What is a .us Domain?

A Practical Guide for Businesses  

The United States is among the largest digital markets in the world. Brands that want to succeed in this market must adapt to local dynamics. The foundation of a digital presence is the domain name. The .us extension is the official country code that proves your commercial or cultural connection to the USA. 

The guide below examines the technical details, US Nexus registration rules, and SEO advantages of the .us extension. 

 

Definition and Use Cases of the .us Extension 

Every country in the internet world has a digital identity. The .us extension is the official country code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD) for the United States. This extension has been in use since 1985. When users see this extension, they understand that the site is connected to the US. 

.us as a ccTLD and Management Structure 

Country code domain names (ccTLD) provide geographic targeting signals to search engines. The management of the .us domain is technically supervised by authorized authorities like NeuStar (GoDaddy Registry). This management structure maintains the reliability of the domain. The information requested during registration is based on the principle of transparency. For brands entering the US market, this extension is not a barrier but an advantage that increases trust. 

 

Strategic Differences Between .com and .us 

Many business owners ask, "Why should I buy .us when there is .com?". There are strategic differences between the two extensions: 

• Locality: .com has a global structure; .us is specific to the US market. 
• Availability: Short and meaningful .com domain names are exhausted. It is easier to find memorable names with the .us extension. 
• Targeting: Using .us clarifies the brand message and prevents confusion. 

 

Critical Registration Condition: What is the US Nexus Requirement? 

Registration of a .us domain name is not open to everyone. Individuals or institutions wishing to register must have a real connection to the USA. This rule is called the "Nexus Requirement". 

 

Who Can Register a .us Domain? 

The registration authority divides applicants into specific categories. The following groups who show their bond with the US can register: 

• Individuals: US citizens or permanent residents (Green Card holders). 
• Commercial Entities: Companies legally operating within US borders. 
• Organizations: US-based associations, schools, and public institutions. 

Foreign Entities: Bona fide foreign businesses that trade regularly with the US or export goods/services, even if they do not have an office in the US. 

Verifying data such as citizenship type or company information is requested during registration. 

 

Whois Privacy Restriction and Transparency 

The most important technical detail that distinguishes .us domains from others is the privacy policy. Whois Privacy cannot be used for .us registrations. The name, address, and contact information of the domain owner appear in the public Whois database. This situation is not a security flaw but a transparency policy. The registration authority wants to verify that the domain owner is a real person or institution. 

 

Using .us for US-Focused SEO and Brand Reliability 

Search engines prioritize local results to improve user experience. Google finds country code extensions more meaningful in searches within their own countries. 

 

Local Search Advantage 

For a user searching from New York or Los Angeles, a site with a local extension looks "more appropriate". The .us extension sends a signal to search engines that "this content appeals to the US audience". This situation provides a ranking advantage in US-based searches. However, this technical signal alone is not enough; to sustain success in a competitive market like the US, you must support your domain investment with professional SEO (Search Engine Optimization) efforts. 

 

Brand Clarity and User Trust 

American users warm up more easily to sites that feel local. Just as with Canada (.ca) or the UK (.uk), the .us extension feels natural to the American consumer. Usages like techstart.us or organicstore.us give the visitor the message "target country is America" directly. Global brands often position .com addresses as headquarters and .us addresses as their US branch. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)  

 

Can I buy a .us domain from outside the US?

Yes. If you export to the US or have a commercial tie with the US (Nexus rule), you can register as a foreign-based company. 

What does the US Nexus requirement mean?

It is the obligation for the domain owner to have a legal, commercial, or citizenship tie with the US. It means "show your connection to the US". 

Is the .us domain for government sites?

No, government sites use the .gov extension. .us is open to individuals, companies, and NGOs. 

Can I use a .us extension if I don't have a company in the US?

You can use it if you have commercial activity or regular trade. 

Should I choose .com or .us?

If possible, both should be acquired. While .com protects your global presence, .us increases your local power in the US market.