance (fTLD) |
| .insurance | Verified insurance entities | Finance (fTLD) |
| .museum | Museums and museum associations | Sector-specific |
| .aero | Air transport industry members | Sector-specific |
| .coop | Cooperative associations | Sector-specific |
| .travel | Travel and tourism industry | Sector-specific |
| .jobs | Human resources community | Sector-specific |
| .post | Postal service operators | Sector-specific |
| .cat | Catalan linguistic and cultural community | Community |
This list covers the most established restricted extensions. Some newer gTLDs and certain country-code TLDs also enforce eligibility requirements—always check directly with the registry operator for any extension you are considering.
Why Restrictions Exist
TLD restrictions serve a trust function that no amount of website design or SSL certificates can replicate. When a user sees a .gov website, they can be reasonably confident it belongs to a United States government entity because every application is verified by the administering authority before the domain goes live. The same principle applies to .bank, where fTLD Registry Services confirms that each applicant is a chartered or licensed banking institution.
This verification creates a namespace-level authentication layer. A phishing site can look like a bank and it can have HTTPS, but it cannot obtain a .bank domain without passing institutional verification. For sectors where impersonation causes serious financial or safety harm—government services, banking, insurance—restricted TLDs provide a layer of trust that open extensions simply cannot offer. The cost of this trust is exclusivity: only organizations that meet the published criteria can participate in the namespace.
The Verification Process
Each restricted TLD has its own verification authority and procedure. For .gov, the administering US federal agency reviews documentation confirming the applicant is a bona fide government organization at the federal, state, local, or tribal level. For .bank and .insurance, fTLD Registry Services conducts financial institution verification using regulatory databases and direct outreach to confirm chartered or licensed status.
Sector-specific TLDs like .aero rely on their industry sponsoring organization to validate that applicants are members of the air transport community. The .cat extension verifies connection to the Catalan linguistic and cultural community. In all cases, verification happens before the domain is activated—you cannot register first and prove eligibility later. Processing times vary from days to weeks depending on the TLD and the complexity of the documentation review. Some registries also conduct periodic re-verification to ensure ongoing eligibility.
Restricted vs Premium: Two Different Concepts
Restricted TLDs are sometimes confused with premium-priced domains, but these are entirely different concepts. A restricted TLD limits who can register based on verified eligibility criteria—it is a gatekeeper of identity and trust. A premium-priced domain or TLD simply charges more for certain desirable names—it is a pricing mechanism with no eligibility barrier beyond ability to pay.
You might encounter both at once: a .bank domain is both restricted (verified financial institutions only) and typically priced higher than open gTLDs. But many restricted TLDs have standard pricing for qualified applicants—.edu domains, for instance, do not carry premium fees for eligible institutions. Conversely, an open TLD like .com can have premium pricing for high-demand names through the aftermarket or registry reserved lists. Understanding this distinction matters when comparing TLD options, because price and access are independent variables.
Frequently asked questions
Can I register a .gov domain for my local government?
US federal, state, local, and tribal government entities can apply for .gov domains. The application requires official documentation proving your organization's government status. Processing takes longer than standard domain registration due to the verification requirements.
Are restricted TLDs more expensive than open ones?
Not necessarily. Pricing varies by extension. Some, like .bank, carry higher annual fees that reflect ongoing verification and security services. Others are priced comparably to standard TLDs for organizations that meet the eligibility criteria.
What happens if I no longer qualify for a restricted TLD?
Policies differ between registries. Some conduct periodic re-verification and may revoke the domain if the registrant no longer meets eligibility criteria. Others verify only at initial registration. Check the specific registry's published terms for their ongoing compliance requirements.
Is .cat restricted to people in Catalonia?
The .cat extension is designated for the Catalan linguistic and cultural community. It is available to any individual, organization, or entity that promotes or operates within the Catalan language and culture, regardless of geographic location.