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Generic TLD DNSSEC Tech & startups

.box What it means and what it's used for

.box is a generic top-level domain (gTLD), aimed at tech & startups. Intercap Registry Inc. runs the registry under a contract with ICANN.

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Generic TLD

Generic TLD

.box

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What is .box?

.box entered the DNS root zone on November 11, 2016, 9 years ago. It came out of ICANN's New gTLD Program, the 2012 application round that grew the root from 22 generic TLDs to well over a thousand.

Intercap Registry Inc. also runs 3 other TLDs, including .dealer, .inc and .llp.

On the technical side, .box is served by 4 authoritative name servers, every one of them reachable over IPv6. It is also DNSSEC-signed: the root zone carries a DS record for .box, which lets validating resolvers check its answers cryptographically. Registration data is published over RDAP and WHOIS (the WHOIS server is whois.nic.box).

Same registry, other endings

3 other TLDs share this operator.

.box FAQ

What does .box mean?

.box is a generic top-level domain named for the word "box", and it's aimed at tech & startups. It doesn't belong to any country.

What is .box used for?

.box is mostly used for tech & startups. Like most gTLDs, it's a label of intent rather than a guarantee — check the site, not just the ending.

What country is .box?

None. .box is a generic top-level domain, so it isn't tied to any country.

Who owns the .box domain extension?

Intercap Registry Inc. operates .box as its registry, under a registry agreement with ICANN.

When was .box created?

.box was delegated to the DNS root zone on November 11, 2016.

Is .box a valid domain?

Yes. .box is an active top-level domain in the DNS root zone, delegated in 2016, so .box addresses work in every browser.

Can I buy a .box domain?

.box names are sold through ICANN-accredited registrars. Some gTLDs restrict who can register, so read Intercap Registry Inc.'s policy if you're unsure.

Is .box DNSSEC-signed?

Yes, the root zone holds a DS record for .box.

Sources

Data from IANA root zone version 2026102000. Last changed November 17, 2023. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

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How well do you know .box?

Three questions. Each right answer is worth 10 XP — more if you keep a streak going.

  1. 1In which year did .box enter the root zone?

  2. 2Who runs the .box registry?

  3. 3Can the public register names under .box?