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Requirements for registering a .IE domain

Introduction

The .ie domain is the official country-code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) for Ireland. It is the preferred internet address for businesses and individuals in Ireland and has the highest level of trust and security. To register a .ie domain, you will need to meet certain requirements. This guide will explain the requirements for registering a .ie domain and provide information on how to register your domain with SmartHost.ie.

Register a .IE Domain from SmartHost – Quick Guide

  1. Choose a .ie domain name. Enter your chosen .IE domain name in the “Domain search box” on the SmartHost website, and click the Search button.
An image of the Smarthost website home page, with the domain search box highlighted in Green
  1. Select a domain registration plan. Our system will search the domain database and show you the results of the search. If you are happy with your chosen domain, click “Add to Cart”. If the domain is not available, you can search for alternative domain names in the search box. Click Continue to move to the next step in the order process.
  1. Complete the form. You can now order web hosting (and email addresses) by clicking “Add Hosting”, or continue with the registration process.

    Provide the required supporting documents. You will need to provide supporting documents to verify your residency or business presence in Ireland. For example, if you are a resident of Ireland, you will need to provide a copy of your passport or driver’s license. If you are a business owner in Ireland, you will need to provide a copy of your business registration certificate.
  1. Pay for your domain registration. Once you have completed the registration form and provided the required supporting documents, you will need to pay for your domain registration. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or PayPal.
  2. Your domain will be processed and you will receive an email confirmation. Once you have paid for your domain registration, your domain application will be registered and you will receive an email confirmation. You will receive updates during the registration process, either confirming the registration has been successful, or asking for further information if appropriate.

In Depth Guide – Requirements for registering a .ie domain

To ensure that .ie domain names are used by legitimate entities with a genuine connection to Ireland, a registration process is in place that requires applicants to demonstrate their eligibility. This ensures that .ie domain names are reserved for those who are truly associated with Ireland, such as Irish residents, businesses operating in Ireland, or organizations with a registered business name or trade mark in Ireland. SmartHost.ie adheres to these requirements and carefully evaluates each application to verify the applicant’s connection to Ireland.

Connection to Ireland

To register a .ie domain, you must demonstrate a valid connection to Ireland. This connection can be established through various means, including citizenship, residential status, business presence, or a registered business name or trade mark.

Residential Status

If you are an Irish resident, you can prove your connection by providing a valid Irish passport, driver’s license, or PPS (Personal Public Service) number. If you are a student or temporary resident, you can still register a .ie domain by providing proof of residency, such as a recent utility bill, bank statement, or official letter from the Irish Revenue Commissioners.

Business Presence

If you are a business owner operating in Ireland, you can establish your connection by providing documentation such as your company registration certificate, VAT registration number, or correspondence from the Irish Revenue Commissioners confirming your business activity in Ireland.

Registered Business Name or Trade Mark

If you have a registered business name or trade mark in Ireland, you can utilise this as proof of connection. Simply provide your Registered Business Name (RBN) number or a registered trade mark certificate number, issued by the Irish Patents and Designs Office.

First-Come, First-Served Policy

The .ie domain name registration process adheres to a First-Come, First-Served policy, ensuring that individuals or businesses with the earliest applications have the priority to secure their desired domain name. This policy ensures fairness and transparency in the domain registration process, allowing registrants to claim their preferred domain names without the risk of losing them to others.

How the First-Come, First-Served Policy Works

Once you submit a .ie domain registration application, it enters a 27-day grace period. During this grace period, no other applicant can claim the same domain name. This gives you ample time to provide the necessary supporting documentation to verify your connection to Ireland. If you have submitted all required documentation within the grace period, your application will be processed and your domain name will be registered.

Benefits of the First-Come, First-Served Policy

The First-Come, First-Served policy offers several advantages for both registrants and the overall domain registration system:

  • Fairness: Registrants are not penalised for delays in submitting supporting documents, ensuring a fair and equal opportunity to secure their desired domain names.
  • Transparency: Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, eliminating any potential manipulation of the process.
  • Efficiency: The First-Come, First-Served policy streamlines the application process, allowing registrants to secure their domain names promptly and efficiently.
  • Protection from Domain Name Squatting: The First-Come, First-Served policy discourages domain name squatting, where individuals register domain names intending to sell them to others at inflated prices.

Ensuring Your Application is Successful

To ensure your .ie domain registration application is successful it’s important to:

  • Submit your application promptly: The sooner you submit your application, the earlier it will enter the 27-day grace period, giving you more time to provide supporting documents.
  • Provide accurate and complete documentation: Carefully review the documentation requirements and submit all necessary documents to verify your connection to Ireland.
  • Monitor your application status: Regularly check your application status to ensure it is progressing smoothly and meets the First-Come, First-Served deadlines.
  • Contact customer support promptly: If you encounter any issues or require assistance, contact SmartHost.ie customer support promptly for prompt resolution.
The IE Domain registry accredited registrar logo. SmartHost is a fully accredited registrar, authorised to sell .IE domain names
SmartHost is a .IE Domain accredited registrar

SmartHost: An Authorised .ie Registrar

SmartHost.ie is an accredited .IE registrar. This means that we are approved by the .ie Registry to register and manage .ie domain names, and that you can trust us to provide you with accurate and up-to-date information about .ie domain names, and to register and manage your .ie domain name efficiently and securely.

For further information on how to register a .IE domain name, please refer to the Weare.ie website

Frequently Asked Questions about Registering a .IE domain name

Question 1: What is the .ie domain and why should I register one?

The .ie domain is the country-code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) for the Republic of Ireland. It is the preferred internet address for businesses and individuals in Ireland. .ie domains are known for being more trustworthy and secure than other domain extensions, and they can help you to establish a strong online presence in Ireland.

Question 2: Who can register a .ie domain name?

To register a .ie domain name, you must have a valid connection to Ireland. This can be through resident status, business presence, or a registered business name or trade mark.

Question 3: What are the requirements to register a .ie domain name?

The requirements for registering a .ie domain name depend on your connection to Ireland. If you are an Irish resident, you can prove your connection by providing a valid Irish passport, driver’s license, or PPS (Personal Public Service) number. If you are a business owner operating in Ireland, you can establish your connection by providing documentation such as your company registration certificate, VAT registration number, or correspondence from the Irish Revenue Commissioners confirming your business activity in Ireland.

Question 4: What is the first-come, first-served policy for registering a .ie domain name?

Domain registrations adhere to a first-come, first-served policy. Once you submit your application, it will be held in our system for a grace period of 27 days, allowing you to provide the necessary supporting documentation. During this period, no other applicant can claim the same domain name.

Question 5: How can I secure my desired .ie domain name?

To secure your desired .ie domain name, it is important to submit your application promptly and provide accurate and complete documentation. You should also monitor your application status regularly.

Question 6: What do I need to do to transfer my .ie domain name to SmartHost.ie?

To transfer your .ie domain name to SmartHost.ie, you will need to contact your current registrar and request a transfer authorization code (TAC). Once you have received the TAC, you can submit a transfer request to SmartHost.ie.

Question 7: How can I renew my .ie domain name?

To renew your .ie domain name, you will need to contact SmartHost.ie and pay for the renewal fee. You can renew your domain name up to 60 days before it expires.

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