Extension
.law
.law in short
The .law domain is a restricted generic top-level domain (gTLD) reserved for qualified legal professionals and law firms. Registrants must verify they are licensed to practise law, which makes .law a credentialed trust signal rather than an open extension.
.law at a glance
Type
gTLD — Generic top-level domain
Registry
Identity Digital (verified)
Launched
2015
Country / scope
Generic — no country
Restrictions
Verified — licensed legal professionals only
Typical price
$75/yr
Example sites
law firms
Source: IANA root zone database & registry data · methodology
Where to register a .law domain
Prices are indicative and set by each registrar; renewal rates may differ from first-year promotions. Links may be sponsored. tldlist.us is an independent reference and not a registrar.
What does .law mean?
The .law extension is a generic top-level domain built for one audience: the legal profession. Unlike most gTLDs, it is restricted and verified. To hold a .law name you must prove you are a licensed lawyer, a law firm, a bar association, a law school or another recognised legal entity. That verification is the whole point — .law is meant to be a domain the public can trust on sight.
Launched in 2015 and operated within the Identity Digital portfolio, .law positions itself as a premium, credentialed space. A visitor who lands on smith.law can reasonably assume they are dealing with a genuine, vetted legal practitioner rather than an unqualified imitator — a meaningful distinction in a field where credibility is everything.
Who uses .law?
.law is used by solo attorneys, boutique and large law firms, barristers and solicitors, legal-aid bodies, bar associations and law schools. It works best as a clean, memorable brand: yourname.law or firmname.law is shorter and more on-the-nose than a long .com, and the verification requirement keeps the neighbourhood reputable.
It is not for everyone — legal bloggers, students and marketing sites without a practising credential cannot qualify, and for them .legal (open registration) or a standard .com is the realistic choice. .law is specifically for those who can prove they belong in it.
.law registration rules and requirements
.law is verified at registration. You must submit credentials showing a current licence to practise law in a recognised jurisdiction — for example a bar number, roll number or proof of firm registration. The registry reviews these before the name is activated, and domains can be suspended if eligibility lapses. This vetting, combined with a premium wholesale price, keeps .law largely free of the spam that affects open extensions.
How much does .law cost?
A .law domain typically runs about $75 per year at mainstream registrars, though rates vary by registrar and any introductory promotion. Always confirm the renewal price — not just the first-year offer — before you register.
| Registrar | Typical .law price (per year) |
|---|---|
| Identity Digital accredited registrars | ~$75–110/yr |
| Namecheap | ~$80/yr |
| Porkbun | ~$90/yr |
.law pros and cons
Pros
- Verification means a built-in trust signal the public recognises.
- Short, descriptive and memorable for any legal brand.
- Far less spam and abuse than open extensions, protecting reputation.
- Premium positioning fits the professional image of a law practice.
Cons
- Eligibility is restricted — you must prove a legal credential.
- One of the more expensive TLDs to register and renew.
- Useless to non-practitioners, students or pure legal-content sites.
- Lower public familiarity than .com, so some users still type .com first.
Example .law websites
- dentons.law — large international firms use .law as a clean, credentialed brand.
- Boutique practices adopt firmname.law in place of a longer .com to look modern and verified.
- Bar associations and law schools register .law names to anchor official legal resources.
.law — frequently asked questions
What is the .law domain?
The .law domain is a restricted, verified generic top-level domain for the legal profession. Only licensed lawyers, law firms, bar associations and law schools that can prove their credentials may register a .law name, which makes it a strong public trust signal.
Who can register a .law domain?
Only verified legal professionals and entities — licensed attorneys, law firms, barristers, solicitors, bar associations and law schools. You must submit proof of a current licence or registration, which the registry checks before activating the domain.
How much does a .law domain cost?
A .law domain typically costs around $75 per year, with most registrars in the $75–$110 range. It is a premium, restricted extension, so prices sit well above ordinary gTLDs. Confirm the renewal rate before registering.
Is .law better than .legal or .com for a law firm?
.law is verified and restricted to licensed practitioners, so it carries a credential .legal and .com do not. .legal is open to anyone and cheaper; .com is the most familiar. Many firms keep a .com for recall and use .law as a trusted, professional brand.