Minnesota’s .gov Requirement: Who It Applies To and Why It Matters
Minnesota has officially set a deadline for municipalities to move their websites to a .gov domain. While the requirement itself is straightforward, many clerks and administrators still have questions about who it applies to and what actually changes when you make the switch.
This guide breaks the requirement down in plain language so you know exactly what’s expected, why the state is pushing for .gov domains, and how to prepare without disrupting daily operations.
What Is Minnesota’s .gov Requirement?
Minnesota now requires eligible government entities to use a .gov domain for their official website. This change is part of a broader effort to improve trust, security, and clarity for residents accessing government information online.
The deadline to comply is June 1, 2026.
If your municipality currently uses a .com, .org, or other domain, this law likely applies to you.
Who the .gov Requirement Applies To
In most cases, the requirement applies to Minnesota:
• cities
• towns
• counties
If your organization is a public entity providing services, publishing notices, or sharing official information with residents, a .gov domain is now expected.
If you’re unsure whether your organization qualifies, it’s worth confirming early. Waiting until late spring can create unnecessary pressure and limited availability.
Why Minnesota Is Requiring .gov Domains
The shift to .gov domains isn’t about branding. It’s about trust, security, and consistency across government websites.
1. Increased trust for residents
Residents are far more likely to trust a .gov website than a .com or .org. A .gov domain clearly signals that the site is an official government source.
2. Improved security
.gov domains come with stronger security requirements, including HTTPS by default and tighter domain controls. This reduces the risk of spoofed sites and phishing attempts.
3. Clear separation from non government websites
Using .gov eliminates confusion between official municipal sites and third party or look alike domains.
4. Alignment with federal and state standards
Minnesota is aligning local governments with national best practices. Many states are moving in the same direction.
What Changes When You Move to .gov (And What Doesn’t)
One of the biggest concerns we hear from Minnesota municipalities is disruption. The good news is that when you move to a .gov domain with Munibit, the transition is designed to be simple and hands-off for your team.
What stays the same:
• your content, pages, and information
• your day to day workflow
What improves:
• your website moves to a secure .gov domain
• your site design is refreshed to meet modern standards
• security and credibility are strengthened
• residents have a clearer, more trustworthy place to find information
Munibit handles the domain process, website update, and technical setup for you. There’s no extra work for staff and no need to manage multiple vendors.
With the right partner, moving to .gov feels less like a disruption and more like an upgrade that sets your municipality up for the future.
Common Misunderstandings About the .gov Requirement
“This will require a full website rebuild”
Not necessarily. In most cases, the domain change does not require rebuilding your site from scratch. At Munibit, we repurpose all your website content and display it on our modern, secure, ADA-friendly, platform.
“We should wait until later”
Waiting limits your options and increases stress. Early movers have more flexibility and fewer last minute issues.
“This is just a technical detail”
It’s more than that. Your domain affects trust, security, compliance, and how residents perceive your municipality.
How to Prepare Without Last Minute Stress
The easiest way to prepare is to start early and work with a website partner that understands government requirements.
A smooth transition typically includes:
• securing your .gov domain
• planning redirects, so links don’t break
• updating internal systems and references
• communicating the change to residents
If your website also handles notices, alerts, or accessibility planning, it’s often smart to align those updates at the same time.
Why This Matters Beyond the Deadline
Minnesota’s .gov requirement is part of a bigger shift in how government websites are regulated. Domain compliance, accessibility standards, and transparency expectations are becoming more connected.
Municipalities that plan early avoid doing the same work twice and position themselves better for future mandates.
TL;DR - Minnesota’s .gov Requirement: Who It Applies To and Why It Matters
Minnesota now requires eligible municipalities and public entities to move their websites to a .gov domain by June 1, 2026. The requirement applies to most local government organizations and is designed to improve trust, security, and clarity for residents. Starting early helps avoid last minute stress and keeps your municipality aligned with state and national standards.