About .SOFTWARE Domain Names

For technology professionals, the .software domain name creates a distinct space for software sales, upgrades and updates. Professionals can advertise new products and downloads for customers, or they can market various open-source programs and groups in the industry.

Pre-Registration Information

The .software launch is divided into three registration phases: Trademark Holder (Sunrise), Priority Pre-Registration (Early Access) and Pre-Registration (General Availability.) Each phase has specific application requirements:

Pre-Registration

Pre-registration gives you the best possible chance of securing a domain name before it's available to the general public, but it doesn't guarantee you will get it. You can only pre-register for Early Access and General Availability phases, and we'll submit your registration application when the phase begins.

Multiple applications with different registrars are resolved on a first-come, first-served basis during General Availability. If you aren't able to secure the domain name, we'll refund the registration fee. Application fees will not be refunded.

Trademark Holders Registration - Sunrise

Starting October 9, 2014 at 18:00 UTC, trademark holders can submit an application to register a .software domain containing their owned mark, before it's available to the public.

Trademark validation goes through the Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH), which is an ICANN global repository for trademark data. Visit the TMCH website for information on registering a trademark.

Bulk .software registration is not supported during Sunrise.

If you aren't able to secure the domain name, we'll refund the registration fee. Application fees will not be refunded.

Note: You cannot cancel your registration application. If you are awarded the domain name, you have 5 days to cancel your domain name and get a refund of the registration fee only.

Priority Pre-Registration - Early Access

From December 3, 2014, at 17:00 UTC to December 10, 2014 at 17:00 UTC, customers can register .software domain names at a premium price, and on a first-come, first-served basis. This phase offers the best chance of securing a domain name.

Bulk .software registration is not supported during Early Access.

Pricing: The first 4 days of Priority Pre-Registration will have different fees, with day one being the highest and every day thereafter decreasing in price. Days 5 through 7 will be the same fee. The price of a domain registration during Priority Pre-Registration includes the registration fee and a non-refundable early application fee. For example, if a domain name's registration fee is $30 and the early application fee is $12,500, then the total cost is $12,530. The price of your gTLD may vary based on the domain you search for and pre-register.

Note: The early application fee is NOT refundable if the domain is awarded and then cancelled. The early application fee is not charged if you do not get the domain. The registration fee is refundable if the domain name is cancelled, or if you do not get the domain name.

Pre-Registration - General Availability

Beginning December 10, 2014, at 17:00 UTC, customers can register .software domain names on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bulk .software registration is supported during General Availability.

Note: If you are awarded the domain name, you have 5 days to cancel your domain name and get a refund of the registration fee.

Registration Information

Who can register .software domain names?

Anyone can register .software domain names on a first-come, first-served basis.

These domain names can have a up to 63 characters, with a minimum of 1 character, and can contain letters (a-z), numbers (0-9) and hyphens (except in the 3rd or 4th characters of the domain name). You cannot register domain names with special characters such as & and #. The .software supports IDNs (Internationalized Domain Names) in the following languages: French and Spanish.

Which registry controls .software domain names?

The Donuts Registry manages and supports the .software extension.

For how long can I register .software domain names?

You can register a .software domain name for a minimum of one year and a maximum of 10 years.

When do .software domain names renew?

We'll attempt to auto-renew your .software domain name on its expiration date. We will park .software domain names after the first failed billing attempt. If the domain name isn't renewed within 40 days following expiration, we cancel the the domain name and remove it from your account.