Request Local Government Subdomain

The IN.gov subdomain is available free for Local Government Agencies and Entities in Indiana!

Examples:

Use this form to request:

• A new subdomain for a non-state agency
• Update to IP address for a subdomain

Please note: IOT does not offer DNS delegation to external nameservers. IOT is in progress on a long-term project to resume hosting legacy DNS delegations and cannot point any new or existing IN.gov subdomains to external nameservers.

Our process has changed! Please sign up for or log into the IN.gov Local Subdomain Portal to make a new request.

For new users:

Sign up for the IN.gov Local Subdomain Portal

For existing users:

Login to the IN.gov Local Subdomain Portal

Why use a .gov subdomain?

Make your government websites more secure by using a .gov subdomain instead of .com, .org, .us, etc.

Criminals can more easily impersonate your website if it doesn't use an official .gov subdomain. This could fool citizens into sharing sensitive information. Hackers and criminals often choose terms that are similar to the legitimate site, hoping that users will not distinguish the minor name change.

The public trusts .gov websites and emails because they are official subdomains. Citizens can confidently access government information and services in a secure environment knowing that the site is legitimate and authoritative.

IN.gov offers free Subdomain and DNS services with extra security protections

IN.gov subdomains are protected from the following if your site is proxy-enabled:

• Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack protection - Services can mitigate tremendous threats that would otherwise overwhelm services.
• Geo-location protection - Places a virtual fence around your services to an area that you are comfortable with.  By default, IOT's services are restricted to US only. Exceptions can be applied to open sites to other countries as needed.

Indiana Office of Technology

IN.gov Subdomain Management Policy

Effective Date: 9/19/23

Approved By: Indiana Office of Technology (IOT)
Applies To: All state and local government entities utilizing an IN.gov subdomain

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish uniform requirements for the administration and security of IN.gov subdomains. To maintain integrity of the state’s digital presence and ensure accurate points of contact for cybersecurity and administrative matters, all agencies utilizing an IN.gov subdomain must maintain an active, verified record through the IN.gov Subdomain Portal.

This policy aligns with best practices modeled after the federal .gov domain management program, ensuring consistent oversight, accountability, and protection of Indiana’s government digital assets.

2. Policy Requirements

2.1. Subdomain Account Registration
All local and state government entities that operate an IN.gov subdomain must:

• Create and maintain an active account on the IN.gov Subdomain Portal.
• Provide accurate organizational details, including the agency name, primary website URL, and hosting provider (if applicable).

2.2. Annual Renewal
Each agency must review and renew its subdomain account annually through the portal. Renewal must include updated contact information and confirmation of subdomain use.

2.3. Points of Contact (POC)
Each agency must designate and maintain the following points of contact:

• Executive Contact: Responsible for overall subdomain management.
• Technical Contact: Responsible for DNS, security, and system integration. Responsible for incident response coordination with IOT.

These POCs must be verified during annual renewal or within 30 days of any personnel change.

3. Compliance and Enforcement

Agencies that fail to create or maintain an active IN.gov Subdomain Portal account, or fail to complete annual renewal and verification, will be considered noncompliant.

Noncompliant subdomains may be suspended or forfeited to the Indiana Office of Technology to protect the integrity and security of the IN.gov domain ecosystem.

4. Background and Authority

The Indiana Office of Technology (IOT) is the official authority responsible for administration and oversight of the IN.gov domain and its subdomains. Consistent and verified subdomain management is necessary to:

• Protect against unauthorized use and cybersecurity threats.
• Maintain accurate statewide DNS records.
• Support transparency and continuity of digital government services.

This policy ensures that subdomain administration remains aligned with the federal CISA .gov Domain Program standards, emphasizing accountability, verified ownership, and proactive security governance.

5. Contact

For questions or assistance related to IN.gov subdomain management or this policy, contact:
IN.gov Program – Indiana Office of Technology
Email: INgovManagement@iot.IN.gov

Website: IN.gov Subdomain Portal

For new users:

Sign up for the IN.gov Local Subdomain Portal

For existing users:

Login to the IN.gov Local Subdomain Portal

Alternatively, obtain a secure .gov subdomain from the Federal .gov program here:  https://home.dotgov.gov/

Note: This program is not affiliated with the IN.gov program.