About .ad domain
.ad is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated for Andorra. It is operated by Andorra Telecom through its registry service, Nic.ad, and was first delegated in January 1996. The TLD was historically restricted but underwent a significant policy relaunch in 2024, opening registration globally and transitioning to a commercial registrar model.
Who can register .ad domain
Registration for .ad domains is now open to any natural person or legal entity worldwide, with no geographic or organizational restrictions. There is no requirement for a local presence or trademark ownership. The registry prohibits certain abusive uses, such as phishing, malware distribution, and content that damages the reputation of Andorra, but these are content restrictions, not eligibility barriers.
How to register .ad domain
- Search for your desired .ad domain name's availability through an accredited registrar, as registrations are no longer processed directly by the registry.
- Compare pricing, registration terms, and additional services like WHOIS privacy from different registrars that have been accredited by the .ad registry.
- Complete the checkout process with your chosen registrar, providing accurate contact information as required for the registration agreement.
- After purchase, your domain is activated immediately without prior validation; you can then configure DNS settings through your registrar's control panel to point the domain to your website or service.
Typical uses of .ad domain
The .ad extension is commonly used by businesses, organizations, and individuals based in Andorra to establish a local online identity. It also sees use as a creative domain hack by advertising agencies and media companies, leveraging the ".ad" suffix as an abbreviation for "advertisement." This dual appeal makes it a choice for both entities connected to the country and those in the global advertising sector seeking a memorable web address.
Tips for registering .ad domain
- Domains can be registered for a minimum of one year, with renewal terms also set annually.
- The registry explicitly prohibits using .ad domains for phishing, distributing malware, operating botnets, or sending unsolicited commercial advertising (spam).
- Registration of one and two-character domain names is currently reserved by the registry but may become available in the future.
- Domain names must not begin or end with a hyphen and cannot contain two consecutive hyphens in the third and fourth positions unless part of a valid IDN encoding.
Frequently asked questions about .ad domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .ad domain?
As of today, .ad domains start from $18.48/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $38.17/yr across 8 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .ad domains?
NameBeta tracks 8 registrars that support .ad domain registration, with the cheapest option at $18.48/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .ad domain?
The registry for .ad domains is Andorra Telecom.
Who can register a .ad domain?
While the .ad TLD is now open for global registration, the registry enforces content policies that prohibit uses damaging to Andorra's reputation or involving illegal activities like phishing. Registrants must agree to these terms during the purchase process. There are no pre-approval checks or documentation requirements for eligibility, making the process straightforward for most applicants.
Can I transfer a .ad domain between registrars?
To transfer a .ad domain to a different registrar, you must initiate the process through your gaining registrar, typically after confirming the domain is unlocked and obtaining an authorization code from your current provider. The registry's policies support standard inter-registrar transfers, but you should ensure the domain is not within a 60-day lock period following a previous registration or transfer before initiating the request.
What content is prohibited on a .ad domain?
The registry forbids using .ad domains for activities like distributing malware, operating botnets, phishing, or sending spam. It also prohibits content that, at the registry's discretion, could damage Andorra's reputation, incite violence, or is racist, xenophobic, defamatory, or otherwise contrary to law or morality. Impersonating public administration bodies or infringing on third-party intellectual property rights is also not allowed.
Can I register a very short .ad domain name?
As of the latest policy, domain names consisting of only one or two characters (like 'a.ad' or 'ab.ad') are reserved by the .ad registry and are not available for public registration. The registry has indicated these may be released for registration at a later date, so interested parties should monitor official announcements from Nic.ad for any updates on the availability of these reserved names.
What happens if I violate the .ad domain usage policies?
Violating the registry's acceptable use policies can result in the suspension or deletion of your domain name. The registry operator, Andorra Telecom, has the discretion to take action against domains used for prohibited purposes such as phishing, spam, hosting malicious software, or publishing content deemed harmful to Andorra's interests. It is the registrant's responsibility to ensure their website's content and use comply with all regulations.
