Transitioning to a .gov Domain: The Key to Trust, Security, and Visibility

According to data from the U.S. federal government, more than 9,600 municipalities and government agencies now use .gov domains. This number has been steadily increasing since the responsibility for administering these domains moved from the General Services Administration (GSA) to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) under the Department of Homeland Security.

As part of this transition, CISA waived the $400 domain registration fee previously required by the GSA. Since then, six states have seen .gov domain registrations more than double. Still, adoption is not universal. Thousands of state, local, and tribal entities continue to rely on .com, .org, or other non-government-specific domains.

Making the switch to a .gov domain is more than a technical decision. It is a strategic move that signals credibility, strengthens public trust, and enhances cybersecurity protections. If you haven’t yet made the transition, now is the time to consider why a .gov domain matters and how you can make the switch.

Why Choose a .gov Domain?

1. Build Credibility and Trust

A .gov domain is restricted to official U.S. government entities. Unlike .com or .org domains, which anyone can register for, .gov domain applicants go through a strict verification process.

When residents see a .gov address, they immediately recognize the site and its information as official. This builds confidence in your digital services and makes it easy for people to distinguish your site from fraudulent lookalikes. Using a .gov domain shows that you take transparency and public trust seriously.

2. Benefit from Enhanced Security

CISA supports .gov domains with significant security protections. These include:

• Mandatory multi-factor authentication for domain management
• Enforced HTTPS encryption for secure website connections
• Ongoing phishing detection and protection

These measures provide peace of mind for staff and residents alike.

3. Improve Search Engine Visibility

Search engines recognize .gov domains as highly trustworthy. As a result, these domains are more likely to rank highly in search results compared to .com or .org sites.

This improves visibility for your services and makes it easier for residents to find accurate information and access essential resources. When residents often rely on quick searches, higher visibility translates to better engagement.

4. Strengthen Public Perception

Your website serves as the digital front door to city hall, and the domain name is one of the first things residents see. It sets the tone for how they’ll perceive your site and services. By using a .gov domain, you reinforce that your website is safe, secure, and always a reliable source of official government information.

This reinforces public confidence, particularly for online transactions and forms involving personal information. Residents are more likely to engage with government services when they feel assured that their data is safe.

.gov Domains: Eligibility and Requirements

Because .gov domains are tightly controlled and represent official government entities, not every organization can register for one. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and follow established naming and documentation guidelines.

Understanding what’s required before you apply can help streamline the process and ensure your request is approved without delays.

Who’s Eligible for .gov Domains?

.gov domains are available to:

• U.S. state governments and their agencies
• Local governments, including cities, towns, counties, and townships
• Special districts such as fire districts, park districts, and utility districts
• Tribal governments
• Elected officials and government boards or commissions

Requirements for a .gov Domain Application

To complete your .gov domain application, you’ll need to provide key information to confirm your eligibility and identify important contacts for approving and managing your domain.

Here’s what CISA requires from applicants:

• Approval from a senior government official. CISA requests contact information for this individual but will only reach out to them if necessary. They will coordinate any contact through the requester.
• A valid state-issued ID and contact information to confirm the identity of the domain requester.
• Details on your organization’s current websites and the purpose of your new domain.
• Contact information for additional staff members. CISA suggests that contact information from additional employees—whether or not they are involved in domain management—can help determine eligibility. Any contact will be coordinated through the requester.

.gov Domain Naming Guidelines

CISA suggests that the best domain names are memorable and easy to say out loud. They also offer additional guidelines for selecting a name that is both functional and representative:

• Domains must be unique and only federal agencies can request generic terms
• Domains must relate to your organization’s name, location, and/or services
• Names should generally avoid dashes or hyphens, numbers, or intentional misspellings

A thoughtful choice strengthens your credibility while making it easier for the public to find and engage with your services.

How to Apply for a .gov Domain: A Step-by-Step Guide

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility and chosen an available domain name, the next step is submitting your application through CISA’s official platform at get.gov. This step-by-step guide will walk you through preparing your materials, submitting your request, and getting your new domain up and running.

1. Prepare Your Staff

Before you begin, gather the required information mentioned above. Designate a team to manage the application process, including technical leads who can assist with DNS configuration and web hosting updates.

2. Visit get.gov

Go to get.gov to review CISA’s policies, naming conventions, best practices, and detailed application instructions. You will need to create an account for your organization and ensure that all information is up to date.

3. Submit Your Application

Select an available domain name, upload your ID and all relevant information, then submit your completed application for review.

4. Wait for Approval

CISA typically processes applications within 5 to 10 business days. During this time, they may reach out for clarification or additional information.

5. Configure Your DNS

Once approved, you will need to work with your internal IT team or a trusted partner to configure DNS settings. This includes:

• Pointing DNS to your web hosting provider
• Enforcing HTTPS for secure browsing

6. Set Up Redirects

If you are moving from an existing domain, be sure to set up redirects from your old site to the new one. This helps visitors find new content and preserves the search engine rankings you’ve worked hard for.

7. Go Live

After configuration, your new .gov domain is ready to launch. Consider building anticipation with a countdown or public announcement.

What To Do After You’re Approved

To maximize the impact of your new domain, your team should take a few key steps to update your digital presence, inform your community, and ensure a smooth transition.

Announce the Change

Start by sharing the news of your new domain with residents. Use your website, social media channels, newsletters, and a press release to highlight the transition and explain what it means. Emphasize the benefits of a .gov domain—such as improved security and easier access to essential services—to build public awareness and confidence.

Update Branding and Communication Channels

To promote consistency across all digital and printed materials, update:

• Website headers and footers
• Social media handles and bios
• Business cards, letterhead, and signage
• Directory listing and partner websites

A consistent presence reinforces your identity and builds trust in your new domain.

Ensure Redirects and Links Are Functioning

If you’re moving from an old domain, make sure redirects are properly configured so users can still find your content. Check for broken links on your site and in any external references. This helps preserve your presence on search engines and promotes a seamless experience for visitors.

Monitor Site Performance and Engagement

Use analytics tools to track how visitors are interacting with your updated site. Monitor key metrics like traffic sources, bounce rates, and form completions. Keep an eye on any changes in behavior following the domain switch and use that data to identify areas for improvement.

Gather Feedback from Your Community

Invite feedback from residents and internal staff to understand how the transition is going. Ask whether people are finding the new website easy to understand, navigate, and trust. Their input can help you fine-tune communication, improve user experience, and strengthen resident engagement.

A Domain Change Is the Perfect Opportunity to Rethink Your Website

Transitioning to a .gov domain can serve as a valuable opportunity to rethink your website’s design, functionality, and content. Use this moment to evaluate:

• Accessibility: Ensure compliance with the WCAG standards.
• Mobile responsiveness: Confirm the site is easy to use on phones and tablets.
• Information architecture: Make content easy to find with a user-friendly layout.
• Site performance: Identify slow-loading pages or outdated content.

A domain transition can act as a catalyst for a broader digital transformation. With the right planning, it can set the stage for better resident engagement and improved service delivery.

How CivicPlus Can Help

CivicPlus® specializes in helping states, municipalities, and government agencies modernize their digital presence. Whether you are preparing for a domain transition or looking to optimize an existing .gov website, our team is here to support you with purpose-built solutions and expert consulting.

Website Audit and Redesign Consultation

Our team can assess your current site’s performance, accessibility, and structure to identify opportunities for improvement. Whether you need minor updates or a full redesign, we can help you align your website content to meet modern standards.

Content Migration and SEO Preservation

Moving your content to a new domain shouldn’t have to mean starting from scratch. We can support you in migrating existing materials in a way that preserves traffic and search rankings.

Optimize Your .gov Web Presence

Ready to start your .gov transition? Let CivicPlus help guide the way.

• Schedule a free consultation with a CivicPlus expert today

Your .gov domain is your digital front door, your way of making strong first impressions and building lasting relationships with residents. Together, we can make sure it reflects everything your residents should expect from your resources and services.