A nonprofit association registers a domain name through a domain registrar, much like a business or individual. The key is to register it in the association’s name and keep the account under the association’s control.
A standard .org domain is open to anyone. You do not need proof of nonprofit status to register one, and having a .org address does not establish nonprofit or tax-exempt status.
- Choose the domain name.
Pick a short, recognizable name that matches the association. Check availability through a registrar. A .org address is a natural choice for an association. - Choose a registrar and review the costs.
Use an ICANN-accredited registrar or its authorized reseller. Compare the regular renewal price, support, security features, and account access options. Registration and renewal terms are governed by your agreement with the registrar. ICANN - Enter the association’s registration details.
Use its full legal name in the organization or registrant field, as applicable. Supply an authorized representative and accurate mailing address, phone number, and email address. Complete any contact-verification request from the registrar. ICANN - Arrange access for continuity.
I recommend designating a primary administrator and a backup officer. Use separate authorized logins where supported, and an association-controlled email address for notices. Keep a recovery email available that does not depend on the domain being registered. - Pay and secure the account.
Use an association payment method when possible. Enable automatic renewal, two-factor authentication, and the domain transfer lock. Store recovery codes securely where authorized successors can retrieve them. - Connect the domain to the website and email.
Your hosting and email providers supply the DNS settings. Domain registration, website hosting, and email are separate services, even when purchased together. - Keep an association record.
Record the registrar, domain name, expiration date, renewal cost, responsible officers, and recovery procedure. Review these details whenever leadership changes.
For the US Route 6 Tourist Association: use the association’s exact legal name as the registered organization, with officers managing access on its behalf. If the association already has a domain, a leadership or address change generally calls for updating its existing account and contact records rather than registering a new domain.
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