.net domain checker and rules

A .net follows the .com's rules, plus a few of its own. You buy it through a registrar, never from the registry itself. How our checks work

Cost$12.52 a year at Porkbun
LengthUp to 63 characters
CharactersLetters, numbers, hyphens
Who can registerAnyone
RegistryVerisign
Holds the nameRegistering it
Checked 25 Oct 2026, 07:06 UTCSources [1, 2, 3, 4, 7]

What can a .net name contain?

Letters, numbers and hyphens, up to 63 characters before the .net. Verisign's contract with ICANN also keeps back every one-character name.

CharacterAllowed?Where
Letters a to zYesAnywhere; capitals don't count
Numbers 0 to 9YesAnywhere, including first
Hyphen (-)YesNot first or last; not two in the 3rd and 4th places
A single characterNoReserved by the registry
Accented letters, other scriptsYesYour registrar asks for a language; no mixing scripts
Spaces, underscores, symbolsNo

Sources [4, 6, 7, 8, 9]

Who can register a .net?

Anyone, through a registrar. Verisign runs the registry but isn't a registrar, and its contracts for .net set no eligibility or residency rule.[3, 4, 5]

How do you register a .net?

  1. Check the name above, with the .com and your handles.
  2. Pick an ICANN-accredited registrar, comparing renewal prices, not just the first year.
  3. Register it for 1 to 10 years, then turn on auto-renew and the transfer lock.
  4. Answer your registrar's emails about your contact details.[3, 4, 12]

What should you know before you register a .net?

It renews at $12.52 a year at Porkbun, the same as the first year, and ICANN's transfer and expiry rules apply. Compare other endings' renewal prices.

FactWhat it means
60-day lockMoves to another registrar can be refused for 60 days after registering, a transfer or an owner change
Transfer codeYour registrar must give it to you within 5 days of asking
Renewal remindersAbout a month and a week before expiry
30 days to restoreAfter deletion, the registrar can still restore it for 30 days
Accurate detailsUpdate them within 7 days of a change. Ignore your registrar's questions for 15 days and it can suspend the name

Sources [1, 10, 11, 12]

What if the .net you want is taken?

Look for close versions, wait to see if it lapses, or file a UDRP complaint if it copies your trademark. Every .net registrar must follow ICANN's dispute policy.

RouteWhat to know
Pick another nameThe checker shows close versions and other endings that are available with your handles
Wait for it to lapseThe owner gets reminders, then 30 days to restore it after deletion
UDRP complaintProve a trademark match, no rights for the owner, and bad-faith registration and use
What a panel can doCancel the name or transfer it to you, nothing more

Sources [5, 11, 13]

Which platforms should you claim with your .net?

The .com first, then Instagram, X, LinkedIn and Facebook. Once you have the .net, set up email and HTTPS with Using your .net.

Checks the .net, the .com, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and Facebook in one search.

Sources (13)

  1. PrimaryPorkbun: domain name pricing, the public price list our checker reads daily
  2. PrimaryIANA: Root Zone Database, .net
  3. PrimaryVerisign: Support ("we are not a registrar")
  4. PrimaryICANN: .net Registry Agreement (section 7.3, appendices 6 and 7)
  5. PrimaryVerisign: .net Registry-Registrar Agreement (UDRP and registrant terms)
  6. PrimaryVerisign: IDN registration rules
  7. PrimaryRFC 1035: Domain names, implementation and specification (sections 2.3.1, 2.3.3, 2.3.4)
  8. PrimaryRFC 1123: Requirements for Internet hosts (section 2.1, names may start with a digit)
  9. PrimaryRFC 5891: Internationalized domain names in applications (section 4.2.3.1, hyphen rules)
  10. PrimaryICANN: FAQs for registrants, transferring your domain name
  11. PrimaryICANN: Expired Registration Recovery Policy
  12. PrimaryICANN: Keeping registration data accurate
  13. PrimaryICANN: Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (paragraphs 4(a) and 4(i))