.cars Domain Registrationfrom £3557.50/yr
Why Choose a .cars Domain?
The .cars extension launched in 2015 as one of three automotive-themed TLDs (alongside .car and .auto), originally operated by Cars Registry Limited and now part of the XYZ Registry portfolio. It sits firmly in the premium tier, with most short or category-defining names carrying significant registry-set fees. The extension is unrestricted, so dealerships, marketplaces, reviewers and enthusiasts can all register without proving any trade affiliation.
Ideal for:
- Independent and franchised car dealerships
- Online vehicle marketplaces and classified sites
- Automotive review sites, magazines and YouTube channels
- Car hire, leasing and subscription services
- Detailing, valeting and aftermarket parts businesses
Things to know:
- Unrestricted — anyone, anywhere can register a .cars domain.
- This is a premium TLD: many one-word and short names are flagged by the registry at significantly higher renewal prices, so always check the quoted figure before buying.
- The registry sister-extensions .car and .auto behave the same way and are operated by the same company, which is worth knowing if you want to defensively register a set.
- Standard ICANN registration terms apply: 1 to 10 year terms, with a 30-day auto-renew grace period after expiry.
Creative .cars Domain Ideas
- Brighton.cars — local dealership or classifieds hub for a city
- Electric.cars — EV-focused review site or comparison tool
- Vintage.cars — classic car marketplace or restoration directory
- Subscribe.cars — monthly car subscription service
- Detail.cars — mobile detailing and valeting business
- Track.cars — track day bookings and motorsport experiences
Frequently asked questions about .cars
Anyone, anywhere. There are no eligibility checks, trade-body memberships or proof-of-business requirements. Individual enthusiasts, hobbyist bloggers, dealerships, marketplaces and manufacturers can all register on equal terms. The only practical gatekeeper is the registry's premium pricing, which can apply to short, generic or high-value keyword names.
The registry classifies a large slice of the namespace as premium, with tiered wholesale pricing that we pass through. Short names, common car-related keywords, popular models and city names typically carry higher fees that also apply at renewal — not just first-year registration. Always confirm the renewal price shown in our search results before committing.
You can register a .cars domain for any term between 1 and 10 years, and you can renew or extend at any point during the registration. Longer terms protect you from price changes during that period and are worth considering if you are building a long-term automotive brand.
Yes. You will need to unlock the domain at your current registrar, obtain the EPP authorisation code, and ensure the WHOIS contact email is current. The transfer typically completes within five days and adds a year to your registration. Domains within 60 days of initial registration cannot be transferred under ICANN rules.
After expiry there is a 30-day grace period during which you can renew at the standard price. This is followed by a roughly 30-day redemption period where recovery is possible but incurs a registry redemption fee. After that the name is released and may be picked up by anyone, including drop-catching services targeting automotive keywords.