A restricted TLD is one you cannot register on the open market — the registry verifies your eligibility first. Classic examples are .gov (US government), .edu (accredited US institutions), .mil (US military), and verified-industry extensions like .bank and .pharmacy. Some country codes also restrict registration to local entities. The restriction is the point: it makes the extension a trustworthy signal.
Why restrictions exist
Most extensions are open — anyone, anywhere, can register a .com or .xyz. A minority are deliberately gated, because the value of the extension comes from the fact that registrants were verified. When you see a .gov or a .bank address, you can trust that a real government body or a vetted financial institution stands behind it. These rules are set by the registry (sometimes as a condition of a sponsored TLD agreement with ICANN) and enforced before a name is ever issued. The list below groups the best-known restricted extensions; for the authoritative policy on any extension, consult the IANA root zone database entry, which links to the registry.
Restricted TLDs reference list
Who may register, the administering body, and the nature of the restriction.
| Extension | Who may register | Administered by | Restriction type |
|---|---|---|---|
| .gov | US government organisations only | CISA (US) | Government-only, verified |
| .edu | US-accredited educational institutions | Educause | Accreditation required |
| .mil | US Department of Defense / military | DoD Network Information Center | Military-only |
| .int | Intergovernmental treaty organisations | IANA | Treaty-based eligibility |
| .bank | Verified banks & financial institutions | fTLD Registry Services | Industry verification |
| .insurance | Verified insurance entities | fTLD Registry Services | Industry verification |
| .pharmacy | Verified, licensed pharmacies | NABP | Licensing verification |
| .museum | Museums & museum bodies | MuseDoma | Sponsored community |
| .aero | Aviation industry members | SITA | Sponsored community |
| .coop | Cooperatives | DotCooperation | Sponsored community |
| .post | Postal-sector entities | Universal Postal Union | Sponsored community |
| .travel | Travel-industry entities | Dog Beach (registry) | Community-oriented |
| .jobs | HR / employment use | Employ Media | Use-restricted |
Administering-body names reflect the registry of record; always confirm current policy via the extension's IANA root zone database entry, which is authoritative.
Restricted country codes
Beyond these generic and sponsored extensions, a number of country-code TLDs impose their own restrictions: a local company registration, a local administrative contact, residency, or a national identity document. The exact rules differ by country and change over time, so a ccTLD that is "open" in one year may tighten, or vice versa. If you are targeting a specific national extension, check the official registry's eligibility page before planning a brand around it. Many globally-marketed ccTLDs — such as .io, .co, .me and .ai — are sold openly worldwide and are not restricted.