The .org extension is short for "organisation". This generic top-level domain (TLD) is one of the five most used domains worldwide and can be registered by anyone, so there is no actual restriction to organisations. However, the .org domain is mainly used by associations and other groups. The .org domain dates back to 1985, and since then more than ten million domains ending in .org have been registered, most of them in the United States of America.

The Public Interest Registry (PIR) is responsible for managing .org domains. The organisation is based in the USA, in Reston (Virginia). Together with DENIC and Verisign, PIR is today one of the three largest domain registries.

Although .org was originally created for non-commercial organisations, today it is also widely used by software providers and open-source developers, such as wordpress.org.

At a glance: key facts about the .org domain

• Umlauts are possible in .org domains, although they are not always sensible (especially in an international context)
• An .org domain can be between one and 63 characters long – the same applies to .de domains and other domains
• Before the Public Interest Registry, .org domains were managed by the US company Verisign; PIR has been responsible since 2003
• Deletions, changes of owner and provider transfers are quick and straightforward for .org domains

Special features and more about the .org domain

As with .de domains, for example, umlauts such as ä, ö or ü can also be used in .org domains. Umlaut domains have become quite common in German-speaking countries, but internationally they can cause problems.

An .org domain is very easy to register, and changing the owner is no problem either. The provider can also be changed, or the .org domain can be deleted.

Domains ending in .org are not only for associations – in principle, this generic top-level domain is open to everyone. With more than 60 percent of all registered .org domains, however, this extension is clearly centred in the USA.