.US Registry Review: Identity Digital Contract Shifts Management and Rules

Identity Digital assumed the .us registry contract on October 1, 2026, after selection by the NTIA to replace GoDaddy Registry. The move affects roughly 1.86 million registered domains and introduces new enforcement priorities around U.S. nexus requirements and DNS abuse. The initial term runs 36 months with extension options up to seven years total.

The .US Registry Transition to Identity Digital

GoDaddy Registry had managed the .us TLD since acquiring Neustar in 2020. The NTIA opened the contract to bid in late 2025, and Identity Digital submitted the winning proposal. The company, previously known as Donuts, operates multiple generic top-level domains and now adds this country-code namespace.

The contract requires Identity Digital to maintain multistakeholder input, improve innovation, and tighten U.S. nexus verification. All current registrants must demonstrate U.S. citizenship, residency, or business presence. Identity Digital will perform an initial audit of every registrant record followed by monthly random checks. Non-compliant names face potential suspension.

Backend migration can take up to nine months. Registrars will see changes to EPP interfaces and zone-file handling. The company stated that coordination with NTIA and existing operators remains the immediate focus to limit disruption.

Pricing Structures, Registrar Requirements, and Security Measures

Wholesale pricing stood at $6.50 per domain per year under the prior operator. NTIA has not yet confirmed whether Identity Digital will adjust this fee. Any change must receive government approval and will be announced separately. Registrars continue to set retail prices without direct NTIA oversight.

Every one of the 256 accredited .us registrars must re-apply under the new operator. Requirements include proof of locality compliance procedures, security certifications, and adequate staffing levels. Smaller registrars may face higher compliance costs. Failure to re-accredit removes access to the registry.

• Full initial audit of all registrant data
• Monthly random spot-checks for ongoing compliance
• Stricter U.S. nexus documentation standards
• Re-accreditation required for all current registrars

Security provisions emphasize DNS abuse mitigation and data protection. The operator must publish abuse reports and cooperate with law enforcement on nexus violations. No major security incidents have been reported during the early transition phase.

Registrar Impact, Limitations, and Outlook

Compared with the previous GoDaddy-managed period, the new rules add mandatory audits and re-accreditation steps. Prior wholesale fees remain unchanged for now, yet registrars anticipate possible increases once Identity Digital publishes its cost model. The contract length and extension clauses provide more stability than short-term renewals.

Key limitations include the nine-to-twelve-month transition window and uncertainty around final pricing. Smaller registrars may exit the .us channel if compliance expenses exceed margins. Registrants should monitor registrar notices for updated terms of service.

Domain Name Wire and Domain Incite reported that some registrars have already begun internal audits of their .us portfolios. NTIA expects further policy documents on pricing and governance within the first quarter of the contract. The shift prioritizes enforcement over immediate price changes.