Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 


Why should I register a .jo domain name?

.jo is the premium choice to reflect your Jordanian brand image online; it reflects your Jordanian identity on the Internet. In addition, domain name thefting and domain name cybersquatting never take place with .jo domain names; in other words we ensure that your domain name remains yours unless you no longer want it, or no payments are fulfilled.


How do I register a Jordanian domain name under .jo (second level and third level)?

All Jordanian domain names under .jo (at the second level and third level) must be registered electronically on our website at http://www.dns.jo/en.aspx. We do not accept paper applications unless unforeseen circumstances arise.


I have been trying to register a domain name online, but the registration system is not accepting my application. What can I do?

Please make sure that you have filled-out all necessary fields. While some fields are optional, we strongly urge you to fill out all the fields as means for easy future communication. However, if the problem still exists, kindly contact us at http://www.dns.jo/contactus.aspx. We will be more than happy to assist.


What are my options when I register a .jo domain name?

Top-Level Domain

Who is Entitled?

.com.jo

Commercial entities (companies, franchises, restaurants, ISPs, hospitals)

.net.jo

Networks (ISPs, medical networks)

.org.jo

Not-for-Profit Organizations and NGOs

.gov.jo

Jordanian government entities (ministries, government offices)

.mil.jo

Jordanian military entities (armed forces, public security directorate, air force, civil defense bureau, intelligence services)

.edu.jo

Jordanian educational institutes - both public and private – such as universities, colleagues, schools, training centers…

.sch.jo

Jordanian schools, both public and private

.per.jo

Jordanian citizens and alien residents residing in Jordan

.phd.jo

Jordanian Ph.D. holders and visiting professors

.jo

All of the above mentioned entities except Jordanian citizens, alien residents residing in Jordan, Jordanian Ph.D. holders, and visiting professors


I would like to register a domain name under .jo, but I am confused on choosing the right name. What can I do?

A domain name is used as means to represent your business, your brand image, or yourself online. Thus, when searching for the right name, the following tips come in-hand:

  1. Choose a name that reflects your business’s identity, one of your products, or yourself. Stay away from generic names that make no sense to your target audience and to your business.
  2. Choose a name that is not very short nor very long. While very short names make no sense, long names cause spelling confusions, thus loosing potential audience.
  3. Choose a classification that best represents your industry. For example, there is no sense in choosing a .per.jo to represent your business simply because they are cheaper than .jo or .com.jo.

At any time, feel free to contact us, and we will be more than happy to help you out and provide you with our recommendations. Always remember, a domain name must truly reflect your brand image online.


As a Commercial Entity or a Commercial Network, what are the documents required to register a domain name? And what Top-Level Domains (TLDs) can I register?

Commercial entities and commercial networks must submit all of the following documents that apply in order for their requested domain name to be initially approved:

  1. Registration license of the entity issued by Jordan’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, or by Amman Municipality.
  2. If the required domain name is a trademark (TM), a copy of the trademark license issued by Jordan’s Ministry of Industry and Trade is required. For fresh TM applicants, a copy of the initial TM approval suffices.
  3. If a domain name is registered via a third party on behalf of a registrant (reseller, hosting company …), an authorization letter – printed on a letterhead, signed by an authorized personnel, and stamped - is requested mentioning the authorized entity or personnel.

Commercial entities and commercial networks can register a domain name under the TLDs .jo, .com.jo, .net.jo, .edu.jo, and .sch.jo based on the nature of the business.


As a Not-For-Profit Organization or an NGO, what are the documents required to register a domain name? And what Top-Level Domains (TLDs) can I register?

Not-for-Profit organizations and NGOs must submit all of the following documents that apply in order for their requested domain name to be initially approved:

  1. Registration license of the organization issued by Jordan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, or the law that ordered the establishment of the entity, or an official letter from the mother/sponsor organization.
  2. If a domain name is registered via a third party on behalf of a registrant (reseller, hosting company …), an authorization letter – printed on a letterhead, signed by an authorized personnel, and stamped - is requested mentioning the authorized entity or personnel.
Not-for-Profit Organizations and NGOs can register a domain name under the TLDs .jo and .org.jo.


As a Foreign Diplomatic Mission Operating in Jordan (Embassy, Consulate, or Cultural Attaché), what are the documents required to register a domain name? And what Top-Level Domains (TLDs) can I register?

Foreign diplomatic missions operating in Jordan must submit all of the following documents that apply in order for their requested domain name to be initially approved:

  1. Due to the laws of the government of Jordan in which foreign diplomatic missions are prohibited from communicating with Jordanian governmental entities directly, the foreign diplomatic mission must first contact the Ministry of External Affairs requesting the registration of the domain name, and if approved must provide us with a copy of the approval letter.
  2. If a domain name is registered via a third party on behalf of a registrant (reseller, hosting company …), an authorization letter – printed on a letterhead, signed by an authorized personnel, and stamped - is requested mentioning the authorized entity or personnel.
Foreign diplomatic missions operating in Jordan can register a domain name under the TLDs .jo and .org.jo.


As a Jordanian Government Entity, what are the documents required to register a domain name? And what Top-Level Domains (TLDs) can I register?

Jordanian government entities must submit all of the following documents that apply in order for their requested domain name to be initially approved:

  1. An official letter printed on a letterhead, signed by an authorized personal, and stamped by the entity requesting the domain name.
  2. If a domain name is registered via a third party on behalf of a registrant (reseller, hosting company …), an authorization letter – printed on a letterhead, signed by an authorized personnel, and stamped - is requested mentioning the authorized entity or personnel.
Jordanian government entities are strongly encouraged to register a domain name under the TLDs .jo, .gov.jo, and .org.jo.
As a Jordanian Defense Entity (Armed Forces, Intelligence Services), what are the documents required to register a domain name? And what Top-Level Domains (TLDs) can I register?

Jordanian defense entities must submit all of the following documents that apply in order for their requested domain name to be initially approved:

  1. An official letter printed on a letterhead, signed by an authorized personal, and stamped by the entity requesting the domain name.
  2. If a domain name is registered via a third party on behalf of a registrant (reseller, hosting company …), an authorization letter – printed on a letterhead, signed by an authorized personnel, and stamped - is requested mentioning the authorized entity or personnel.
Jordanian defense entities are strongly encouraged to register a domain name under the TLDs .jo, .mil.jo, .gov.jo, and .org.jo.
As a Jordanian Educational Institute (University, College, School, Training Center), what are the documents required to register a domain name? And what Top-Level Domains (TLDs) can I register?

Jordanian educational institutes must submit all of the following documents that apply in order for their requested domain name to be initially approved:

  1. For private educational institutes, a registration license of the entity issued by Jordan’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, or by Jordan’s Ministry of Education or by Jordan’s Ministry of Higher Education.
  2. For public educational institutes, an official letter printed on a letterhead, signed by an authorized personnel, and stamped requesting the registration of the domain name.
  3. If a domain name is registered via a third party on behalf of a registrant (reseller, hosting company …), an authorization letter – printed on a letterhead, signed by an authorized personnel, and stamped - is requested mentioning the authorized entity or personnel.

Jordanian educational institutes are strongly encouraged to register a domain name under the TLDs .jo and .edu.jo. Schools – both public and private - are allowed to register under .sch.jo as well.


As a Jordanian Citizen or a Foreign Alien Residing in Jordan, what are the documents required to register a domain name? And what Top-Level Domains (TLDs) can I register?

Jordanian citizens must provide a copy of their ID or passport, while alien residents must show a copy of proof of residency in Jordan along with a copy of their passport. In addition, the personal presence of the registrant at NITC’s premises is required.

For minors (below the age of 18), a legal guardian must register the domain name on behalf of the registrant. In this case, and in addition to the documents of the registrant, the legal guardian must also submit the same documents.

Jordanian citizens or foreign aliens residing in Jordan can register a domain name under the TLD .per.jo only.


As a Jordanian Ph.D. Holder or a Visiting Professor, what are the documents required to register a domain name? And what Top-Level Domains (TLDs) can I register?

Jordanian Ph.D. holders must provide a copy of their ID or passport, while visiting professors must show a copy of proof of residency in Jordan along with a copy of their passport. In addition, a copy of the Ph.D. certificate and the personal presence of the registrant at NITC’s premises is required.

Jordanian Ph.D. holders or visiting professors can register a domain name under the TLD .phd.jo only.


Do I have to submit original copies of the required documents?

No. Copies of the documents suffice. In addition, these copies can be e-mailed at dns@nitc.gov.jo, or they can be uploaded to the online system right after the domain name application is submitted online.

While documents can be faxed as well, we strongly discourage this practice to prevent any delays in the approval process.


I am a firm with no presence in Jordan, but I am interested in acquiring a .jo domain name. What can I do?

In order to register a Jordanian domain name, the administrative contact must reside in Jordan, and the administrative contact details must reflect a Jordanian address.

For entities willing to acquire a Jordanian domain name but do not fulfill the above criteria, the domain name can be registered via a Jordanian Intellectual Property Office. In this case, the Jordanian IP office submits the following documents:

  1. A Power of Attorney (POA) signed and stamped by a Jordanian diplomatic mission
  2. A copy of the trademark

These documents must be submitted by the Jordanian IP firm and not by any other entity including the domain name owner.

Domain names under the categories .jo, .com.jo, .net.jo, and .org.jo can be registered.


I am interested in registering a domain name under .jo, but none of the classifications mentioned above apply to my case? Do I still stand a chance to register the domain name of my choice?

Special cases do arise from time-to-time, and since our mission is to provide easy access of the .jo TLD to all Jordanians, kindly contact us at http://www.dns.jo/contactus.aspx, and we will be more than happy to listen to your case and assist.


I have registered a domain name, but I do not have the sufficient documents yet as I am in the process of acquiring them. How long does my application remain on the online system?

Domain name that have not fulfilled the required documents remain on our online system for 30 days after which the system automatically drops them out.


What are the steps followed in finalizing a new domain name registration?

  1. The domain name must be registered online at http://www.dns.jo/en.aspx.
  2. The necessary documents must be sent either online via the system or via e-mail.
  3. Once the application passes our internal auditing practices, the domain name is initially approved, and a financial invoice is e-mailed to the billing contact.
  4. the payment for the domain name is fulfilled, the domain name is delegated on our DNS servers and the process is finalized.


I want to register a domain name, but I do not have a valid set of NAME SERVERS?

In this case, click on the “Reservation for Future Use” radio-button, and the name servers fields disappear. Later on, and once you have a valid set of name servers, you can access your domain name account and enter them.


How long does the registration process consume?

If the application is filled-out and the documents are e-mailed instantly, the process requires a few minutes before the approval is given and an invoice (via e-mail) is sent. Once payment is fulfilled, the domain name is instantly delegated on the DNS servers.

On average, if the process is conducted step-by-step on-the-spot, it requires no longer than 10 minutes.


Can I make changes to my contact details and/or name servers after I have finalized the registration process?

Yes. Every domain name or a set of domain names owned by the same administrative contact maintain an account. Updates can be applied by accessing the account and applying the update(s).

It is worth noting here that updates cannot be applied to two fields; the domain name, and the name of the domain name owner.


When a new domain name is delegated, or when I make an update to my name servers, how long does it take before the update is propagated worldwide?

The process usually requires 6-24 hours before the domain name is fully functional under the new settings.


When is the best time to commit an update to my domain name’s name servers?

Since the process usually requires 6-24 hours for full propagation, best update times are after working hours or during weekends.


I have an update request to be committed at a specific time. Can that be arranged for?

Yes. Kindly e-mail us your request mentioning the specific date and time for the update to be applied.


Are there any fees imposed on committing an update?

No. Domain name updates are carried free of charge. The only fees imposed for a domain name is the registration fee and subsequent renewal fees.


How many name servers must I provide?

There is no limit to the number of name servers provided. While our online system accepts two name servers only, additional name servers can be added by e-mailing them to us.

However, it is strongly advisable to have a minimum of two name servers so that if the primary name server faults, the secondary server(s) takes control and the domain name remains online.


Must the service provider hosting my domain name reside in Jordan?

No. The domain name registrant can chose any service provider of their choice, whether locally or internationally.


I am unable to access my domain name account. How can I gain fresh credentials?

There are several ways to obtain your domain name account credentials:

  1. You can send us an e-mail from any e-mail ID @my-domain-name.jo, or
  2. You can send us an e-mail from any of the e-mail IDs listed in your domain name application (http://www.dns.jo/en.aspx)
  3. You can send us an official letter printed on a letterhead, signed by an authorized personnel, and stamped. The letter can be scanned and e-mailed to us at dns@nitc.gov.jo.

I would like to see the information on my domain name application, how can that be done?

You can view your domain name details by pointing your web browser to our WhoIS service found at http://www.dns.jo/en.aspx. Kindly enter your domain name, choose the TLD classification, and hit the “Search” button.


I would like to know the expiration date of a domain name?

There are several ways to gain the expiration date:

  1. Access your domain name account, and you can see the expiration date.
  2. E-mail us a request.
  3. Phone us.

How are .jo domain names billed?

The Jordanian DNS office sends out electronic invoices via e-mail at the end of each month for domain names expiring in the next month. The sender of the domain name holds the name “DNS”. The invoice is sent to the billing contact of the domain name as shown in the domain name application form.

In the middle of the new month, the DNS office phones domain name registrants who have not fulfilled their financial obligations yet.

Domain names that do not fulfill their financial obligations during the expiration month jeopardize getting their domain name partially disconnected. If no payment is made even after disconnection, the DNS office holds full rights to delete the domain name.


I would like to change the name and/or the TLD of my domain name. Is that possible?

A domain name and/or the TLD can be changed within 7 days of the activation date provided that the request takes place within the same month of registration. Once a new month lapses, no domain name and/or TLD changes can be made.


What are the DNS office’s working hours?

While the DNS office works Sunday – Thursday 8.00 AM – 3.00 PM, e-mail requests and online updates are processed as soon as they are seen by one of the DNS officers.


What are the different methods of payment?
  1. Cash at NITC’s premises.
  2. Bank deposit (please e-mail us a copy of the deposit receipt). For information on our bank account details, kindly refer to the web link http://www.dns.jo/Fees.aspx or to the next question.
  3. Online payment via Visa Card, Master Card, and American Express (please e-mail us a copy of the transaction receipt).

Can I renew a domain name for several years in advance? And do I get a discount for that?

Yes, one can renew a domain name for as many years in advance. However, the pricing remains the same as no discounts are given.


Can I host my zone file on NITC’s DNS servers?

NITC provides zone file hosting services to Jordanian governmental entities only.


I own a trademark, and I would like to preserve it online under .jo. What should I do?

Trademark owners are strongly encouraged to register their domain names under .jo, .com.jo, and .net.jo as means to prevent others from registering their trademark names.


I have a domain name under .jo. However, my company’s name has changed. How can I reflect the changes?

Companies that have changed their names have to do the following:

  1. If the domain name’s owner data reflects the old name of the company, a document stating the change from the old name to the new name issued by Jordan’s Ministry of Industry and Trade must be submitted in order to apply the company’s new name to our DNS records.
  2. If the company’s new name is not related to the current domain name, a trademark must be provided in order for the registrant to maintain the old name.

I have made a payment for my domain name, but the payment has exceeded the required value. Can I regain the additional amount?

Since NITC is a government entity, financial laws and procedures are in accordance with those followed by the Ministry of Finance. Thus, once a payment is made, it cannot be regained. However, the payment can be added to the domain name as an advanced future payment.


I would like to delete my domain name. What is the procedure to do so?

Any registrant who no longer wants to maintain their current domain name(s) can send a request to NITC stating so in one of the following methods:

  1. They can send an e-mail from one of the e-mails found on their domain name application, or from an e-mail ID @domain-name.jo, or
  2. An official letter printed on a letterhead, signed by an authorized personnel, and stamped can be e-mailed.

Even if a domain name is registered via a reseller or a hosting company, the only entity that has the privileges to request the deletion of a domain name is the sole owner of the domain name and not anyone else.

Finally, a domain name is deleted of our records on the day of expiration.


I am in conflict with a domain name registrant who is using my trade name or trademark. What can I do?

NITC abides to the first-come-first-serve policy in approving domain names. In addition, a domain name is approved after careful auditing and investigation of the application to prevent possible conflicts amongst registrants.

However, if conflicts do arise, NITC will not stop a domain name or transfer a domain name ownership to a new entity unless a court order is received stating an action to be taken.


As a domain name registrar, can I sign a Power of Attorney (POA) on behalf of a domain name registrant?

No. A POA is signed between the domain name registrant (owner of the brand name) and the Jordanian Intellectual Property firm only.