The domain name pro is a generic top-level domain in the Domain Name System of the Internet. Its name is derived from professional, indicating its intended use by certified professionals.

History

In October 2000 Jason Drummond came up with the concept for a new top level domain name (TLD) and established RegistryPro to jointly bid with Register.com for .pro. In May 2002 RegistryPro signed its contract with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the organization that administers global domain names, under which it will operate the registry for the new top level domain (TLD) .pro.

The domain was originally launched in June 2004 with registrations restricted to four professions: accountants, engineers, lawyers and medical professionals in Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States. Registrants are required to self-certify their professional status and agree to terms of use before registration, then subsequently provide detailed license information.

In 2012, RegistryPro was acquired by Afilias Limited.

Registrations

The official domain website describes the eligibility criteria as follows:

  • Applicant provides professional services
  • Applicant is admitted to or licensed by a government certification body or jurisdictional licensing entity recognized by a governmental body that regularly verifies the accuracy of its data.
  • Applicant is in good standing.

The domain registry allows registration of third-level domains in the following domains:

As reported in April 2010, the majority of domains are registered in the United States (42%), followed by France (24%) and the Russian Federation (5%).

A regulatory change made the .pro domain name unrestricted to all registrants starting 16 November 2015.

See also

  • Top-level domain
  • Domain name

References

  • RegistryPro
  • Authorized .PRO registrar partners
  • IANA delegation record
  • ICANN Whois

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