# Nostr: What is a NIP-05 identifier?

A NIP-05 identifier resembles an email address, such as `name@example.com`, but it is a web-domain lookup that maps a name to a Nostr public key.

2026-08-14
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Switchboard Tech Services


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## Short answer

A NIP-05 identifier resembles an email address, such as `name@example.com`, but it is a web-domain lookup that maps a name to a Nostr public key. A client checks a file or endpoint under that domain to confirm the mapping. It helps people find a readable name, but the private key still controls the Nostr identity and the domain operator controls the mapping.

## Sources

[NIP-05: Internet identifiers](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/05.md).

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Canonical URL: https://switchboardtechservices.com/guides/nostr-what-is-a-nip-05-identifier/

Language: en-us

Content type: guide

Author: Switchboard Tech Services

Published: 2026-08-14T15:29:18+00:00

Description: A practical answer to What is a NIP-05 identifier?