Domains

Domain names are the easy-to-read web addresses people type to find official State of California websites and online services (for example, cdt.ca.gov).

This system helps departments request and manage those addresses so they are clear, consistent, and properly tracked for security and ongoing maintenance.

Diagram showing RealID.dmv.ca.gov labeled as a fourth-level domain, dmv.ca.gov as a third-level domain, ca.gov as a second-level domain, and .gov as the federal root.

New users

Before checking the availability of a third-level domain name and requesting that domain, review our Requirements and standards.

Requirements Standards

Third-level domain availability

Check whether your requested name is available under ca.gov (example: department.ca.gov).

If it’s in use or reserved, you may need to choose a different name or request a fourth-level option (example: yourservice.department.ca.gov).