How to register .us domain if we not American?

[jijigren]

I compile a very good list of .us domain names but unfortunately I can't register as Im not an American. Is it possible for non US to register .us domain?

I read the Nexus requirement to register .us domain for non American:

Prospective registrant will certify that they have a "bona fide presence in the United States" on the basis of real and substantial lawful contacts with, or lawful activities in, the United States of America. This requirement is intended to ensure that only those individuals or organizations that have a substantive lawful connection (what kind of connection?) to the United States are permitted to register for usTLD domain names.

What does it mean by that?

 

[DomainPhil]

Of course... I am not a lawyer... but my understanding of that statement is that you must own a business located in the US (probably a legal business entity like a corporation). That would form your "lawful connection" if you aren't a US citizen.

Hope that helps...

Ron

 

[AGS]

Many peeps buy .eu from the states from what I hear, and you have to be be a bonafide European for that according to the "rules" lol.

My advice would be to blag it and if you get a tickle then get some American to get his details in the whois.

But I didn't say that, right?

 

[AdoptableDomains]

This requirement is intended to ensure that only those individuals or organizations that have a substantive lawful connection (what kind of connection?) to the United States are permitted to register for usTLD domain names.

What does it mean by that?

In the shortest terms: Citizen, Resident, or Taxpayer.

If not intending to do one of the first, you can start a legal business (LLC or S-Corporation) in the use for probably aobut $300. You could also just file for a taxpayer ID and file for a state business license (any state), and become a proprietor for almost no cost. Most states require an official address for legal service in the US, but many attorneys do that sevice for nominal fees.

Keep in mind that any revenue you earn from your domains would be subject to US taxes and US law.

 

[FanCube]

You can get a membership of Domain Name Owners Association (DNOA). They will let you use their whois address. You can get more info at http://www.dnoa.org

 

[stscac]

You can get a membership of Domain Name Owners Association (DNOA). They will let you use their whois address. You can get more info at http://www.dnoa.org

This is possible, but after some research, this would be against the .us terms of service

-Steve

 

[jijigren]

Mapa.us

This is possible, but after some research, this would be against the .us terms of service

-Steve

Is it? Actually I did sent emails to some registrar about his matter too, many of them reply that I can't register but one of them suggest I use private domain registration, so it seem like if I register with DNOA.org (using their whois info).

MAPA.US is registered by a french company... hmm

 

[AdoptableDomains]

Is it? Actually I did sent emails to some registrar about his matter too, many of them reply that I can't register but one of them suggest I use private domain registration, so it seem like if I register with DNOA.org (using their whois info).

MAPA.US is registered by a french company... hmm

Whois says nexus category 32: "Entity has an office or other facility in the United States."

 

[jijigren]

Thanqz

thankz for all who help clarify this matter to me .... Even it is "bitter to swallow"

 

[B33R]

Find yourself an American friend..... or someone who will give you their address (and forward any official mail on to you) in return for a little monetary compensation.

DNOA whois details are against the rules because it's a privacy service rather than a legit address. You can try it but they'll easily find out you're breaking the rules and they'll take away your domains.

 

[AGS]

Just register the domain and blag it mate as I said before.

Nobody gives a fook if you are not a US resident, and if it comes on top then it is not difficult to get someone in the USA to say it is theirs. Just update the DNS info. Simple.

 

[mis_chiff]

but how would you reg it, I have tried and it says I don't meet
the requirements for a .US
I have a friend that does .ca names for non-cdn's, but the domain is in his name and they have a faxed signed agreement about who's it really is. lots of trust needed here. it's been a very lucrative arrangement for him works out well for both involved
couldn't the same be done with a us citizen for a non- us citizen?
for the .us?

 

[AGS]

but how would you reg it, I have tried and it says I don't meet
the requirements for a .US

I have regged a few .us names and I am from England.

It's easier than shelling peas mate.

The nature of the beast is money, most places ain't too arsed who you are or where you are from, if you have the cash to pay the reg fee, that is enough for them.

 

[Ronald Regging]

The nature of the beast is money, most places ain't too arsed who you are or where you are from, if you have the cash to pay the reg fee, that is enough for them.

The only problem with that is if a legitimate US entity claims rights to your domain, you will lose it.

 

[AGS]

The only problem with that is if a legitimate US entity claims rights to your domain, you will lose it.

How can they "claim right" to it if it's already registered?

 

[Ronald Regging]

Because, if you are not a US citizen, or a business who has a presence in the US, you have gone against the rules of registering the domain and therefore have no legal rights to the domain. They might not strictly enforce it upon registration, but I'm sure if any US business filed a complaint, they'd get it.

 

[AdoptableDomains]

How can they "claim right" to it if it's already registered?

All domains have a UDRP dispute process, where you can file dispute based on Trademark law. The .us TLD also has a nexus dispute policy that is similar. A person or company can file a nexus dispute and get the name taken away based on US nexus alone.

http://www.neustar.us/policies/docs/nexus_dispute_policy.pdf

 

[Ronald Regging]

All domains have a UDRP dispute process, where you can file dispute based on Trademark law. The .us TLD also has a nexus dispute policy that is similar. A person or company can file a nexus dispute and get the name taken away based on US nexus alone.

http://www.neustar.us/policies/docs/nexus_dispute_policy.pdf

I just read that and found out that it's basically useless. You have to pay $700 to file a dispute and then even if you win, the only thing that happens is the name gets deleted and placed back into the available domains, at which point, someone else from another country could likely register it. Why would anyone spend $700 to do this if they don't get the domain or don't ensure that it is used by someone in the US? I don't think it's a very good policy in order to secure the .US extension for US exclusivity. Ah well, another useless US policy, who could have seen that coming?