Using your .org
A .org tells visitors you're an organization, and it's open to anyone. Here is what that means in practice, plus the setup basics.
Basics
What does a .org domain mean?
A .org signals an organization, often a mission-driven one, but anyone can register one. Public Interest Registry calls .org "the domain most commonly associated with organizations," used by nonprofits, individuals and businesses. Some companies use one for their charitable programs. If the .com is available too, get both; check them together.[1]
How much does a .org cost over time?
$7.98 the first year at Porkbun, then $11.84 a year. The registry's ICANN contract sets no price cap, but it must give registrars 180 days' notice of a renewal rise. Until then, your registrar can renew it for up to 10 years at the old price.
Compare every ending's renewal price in Which domain ending should I pick?[2, 3]
What rules apply to how you use a .org?
Public Interest Registry bans malware, botnets, phishing and spam on .org. It also acts on a narrow set of content, such as child abuse material and fraud sites. It can lock, suspend or delete the name. You can appeal its decisions.[4]
Advanced
How do you set up email, DNS and HTTPS on a .org?
The same way as on a .com. The full steps are on Using your .com.
| Step | What to know |
|---|---|
| Nameservers | Turn off DNSSEC at your registrar first; the switch can take up to 24 hours |
| Set up SPF or DKIM before you send; over 5,000 a day to Gmail needs both, plus DMARC | |
| HTTPS | Cloudflare issues free certificates to every domain active on its service, on any plan |
Sources (7)
- PrimaryPublic Interest Registry: .ORG domain
- PrimaryPorkbun: domain name pricing, the public price list our checker reads daily
- PrimaryICANN: .org Registry Agreement (section 2.10, pricing)
- PrimaryPublic Interest Registry: Anti-Abuse Policy
- PrimaryCloudflare docs: Full setup
- PrimaryGoogle Workspace Admin Help: Email sender guidelines
- PrimaryCloudflare docs: Universal SSL