.ca domains

Learn about the guidelines and features of .ca domains.

Last updated November 20, 2024

If you're based in Canada, you can register, transfer, or connect domains ending in .ca to Squarespace. These domains are a great option if you have a business or professional presence in Canada.

The .ca TLD follows different rules than most other TLDs we offer. This guide covers certain special requirements and exceptions from Squarespace and the relevant organization that oversees .ca domain registration. To learn more about these requirements and exceptions, visit TLD registry policies.

To find a domain's price, you can search for it on our domain name search page or in your domains dashboard.

Transfer pricing

It's free to transfer a .ca to Squarespace, but we add add one extra year of registration, as we do for other TLDs. During the transfer process, you'll enter your credit card information so we can charge you the standard price on your usual renewal date. At the transfer checkout page, you’ll see the fee for this one year of domain service.

Your domain may be subject to local sales taxes. If the fee is subject to tax, you’ll see it added at checkout. To learn more, visit Canadian tax and Squarespace billing.

Tip

For an overview of costs associated with .ca domains, visit CIRA’s documentation.

TLD features

Browse the table below to learn about the unique features and rules of registering or transferring a domain ending in .ca. If you connect a third-party .ca domain, these guidelines don't apply.

Feature

Rules

Five-day registration grace period

You can cancel these domains within five days of registration for a refund.

Free domain offer

These domains aren't eligible for the free domain offer.

Legal Type

To register a domain ending in .ca, you must meet the Canadian presence requirement (CPR) by qualifying for one of several categories defined by CIRA. You’ll choose your legal type when registering a new .ca domain, or when transferring an existing .ca domain to Squarespace.

You can change your legal type at any time in your domains dashboard. Click your .ca domain, click Edit in the Registration Information section, then click Additional Information. Select the legal type you want from the drop-down menu. 

Whois Privacy

Only .ca domains registered with individual legal types, such as permanent resident or Canadian citizen, can use Whois privacy.

To enable Whois privacy:

  1. Open your domains dashboard and click your .ca domain.
  2. Click Edit in the Registrant Information section, and click Additional Info.
  3. Select Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident from the dropdown menu, and click Save.
  4. Switch the Whois Privacy toggle on.

CIRA Registrant Information Audit

After registering a .ca domain, you may receive emails from CIRA requesting proof of Canadian presence. If you ignore these emails, or can’t provide proof of your Canadian presence, your domain will be deleted in two months.

CIRA Transfer Confirmation

When your .ca domain transfer is complete, you'll receive an email from CIRA confirming the change. The email lists your new domain host (Tucows), the host's contact information, and the admin's contact information.

Transfer authorization code

.ca domain transfer authorization codes can only contain letters and numbers. If you see an invalid authorization code error message, check your code for special characters and request a new one from your current domain host.

 

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