In one embodiment, a method and apparatus for resolving domain name system queries using unique top-level domains in a private network space are disclosed. For example, the method determines that a domain name service query specifies a destination residing in a private network space rather than in a public Internet space. The method then routes the domain name service query to a top-level domain name service server associated with the private network space, without routing the domain name service query to a root domain name service server in the public Internet space. The top-level domain name system server resides in the highest level of a hierarchy of domain name system servers belonging to the private network space.