Domains Help

About .XXX domains

GoDaddy Registry is the sponsor and backend provider for the .XXX extension.

Who can register .XXX domains?

The .XXX top-level domain name provides an easily identifiable extension for the adult entertainment industry, its consumers, and those who want to avoid it.

Community Members

After you register a .XXX domain name, you must complete the ICM Registry's free membership application process before your domain name can resolve to the internet. Within 24 hours of purchasing a .XXX domain name, the registry will email you information to complete this process. The registry might request additional documentation to validate the membership. After the registry validates the membership, you must submit your membership credentials (ID) to us.

Once you have a membership ID, you can use it for all .XXX domain names you register. You do not need a separate membership ID for each .XXX domain name. You can update your .XXX Membership ID anytime through your account. If you lose or forget your membership ID, log in to the ICM Registry website as a member to recover it.

Non-Members (Defensive Registrations)

Applicants outside the sponsored adult entertainment community can purchase defensive registrations to block domain names from becoming .XXX domain names on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants with defensive registrations must pay to register the domain names but are not required to complete the ICM Registry's membership application process. Instead, the registry places those domain names on non-resolving nameservers.

Registration restrictions

When registering a .XXX domain, you must follow specific requirements.

  • Must use: 1-63 characters
  • Can use: Letters (a-z characters), numbers (0-9) and hyphens (except in the 3rd or 4th characters of the domain name)
  • Cannot use: Special characters (e.g., & and #)
  • IDNs: Supported

Features

  • Registration length: 1-10 years
  • Renewal length: 1-10 years
    • If you have auto-renew enabled, we’ll attempt to charge the associated payment method and renew your .XXX domain on its expiration date.
    • If auto-renew fails, we will re-attempt renewal 5 days later and again 7 days after that.
    • If the domain isn't manually renewed within 12 days following expiration, we cancel it and remove it from your account.
  • Backorders: Not supported
  • Transfers to GoDaddy: Supported
  • Transfers away from GoDaddy: Supported
  • Transfers to another GoDaddy account: Supported
  • Basic privacy protection: Supported
  • Protection plan upgrades: Not supported
  • CashParking: Supported
  • Contact updates: Supported

    You can update your .XXX Membership ID anytime through your account. If you lose or forget your membership ID, log in to the ICM Registry website as a member to recover it.

    1. Sign in to your GoDaddy Domain Portfolio. (Need help logging in? Find your username or password.)
    2. Select the checkboxes next to the domains you'll be updating. Or, select the checkbox next to Domain Name and then choose Select All.
      screenshot of multiple domains selected
    3. Select .XXX Membership from the action menu.
      • Depending on your screen size, you may need to select the More menu and scroll down to see .XXX Membership.
    4. Enter a new membership ID or select an existing one from the available options.
    5. Select Save to update your membership ID.

    You'll see a Success confirmation letting you know the settings have been updated.

Refunds

For details on refunds, see our refund policy. Most domains will follow the Standard Refund Terms, but certain domains may have exceptions or may not be refundable at all. Review the information under Products with Special Refund Terms, then Domain Name Registrations/Renewals and Products Not Eligible for Refunds.

Nameserver requirements

  • Must use: 1-13 nameservers
    • You can use any valid nameservers with .XXX domain names. If you have a defensive registration to block a domain name from becoming an .XXX domain name or you have purchased your .XXX domain during the Sunrise B phase, you cannot manage your domain nameservers.
  • Can use: DNSSEC, IPv4, IPV6

More info

  • As of 2021, the 10 year anniversary of the defensive Blocks, defensive registrations must be renewed to the multi-TLD AdultBlock or AdultBlock+ product. More information can be found here.
  • From 16 March 2023 through to 19 May 2023 previously non-renewed defensive Blocks will be available to the prior defensive Block owners to convert to a standard .XXX registration. The process will require a Token to register, if the defensive Block was previously in your shopper account then this will be applied automatically. Any unclaimed names will be released for general registration on 18 May 2023.
  • Want to register a .XXX domain? Search for your .XXX domain today.

Share this article