Yes, you can register a .btc domain, but it’s not exactly like registering a traditional website address (e.g., .com). A .btc domain is part of the Bitcoin Name System (BNS) on the Stacks blockchain, designed for decentralized identity, wallet addresses, or linking to Web3 content. It may or may not resolve to a traditional website, depending on how you configure it.
Here’s how you can register one:
- Choose a Registrar: Use a service like:
- BTC.us: A popular platform for registering .btc domains. They also provide a web bridge (e.g., yourname.btc.us) to link to a site if needed.
- Stacks Foundation or other Stacks-compatible wallets/services (e.g., Hiro Wallet, Xverse).
- Gamma.io or other marketplaces that support BNS names.
- Check Availability: Search for your desired .btc name (e.g., yourname.btc) on the registrar’s site. Names are unique on the blockchain.
- Register the Domain:
- You’ll need a Stacks-compatible wallet (like Hiro or Xverse) with some STX (Stacks’ native token) to pay registration fees. Fees vary but are typically low (a few dollars equivalent in STX).
- Connect your wallet, confirm the name, and pay the fee. The transaction is recorded on the Stacks blockchain.
- Set It Up: After registration, you can:
- Link it to a Bitcoin or Stacks wallet address for payments.
- Point it to a website (if the registrar supports a web bridge, like BTC.us).
- Use it for decentralized profiles or apps in the Stacks ecosystem.
- Costs and Renewal: Registration usually lasts a set period (e.g., 1-2 years), and you’ll need to renew it with a small fee. Exact costs depend on the registrar and name length (shorter names might cost more).
Things to Know:
- You’ll need some crypto knowledge (e.g., setting up a wallet, buying STX).
- Not all .btc domains are used for websites—some are for identity or wallet purposes.
- It’s decentralized, so no central authority (like ICANN) controls it, but you must secure your wallet and private keys.
If you want to start, visit btc.us to search for a name and follow their steps. Need help with a specific part, like choosing a registrar or setting up a wallet?