About .af domain
.af is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated to Afghanistan. It is managed by the AFGNIC registry, which operates under the country's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. The TLD was first delegated in October 1997 and has undergone several administrative changes throughout its history. As a domain product, it offers registration at both the second level and within categorized third-level subdomains.
Who can register .af domain
Registration at the second level (e.g., example.af) is generally unrestricted and open to anyone, though international registrants typically face higher fees. For third-level registrations under specific second-level domains like .com.af or .org.af, eligibility is tied to the category: .com.af is intended for commercial entities connected with Afghanistan, .edu.af for educational institutions, and .gov.af for government agencies. There are no explicit geographic verification requirements for second-level registrations, but registrants must comply with the registry's acceptable use policies.
How to register .af domain
- Search for your desired .af domain name using a registrar that offers this extension, checking both second-level and relevant third-level options (like .com.af) for availability and pricing differences.
- Select your preferred registration term and any add-ons, such as WHOIS privacy if offered by the registrar, noting that fees are often higher for registrants outside of Afghanistan.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate contact information as required by the registry's policies.
- After purchase, verify your contact details and configure your domain's DNS settings to point to your hosting provider; the domain will be active once the registry processes the registration.
Typical uses of .af domain
The .af extension is commonly used by entities and individuals with a connection to Afghanistan. Businesses operating within the country often choose .com.af to signal their local commercial presence, while non-profits and NGOs may use .org.af. It is also selected by the global diaspora and some creative projects for its short, memorable suffix, though its primary association remains with the nation. Users often pick it over generic extensions to emphasize a specific local or cultural link.
Tips for registering .af domain
- Registrations can be made directly at the second level (e.g.,
name.af) or at the third level under categorized second-level domains like .com.af and .org.af, with second-level registrations typically being more expensive.
- Domain names must be between 3 and 63 characters long, can only contain letters, numbers, and hyphens, and cannot begin or end with a hyphen.
- The registry's policy prohibits registration for purposes that violate Afghan law, including displaying sexually offensive content, spamming, or distributing hacking tools.
- Proper names such as "Afghanistan" or "Kabul" cannot be registered as domain names unless explicitly approved by the AFGNIC authorities.
Frequently asked questions about .af domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .af domain?
As of today, .af domains start from $72.06/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $199.99/yr across 6 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .af domains?
NameBeta tracks 6 registrars that support .af domain registration, with the cheapest option at $72.06/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .af domain?
The registry for .af domains is Ministry of Communications and IT.
Who can register a .af domain?
While second-level .af registrations are generally open to anyone, third-level registrations under specific second-level domains carry intended use restrictions. For example, .com.af is meant for commercial entities, .edu.af for educational institutions, and .gov.af for government agencies. International registrants can typically register but should be aware they may be subject to higher fees compared to local registrants.
Can I transfer a .af domain between registrars?
Transferring a .af domain between registrars follows standard ICANN transfer procedures, provided the domain is unlocked and the registrant has the correct authorization code. It is crucial to ensure the domain is not within 60 days of initial registration or a previous transfer, and that the registrant contact information is up-to-date to receive required confirmation emails. Always check with your current and gaining registrar for any specific .af transfer requirements or fees.
What content or usage is prohibited for a .af domain?
The registry's policy explicitly prohibits using a .af domain for any activity illegal under Afghan law. This includes displaying sexually offensive content, engaging in spamming or distributing spam tools, and distributing software for illegal activities like hacking. The domain must not be used in a way that violates third-party rights or discriminates based on race, language, sex, religion, or political view.
Are there any specific rules for domain name syntax?
Yes, a .af domain name must consist only of the characters "a-z", "A-Z", "0-9", and the hyphen ("-"). It cannot start or end with a hyphen, and it must be between 3 and 63 characters in length. Additionally, a domain name cannot have a hyphen in both the third and fourth character positions (e.g., ab--cd.af is not allowed).
What happens if a registrar fails to pay the registry?
If a registrar fails to make required payments to the AFGNIC registry, domains registered through that registrar can be suspended and taken offline. This has occurred historically, affecting domains even if the individual registrant had paid their registrar. It underscores the importance of choosing a reliable registrar with a stable financial relationship with the .af registry.
How are disputes over .af domain names handled?
The AFGNIC registry has established dispute resolution procedures to handle conflicts over .af domain names. These procedures are designed to address issues such as trademark infringement and bad faith registration. Registrants are bound by these policies, which complement broader mechanisms like the UDRP, and should review them on the registry's website for specific details on filing and process.
