IP addresses are used to locate computers on the Internet. The Operational Transfer Date of the registry took place on December 1, 2000. However, CIRA began processing requests for new .ca registrations on November 8, 2000. A domain name may be registered for a period of 1 to 10 years. CIRA will charge the registrar a fee dependent on the registration term, which is initially Cdn.
Registrars are free to set their own fee structure.
If CIRA validates a registration request and the requested domain name is available for registration by an applicant who is not already a registrant, the applicant will be required to complete the registration procedure, including accepting the Registrant Agreement , at CIRA's secure website. Once a person is registered as a registrant in the CIRA system, it is fairly simple to register future domain names through a registrar. This query service will be provided at no cost to the user. The list of certified registrars is on this Web site. Registrants must go through CIRA certified registrars.