Understanding .it Domains on Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Register, transfer, or connect .it domains with specific rules on Squarespace
- Domain locking is not possible with .it domains
- Check the registrar-specific steps for renewing expired domains
- Whois privacy varies depending on the type of registrant
- Residency requirements apply based on specific European locations
Registration and Management of .it Domains
When dealing with domains ending in .it, which represent Italy, they follow particular regulations that differ from other top-level domains (TLDs). On Squarespace, these domains work well for businesses with ties to Italy.
Special Requirements
Domain Locking: .it domains do not support domain locking, a feature that prevents unauthorized transfers.
Expired Domains: Procedures for renewing an expired domain depend on your registrar. For instance, Tucows offers a 10-day renewal window post-expiration, followed by a 30-day redemption period, potentially with extra fees. Key-Systems provides a roughly 30-day renewal window.
No Grace Period: Once you register a .it domain, there's no grace period for cancellations and refunds are not provided, so make sure of your choice before finalizing.
Residency Requirements
To register or transfer a .it domain, you need a mailing address in one of the following:
- European Economic Area Member
- Republic of San Marino
- Swiss Confederation
- United Kingdom
- Vatican City
Domain Transfers and Privacy
Transferring your .it domain to Squarespace triggers a new year of registration but does not transfer any remaining time from a previous provider. The renewal date will also adjust to the date of transfer completion.
WHOIS Privacy
WHOIS privacy, which helps keep registrant information private, is available only for certain types of entities such as Italian citizens, European residents (excluding Italy), and freelance workers based in Italy.
FAQs
Can I transfer my existing .it domain to Squarespace?
Yes, transferring your .it domain will start a new year of registration on the transfer completion date, but note that any time left with your old registrar will not carry over.
Is WHOIS privacy available for my .it domain?
WHOIS privacy is available but limited to specific registrant types including Italian citizens and European residents outside Italy.
What are the requirements for registering a .it domain?
You must provide a mailing address from specific European locations, ensuring adherence to residency requirements.
What should I do if my .it domain expires?
You need to renew your domain within the specific window provided by your registrar—10 days for Tucows and about 30 days for Key-Systems.
Jargon Buster
ccTLD: Country Code Top-Level Domain, specific to individual countries.
WHOIS: A protocol used to query information about the domain owner from a database.
Nameservers: Systems that translate domain names into IP addresses.
Entity Types: Classification for domain registration, reflecting the owner's nature or type of organization.
Residency Requirement: A rule requiring registrants to have a mailing address in specified locations to qualify for domain registration.
Wrap-up
Managing a .it domain on Squarespace involves understanding a few key differences in terms of features, renewal procedures, and privacy options. Review these points carefully to maintain compliance and make informed decisions regarding your domain. Always double-check your selections and typing to avoid future hassles, given the lack of a grace period for changes.
Want to dive deeper into domain management? Check out our comprehensive courses at Pixelhaze Academy.