About .ag domain
.ag is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated for Antigua and Barbuda. It was launched on 3 September 1991 and is operated by NicAg, the registry service. The domain is a standard ccTLD with no specific sponsorship and is managed under the laws of Antigua and Barbuda.
Who can register .ag domain
Registration for .ag, .com.ag, .net.ag, and .org.ag is open to all registrants worldwide without restriction. However, .edu.ag is reserved exclusively for verified educational institutions within Antigua and Barbuda, and .gov.ag is reserved for verified government departments and agencies of the country. Applicants for these restricted domains may need to provide documentation proving their status.
How to register .ag domain
- Search for your desired .ag domain name through a commercial registrar to check its availability, noting that names can be registered at the second level (example.ag) or third level (example.com.ag).
- Compare pricing, registration terms, and add-on services like WHOIS privacy from different accredited registrars before selecting one.
- Complete the checkout process, agreeing to the registry's terms which require you to certify the domain's use does not violate trademarks or statutes.
- Finalize the registration by verifying your contact details and configuring your DNS settings to point the domain to your hosting service.
Typical uses of .ag domain
The .ag extension is commonly used in a variety of creative ways beyond its geographic association. It is popular with corporations in German-speaking countries, as "AG" is the abbreviation for "Aktiengesellschaft" (a public limited company). It is also frequently adopted for domain hacks in English words ending in "-ag", for agriculture-related websites, and for sites related to silver, as "Ag" is the atomic symbol. These diverse uses make it a versatile choice for branding and niche marketing.
Tips for registering .ag domain
- Domains are registered on a first-come, first-served basis, and the registry reserves the right to decline names it considers offensive.
- The registry maintains a list of blocked or reserved names, including country names, emergency numbers, and existing TLD strings (like .com or .org).
- Domain names cannot begin or end with a hyphen, and the label (the part before .ag) cannot consist of a single digit or letter.
- The registration agreement is governed by the laws of the State of New York, USA, which may affect dispute resolution.
Frequently asked questions about .ag domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .ag domain?
As of today, .ag domains start from $77.98/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $374.40/yr across 23 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .ag domains?
NameBeta tracks 23 registrars that support .ag domain registration, with the cheapest option at $77.98/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .ag domain?
The registry for .ag domains is UHSA School of Medicine.
Who can register a .ag domain?
While most .ag domains are open globally, specific second-level domains like .edu.ag and .gov.ag have strict eligibility requirements. For these, you must be a verified educational institution or government entity within Antigua and Barbuda and may need to submit proof during the application. There are no geographic restrictions for the popular .com.ag, .net.ag, and .org.ag extensions.
Can I transfer a .ag domain between registrars?
Transfers of .ag domains between registrars are typically governed by standard ICANN transfer policies. You will need to obtain an authorization code (EPP code) from your current registrar and ensure the domain is unlocked and not within a 60-day transfer lock period following a registration or previous transfer. The gaining registrar will initiate the process once you provide the code.
Are there any special rules for domain name content?
The registry's policies require that you certify the domain is not being registered for any unlawful purpose and that its use does not violate trademark or other statutes. While there is no proactive content monitoring, the registry reserves the right to take action if a domain's use is found to violate these terms or applicable laws.
What dispute resolution policies apply to .ag domains?
The .ag registry uses the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) for resolving trademark-based conflicts. This provides a mechanism for trademark holders to challenge registrations made in bad faith. Disputes are handled by approved dispute resolution service providers, and decisions can result in the transfer or cancellation of a domain.
What happens if I register a domain that is on the reserved list?
The registry maintains a comprehensive list of blocked or reserved names that cannot be registered by the public. This includes country names, emergency numbers, and existing TLD strings. If you attempt to register a name on this list, your application will be rejected by the registry system, and you will need to choose an alternative domain name.
