The most popular domain name extensions are .com, .net, .org and .edu. Not only are they popular, but they are also available to anyone, anywhere in the world. When you visit a website with any of these extensions, you can’t tell where the page you’re visiting operates from unless they display that information on their site.
However, thanks to the Internet Country Code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD), you can get to know the base country of the brand, company or entity you are visiting by looking at their domain name.
The ccTLD is a list of domain extensions that are reserved by specific countries or regions. The extensions are usually two characters. Three popular ccTLDs are .us (United States), .ca (Canada) and .uk (United Kingdom). You can often identify the country or region in question by simply looking at the ccTLD. For example, .fr is the ccTLD for France, .cn belongs to China.
Also read: What are the most popular TLDs
What is a .us domain?
A .us domain is the official country code top-level domain (.us TLD) for the United States. First introduced in 1985, it is part of the global domain in US registry system.
A us domain name clearly signals an American identity online. When people ask “what is .us domain” or search for the “.us domain meaning”, it refers to a digital address reserved for US citizens, residents, businesses, government entities and foreign organizations with a US presence.
While many choose .com or .net, the .us domain is widely used by state agencies, local governments and American businesses that want to highlight their national identity. Managed by Registry Services, LLC on behalf of the US Department of Commerce, it remains a trusted and regulated extension.
For individuals or companies targeting the US market, choosing to buy .us domain can boost credibility, local SEO and brand recognition.
Benefits of .us domain name registration
While it is not as common as .com, .net and .org, registering a .us domain extension along with your web hosting can provide you with many benefits. Here are a few reasons you might want to consider registering a .us domain.
1. Identify as American
2. Be more searchable
3. Promote your US-based business or organization
4. Connect your cause with your country
5. Cost-effective option
Let’s look at the key benefits of a .us domain name in detail.
1. Identify as American
Identifying as an American company or brand can help you build a strong online reputation. The United States is the world’s most powerful nation and a global leader in everything from movies, culture, and politics to business, innovation and technology. With a .us domain extension, your business, civic group, or personal brand can identify as part of the American brand that is perceived as world-class, regardless of the industry or niche.
2. Be searchable
When registering a name that is affiliated with the US, your site will be easier to find. Instead of using generic domain extensions that everyone around the world must compete with to register, a .us extension will make it easy for your target audiences to locate you. Also, a unique domain with a less common extension can help your site rank higher on search engine results pages with the right SEO. Thus, in terms of visibility and attracting people to your website, the .us domain extension can help keep you distinctive.
Your visibility increases with a .us because Google and other search engines generally display .us websites to US residents more often than other extensions. Therefore, if your brand or business is targeting people living in the United States, doing a .us domain extension registration makes sense for you.
3. Promote your US-based business or organization
As the largest economy in the world, the ability to promote your business and generate traffic in the United States can have an impact on the financial performance of your business. Even if you are a foreigner, a .us domain could help promote your US-based business or brand, or the arm of your organization that operates within the United States.
Studies conducted over the years have shown that Americans prefer to buy home-based products and services. Products that are labeled “Made in America” tend to generate more traction with US citizens, so having a website that sends the same message will appeal to more people in the country.
4. Connect your cause and country
Whether you are selling a product, promoting a cause, or running a civic group, a .us domain extension will indicate to your visitors that you are connecting your cause, brand, or the efforts of your group to your country. This correlation will help more people in the United States relate to your purpose than a generic extension would.
5. It is cost-effective
Generic domain extensions such as .com, .net and .org are generally more expensive to acquire than the same domains with the .us extension. While other extensions can cost as much as $12.99, you can purchase a .us extension for only $18.99 on Bluehost. Also, every registry is required to keep a database containing the contact information of registered domain owners.
The required information includes the domain name, key transaction dates, contact information, sponsoring registrar and name server information. However, you won’t have to deal with these “Whois protection” protocols from registrars when you use the .us extension.
Note: Pricing may vary depending on promotions or offers. Please visit our website to confirm the latest .us domain rates before purchase.
How to buy a .us domain
Buying a .us domain extension is easy. First, check the availability of the domain name you want. You will see if the name you want is available and you will see a few alternatives. Once you’ve decided on a name, you can register the name after choosing the plan that fits your needs.
Buying a .us domain is simple and can be done in just a few steps:
1. Search for your domain
Go to a trusted registrar like Bluehost and enter the name you want in the search bar. The system will check availability and suggest alternatives if your first choice is taken.
2. Choose the right name
Pick a domain that reflects your brand, business or personal identity. Keep it short, easy to spell and relevant to your audience.
3. Check eligibility
Only US citizens, permanent residents, organizations and businesses with a US presence can register a .us domain name. Make sure you meet the requirements before purchase.
4. Add domain privacy
Protect your personal details by adding privacy protection when available. Note that some restrictions apply to .us TLDs.
5. Complete your registration
Once you’ve selected your domain, proceed to checkout, choose your plan and make payment. Your .us domain will be registered under your name.
Note: You’ll also get a free domain name for the first year with Bluehost hosting. This offer applies when you purchase a hosting plan.
Also read: Free Domain Name with Hosting in 2025
Who is eligible for registering .us domains?
The .us domain extension is not available to everyone. Only those included in the following list are allowed to register .us domains:
- A permanent resident or citizen of the United States or any of its territories
- An individual whose home or domicile is in the United States or any of its territories
- An organization or business entity that is incorporated in the US, Washington, D.C. or one of its entities
- Federal, state or local US government entities
- Political subdivisions that have a genuine presence in the country
Final thoughts
Before you can be a domain owner and start building your site through your web hosting plan, you are going to have to register a domain that reflects your brand and overall message. At Bluehost, we make it easy for you to go through the domain registration process by giving you all the resources you need.
The .us domain extension is a powerful one; it can only be obtained by US citizens, permanent residents, government bodies, organizations or businesses and .us websites appeal more to US customers than many of the generic domain extensions. If you want to work with US customers or want to build your brand within the United States, consider registering a .us domain today.
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