Domain name application: Is the process the same for individuals and companies? What are the differences?

Domain name registration happens all the time in our lives, and domain names are the primary choice for website building.

Before discussing the differences, let's first briefly understand some aspects of the domain name industry: domain name registries and domain name registrars. Every domain name is managed and operated by a registry, and its registration requirements and policies are determined by that registry. For example, some domain names require only businesses to register, meaning registrants must provide relevant business documentation when applying for a domain name. However, most domain names are open to both individuals and businesses.

After discussing registries, let's move on to registrars. Registries don't provide domain name registration services, so they partner with registrars. Internet users who need to register a domain name can do so through their various partner registrars.

What's the difference between registering a domain name for a company and an individual?

When applying for a domain name, you create an account with the registrar of your choice, submit your real information, and complete the registration. After registration, a domain name template appears in the backend. There are both corporate and individual templates. The difference between the two templates lies in whether or not you need to provide your business license information. The rest of the domain name application process remains the same. It's important to note that China currently requires real-name authentication for domain names. In addition, domain names registered by individuals generally cannot be used for commercial website development, meaning they cannot obtain an ICP operating license, also known as an Internet Information Services Business License.

In fact, the biggest difference between company and individual domain name registrations is that individual domain names cannot be used for commercial website development, meaning they cannot obtain an ICP operating license, also known as an Internet Information Services Business License.

Therefore, the documents submitted for review differ. The biggest difference is the post-registration review information display: one domain name registration will display the individual's name and the other the company name. As a business, we often receive inquiries from clients about our company information during business and project development. To ensure our own safety, especially in China, where counterfeit companies are prevalent, clients simply need to enter the website domain name into the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) or other search software to clearly determine whether the company and domain name information is authentic.