Current usTLD Nexus rules checked 14 August 2026
A .us registrant must have a qualifying United States connection under the usTLD Nexus Requirements
Eligibility is broader than having a US postal address, but it is not open to everybody without conditions. A qualifying citizen, permanent resident, US organisation, or foreign entity with a genuine US presence or lawful US activity may fit a Nexus category.
Which .us Nexus category applies?
| Category | Who may qualify | What to establish |
|---|---|---|
| US individual | A United States citizen or permanent resident | Accurate identity and contact details supporting that status |
| US organisation | An entity incorporated or otherwise organised in the United States, a state, the District of Columbia or a US territory or possession | The organisation’s genuine legal existence and current registrant information |
| Bona fide US presence | A foreign individual or organisation with a real presence in the United States | Regular lawful US activities, an office or facility, or another qualifying connection under the current policy |
The provider may ask the registrant to select a Nexus category, state the country of citizenship or organisation, and provide further information when the registry reviews eligibility.
What can count as a bona fide US business presence?
Regular lawful US activities
A foreign organisation that genuinely and regularly conducts lawful business or other activities in the United States may qualify.
A real US office or facility
An established office, branch or facility can support the Nexus when it is connected to the registrant’s actual operations.
Genuine trade with US customers
Substantial lawful sales or services in the United States may be relevant, but the registrant should be able to explain and evidence the activity.
A simple intention is not enough
Wanting US visitors, buying a mailbox or planning future sales does not by itself prove the required bona fide presence.
Which information may be required?
Registrant identity
The legal name of the qualifying individual or organisation, with the correct registrant type.
Contact information
Current postal address, email address and telephone number belonging to the registered name holder.
Nexus selection
The category and supporting country or jurisdiction information requested by the registrar’s .us application.
Evidence on request
Identity, incorporation, permanent residence, office or lawful-activity evidence if the registry or provider verifies the claim.
Can a .us domain use WHOIS privacy or a proxy?
Anonymous and proxy registrations are not permitted under the current usTLD privacy-services policy. The registered name holder must provide complete and accurate registration data that belongs to that holder. Do not assume that the privacy protection available for another extension applies to .us.
| Question | Current practical answer |
|---|---|
| Can the registrar replace the registrant with its own proxy? | No, the current policy prohibits anonymous or proxy registration that prevents the registry from receiving and displaying the true required data |
| Must the data be accurate? | Yes, accurate and current data is fundamental to Nexus enforcement and registry administration |
| Can the registry check the information? | Yes, the registry and registrar can investigate Nexus, WHOIS accuracy, abuse and policy complaints |
| Can policy change later? | Yes, so review the current usTLD policy and provider terms at registration and renewal |
Read the registry’s current .us privacy-services policy before submitting personal or business details.
How should you prepare a .us registration?
- 1Identify the registrant
Decide which individual or organisation will hold the domain and control renewal and transfer.
- 2Select the Nexus category
Use citizenship, permanent residence, US organisation or genuine US presence facts that actually apply.
- 3Prepare supporting facts
Keep identity, company, office or lawful-activity information ready if the claim is reviewed.
- 4Search the exact name
Check availability, spelling, rights conflicts, registration term, normal renewal price and VAT.
- 5Enter true contact details
Do not substitute a privacy proxy or unrelated address for the registered name holder’s required data.
- 6Maintain compliance
Update information and reassess eligibility if citizenship, company status, address or US activities change.
Which mistakes put a .us registration at risk?
Choosing a category for convenience
The category must match the registrant. Do not select US citizen or organisation status merely to pass the form.
Using a proxy contact
Current .us rules do not permit the ordinary anonymous proxy route available under many other extensions.
Describing only future plans
A wish to enter the US market is weaker than current regular lawful activities, an office or another established presence.
Ignoring a Nexus enquiry
Respond promptly with accurate information. Leaving the request unanswered can lead to the domain being suspended or cancelled.
.us registration questions
Can a UK citizen register a .us domain?
Not solely because they are a UK citizen. They need another qualifying Nexus, such as US permanent residence or a genuine bona fide presence in the United States.
Can a UK company register .us?
It may qualify if it regularly conducts lawful activities in the United States or maintains another genuine qualifying presence. Keep evidence supporting the selected Nexus category.
Is a US mailing address enough?
Not automatically. The registrant must meet a Nexus category. An unrelated mailbox, agent or forwarding address does not by itself create the required connection.
Can I use domain privacy?
Anonymous and proxy registrations are prohibited under the current .us policy. Review what data the registry and provider require before ordering.
What happens if eligibility changes?
Update the registration and ask the provider what options remain. A registrant that no longer meets Nexus should not simply leave inaccurate information in place.
Where are the controlling rules?
The registry maintains the current usTLD policies and governance documents. Those policies and the registration agreement control the domain.
Confirm the Nexus before ordering
Register .us only to a holder with a genuine and supportable United States connection
Choose the correct category, keep the registrant data accurate and understand the current privacy restriction before payment.