Requirements

Domain name structure

• 1st-level is the root. In our case, .gov is the root.
• 2nd-level is the state root, or .ca.gov.
• 3rd-level is the organization, like DMV or CDT. For example, cdt.ca.gov.
• 4th-level adds a program or initiative, such as RealID.dmv.ca.gov.

Requirements

• The 3rd-level domain requires registration and recertification in the Domain Name Request System/statewide registry. See State Administrative Manual (SAM) 5195.2.
• The 4th-level domain does not require registration and recertification in the Domain Name Request System/statewide registry.

For example, RealID is a program run by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It’s up to DMV what programs they run and up to DMV what 4th-level domains to build off of their existing 3rd-level (organization) domain.