Type
Generic
All TLDs / .icu
What is .icu?
The short answer
.icu is a generic top-level domain, operated by Shortdot SA. It's live in the official IANA DNS root zone and open for public registration through accredited registrars — anyone can register a .icu domain if the name is available.Source: IANA root zone database, checked October 18, 2026.
Is .icu a real domain extension?
Yes — .icu is a real top-level domain. It's present in the official IANA DNS root zone, which is the authoritative list of every live TLD on the internet.
Who runs .icu?
.icu is operated by Shortdot SA, per the IANA root database.
What is .icu used for?
As an open generic extension, .icu can be registered by anyone for any kind of website — there are no topic restrictions unless the registry sets a specific policy.
Can anyone register a .icu domain?
Yes — .icu is open for public registration through accredited registrars. Whether a specific name is available depends on whether someone already owns it.
Where to buy .icu
Renewal trap: .icu costs $3.59 in year one but $15.96/yr to renew — 4.4× the intro price. Budget for the renewal, not the promo. Full Renewal-Trap Index
| Registrar | First year | Renews | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dynadot Sponsored | $2.49 promo | $16.27 | Go → |
| Porkbun Trust pick | $3.59 promo | $15.96 | Go → |
| Cloudflare Trust pick at-cost | $15.20 | $15.20 | Go → |
| Namecheap Sponsored | Live price unavailable — confirm at the registrar. | Go → | |
Porkbun & Cloudflare prices in USD, pulled from their daily feeds (checked 2026-10-21). Cloudflare sells at wholesale cost but requires using Cloudflare’s nameservers.
Some links are affiliate links. Prices are set by the registrar and can change — always confirm at checkout.