How to Register a .CA Domain

Updated

You register a .CA domain through a CIRA-certified registrar, not directly from CIRA. CIRA (the Canadian Internet Registration Authority) manages the .CA registry and publishes the guidance, but the actual purchase happens at a registrar. This applies to anyone — individuals or organizations — who wants a Canadian top-level domain; you don't need to be a Canadian citizen or company to hold one.

What CIRA does vs. what a registrar does

It helps to separate the two roles before you start:

Role Who What they handle
Registry CIRA Operates the .CA domain registry, sets policy, publishes "Choose a .CA domain" and "How to register" guidance, runs WHOIS and the TBR process
Registrar CIRA-certified registrar Sells the domain, manages your account, renewals, DNS settings, and support

CIRA's site points you to "Choose a .CA domain" and "How to register" as the starting points, but the transaction itself is completed with a registrar.

Steps to register

  1. Pick a name. Use CIRA's "Choose a .CA domain" tool to check availability and see suggestions.
  2. Choose a CIRA-certified registrar. CIRA maintains a list of certified registrars; pricing, included services, and interface vary by registrar.
  3. Check availability at the registrar. The registrar's search confirms whether the name is open, already registered, or pending release.
  4. Complete the registration. You provide contact details and pay the registrar. The registrar submits the registration to CIRA's registry.
  5. Verify the registration. Use CIRA's WHOIS lookup to confirm the domain is registered and see its status.
  6. Configure DNS. Set nameservers or DNS records through your registrar (or your hosting provider) so the domain resolves.

Expected result: the domain appears in WHOIS as registered, and it resolves once DNS is configured.

Getting an already-registered or expired domain

If the name you want is taken, two paths exist:

  • Contact the current registrant and negotiate a transfer, if they're willing.
  • Wait for the To Be Released (TBR) process. CIRA runs TBR for .CA domains that have been deleted. When a domain enters TBR, certified registrars can attempt to register it on your behalf. TBR is competitive — multiple parties can bid for the same name — so if you want a specific expired domain, work with a registrar that handles TBR and understand that you may not win it.

Common snags

  • Assuming CIRA sells domains directly. It doesn't; you always go through a registrar.
  • Skipping the WHOIS check. WHOIS tells you whether a name is genuinely available or just looks available on a registrar's search.
  • Forgetting renewals. A lapsed .CA domain can be deleted and then enter TBR, at which point you'd have to compete to get it back.
  • Expecting TBR to be instant. Released domains go through the TBR process rather than becoming immediately available.

Quick decision guide

  • New name, straightforward registration → pick a certified registrar and register.
  • Name already registered → contact the registrant, or watch for it to enter TBR.
  • Name expired/deleted → use a registrar that participates in TBR.
  • Just checking status → use CIRA's WHOIS lookup.