Domain extension

.top

New generic (2013 on) · Hong Kong Zhongze International Limited

.top

🔒 Signed (DS in the root)

Category: New generic (2013 on)
IANA type: Generic
Manager: Hong Kong Zhongze International Limited
Script: Latin
Delegated: 2014-08-03
DS in root: 1 record(s)
Algorithm: 13 · ECDSA P-256
IDN names: yes, 8 scripts/languages
WHOIS: whois.nic.top
RDAP: yes

Checked 26 Oct 2026 by our weekly check.

Is a .top name registered?

Looked up from your browser in the registry's RDAP service; if that does not answer, in DNS. Nothing is stored on dnssec.in.

What this means

The root zone holds a DS record for .top, so the extension is signed and anchored. A domain under .top can use DNSSEC with a full chain of trust: it needs to be signed at its DNS host and have its own DS at the registrar.

IDN names under .top

The registry publishes IDN tables at IANA for 8 scripts or languages, so names can use these characters (stored as xn-- in the DNS):

Arabic Language
Chinese (Simplified) Language
Chinese (Traditional) Language
French Language
German Language
Japanese Language
Russian Language
Spanish Language

Length

DNS limits are the same everywhere: each label is 1 to 63 characters, the whole name at most 253, letters, digits and hyphens, not starting or ending with a hyphen. IDN labels count their xn-- form, so fewer native characters fit. A registry can set a higher minimum (often 2 or 3 characters) or reserve short names: that is in its own policy.

WHOIS and RDAP

RDAP (the JSON successor to WHOIS) answers at https://rdap.zdnsgtld.com/top/. Classic WHOIS (port 43) answers at whois.nic.top. For most gTLD names the owner's contact details are redacted for privacy; the registrar, dates and status are public.

Lifecycle and drop

A generic extension under contract with ICANN follows the common gTLD lifecycle. Exact days can vary by registrar inside these limits:

Stage	Days	What happens
Add grace	5	Right after registration the registrar can delete the name for a refund.
Transfer lock	usually 60	After registration or a transfer, the name cannot move to another registrar.
Expiry	0	The term ends. The name usually stops resolving within days.
Renewal grace	at least 30, up to 45	The holder can still renew at the normal price.
Redemption	30	Deleted, but the holder can restore it for a fee.
Pending delete	5	No changes. Then the name drops and anyone can register it.

So an expired name usually becomes free again 65 to 80 days after expiry. The lookup above shows a name's current status, for example redemption period or pending delete.

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