Sponsored top-level domains (sTLDs)
Sponsored top-level domains explained: endings like .gov, .edu, .aero, .coop and .museum that serve specific communities, why they exist and who can register them.
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A sponsored top-level domain (sTLD) is an ending created for a specific community, with a sponsoring organization that sets the rules for who can register. You usually have to prove you belong to that community.
Examples
| Ending | For |
|---|---|
| .gov | US government organizations |
| .edu | Accredited US post-secondary institutions |
| .mil | US military |
| .aero | The air-transport industry |
| .coop | Cooperatives |
| .museum | Museums |
| .travel | The travel industry |
| .jobs | Employers' job and career sites |
| .cat | The Catalan language and culture |
| .post | Postal services |
Why they exist
- Trust: a .gov or .edu address tells visitors the site is genuine, because not just anyone can register one.
- Community identity: endings like .coop and .museum signal membership in a group.
Can you register one?
Only if you qualify. Each sponsor has eligibility rules, and some, like .gov and .mil, are limited to government bodies. If you see a .gov or .edu address, it's a good sign the site is official, though you should still watch for look-alike scam domains.
Questions
Can I get a .edu domain?
Only accredited US post-secondary institutions qualify for .edu.
What does sponsored TLD mean?
An ending run for a specific community by a sponsoring organization that sets eligibility rules.