Dotless Domains

The term “dotless domain” usually refers to top-level domains (TLDs) –
think com, gov, etc – that are reachable themselves
using a web browser or email server.

That is, they are working domains that consist of a single label:
http://com/, as opposed to
http://example.com/; or contact@gov, as opposed to
[email protected]. This can happen if the domain’s DNS zone
contains A/AAAA or MX records in its apex.[1]

Both the ICANN and the IAB are notoriously against the
practice,[1][2] so ICANN
prohibits it where it can – namely, on gTLDs.[3]
However, ccTLDs (country code TLDs) fall largely under their own country’s
jurisdiction! As such, there currently are and historically have been
examples of active dotless ccTLDs.

For email, the protocol itself would need to allow a dotless domain as a
destination address. According to ICANN’s SSAC,[1]
SMTP requires at least two labels (i.e. domain.tld) to deliver an
email, so it is unlikely Mauritania would receive an email sent to
contact@mr, for example. For completeness’ sake, however,
apex MX servers are listed below as well.

Table of Contents:

1. A or AAAA
   1. Current
      1. Screenshots
   2. New TLDs
   3. Historical
      1. Screenshots
2. MX only
   1. Current
   2. Historical
3. Bonus: Dotless Dot?
4. Special Thanks
5. References

#
A or AAAA

#
Current

These are TLDs that, as of the last check, contain apex A or AAAA records.
Many have had those records since the IETF compiled a list in 2013;[5]
other dates indicate an observation by me, directly.

Last checked: 31 Mar. 2025.

#
Screenshots

#
New TLDs

In order to prevent local aliases from colliding with newly registered
TLDs (think programmers using foo.bar as a test domain before the
creation of the gTLD .bar), ICANN published a resolution in 2014
requiring new TLDs to include a few apex DNS records on their TLDs for at
least 90 days.[4]

As of the last check, no TLDs had informational apex records. This is what
they usually look like:

Last checked: 31 Mar. 2025.

#
Historical

These are TLDs that previously had apex records, but no longer do so. Much
of it comes from a list compiled by the IETF in 2013;[5]
other dates indicate an observation by me, directly.

#
Screenshots

#
MX only

#
Current

These are TLDs that, as of the last check, contain only MX apex records;
that is, they could, in theory, send and receive email, but have no
reachable website. Many have had those records since the IETF compiled a
list in 2013;[5] other dates indicate an observation
by me, directly.

Last checked: 31 Mar. 2025.

#
Historical

Similarly to the historical A/AAAA records, these are TLDs that previously
(only) had apex MX records, but no longer do so. Many come from a list
compiled by the IETF in 2013;[5] other dates indicate
an observation by me, directly.

#
Bonus: Dotless Dot?

Dotless domains work because top-level domains (TLDs) are just as much
nodes in the DNS tree as second-level domains (SLDs), or any other level
beneath them. That means there is no technicaly limitation to their DNS
records, and they may contain A, AAAA and MX records.

Another, often forgotten node in the DNS tree is the root,
represented by a single dot, .. It’s the parent of all TLDs!
Though it’s usually omitted, every domain terminates with a dot:
example.com is, in fact, example.com.; example
is a child of com which, in turn, is a child of ..

Followed to its logical conclusion, this means the root domain could also
contain A, AAAA and MX records! That is, accessing
http://./ or emailing
example@. is, at least in theory, possible.

Sadly, the odds of that ever happening are very nearly zero. The
root doesn’t have A, AAAA or MX records and likely won’t, ever.

Keep your files stored safely and securely with the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD. With over 69,505 ratings and an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars, this product has been purchased over 8K+ times in the past month. At only $129.99, this Amazon’s Choice product is a must-have for secure file storage.

Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256-bit AES hardware encryption. Order now for just $129.99 on Amazon!

Help Power Techcratic’s Future – Scan To Support

If Techcratic’s content and insights have helped you, consider giving back by supporting the platform with crypto. Every contribution makes a difference, whether it’s for high-quality content, server maintenance, or future updates. Techcratic is constantly evolving, and your support helps drive that progress.

As a solo operator who wears all the hats, creating content, managing the tech, and running the site, your support allows me to stay focused on delivering valuable resources. Your support keeps everything running smoothly and enables me to continue creating the content you love. I’m deeply grateful for your support, it truly means the world to me! Thank you!