About .al domain
.al is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated for Albania. It is operated by the Electronic and Postal Communications Authority (AKEP) and was introduced in April 1992. The extension is managed as a public registry and is sold globally through accredited commercial registrars. It is a standard ccTLD product with no inherent content or usage restrictions tied to the domain itself.
Who can register .al domain
Registration for .al domains at the second level (e.g., example.al) is open to anyone globally with no specific eligibility requirements. However, registration under certain second-level domains like .com.al or .org.al is restricted to Albanian citizens and businesses officially registered in Albania. Registrants must ensure their desired domain name is not on the registry's published list of prohibited or reserved names, which includes offensive terms and protected trademarks.
How to register .al domain
- Search for your desired .al domain name's availability using an AKEP-accredited registrar or a reseller, ensuring the name is between 2 and 63 characters and does not start or end with a hyphen.
- Compare pricing, registration terms (typically one year minimum), and add-on services like WHOIS privacy from different registrars, as international resellers may offer varying packages.
- Complete the checkout process with your chosen registrar, providing accurate contact information as required for the registration.
- Finalize the purchase and promptly verify any contact details sent by the registrar, as AKEP mandates WHOIS accuracy checks, then configure your domain's DNS settings to point to your hosting.
Typical uses of .al domain
The .al extension is very popular within Albania for local businesses, organizations, and personal websites, serving as the primary national online identifier. It is also commonly used internationally for domain hacks, where the "al" letters form part of a word or brand name (e.g., termin.al). Entities connected to Albania, including diaspora communities and foreign companies operating there, frequently choose .al to establish a local presence or for creative branding purposes, often preferring it over generic alternatives for its specific association.
Tips for registering .al domain
- Domains must be registered for a minimum of one year, and names must be between 2 and 63 characters in length.
- The registry maintains a list of prohibited names, including offensive or sensitive terms, and a list of reserved names, which cannot be registered.
- Registrants are responsible for maintaining accurate WHOIS contact information, as the registry mandates verification for new registrations and contact modifications.
- Premium domain names, including two-character domains, have been released in the past through landrush periods, but availability varies.
Frequently asked questions about .al domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .al domain?
As of today, .al domains start from $17.96/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $395.00/yr across 7 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .al domains?
NameBeta tracks 7 registrars that support .al domain registration, with the cheapest option at $17.96/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .al domain?
The registry for .al domains is Electronic and Postal Communications Authority - AKEP.
Who can register a .al domain?
While .al domains at the second level are open globally, registering under specific third-level labels like .com.al requires proof of Albanian citizenship or a local business registration. All applicants must also ensure their desired name is not on the registry's prohibited or reserved lists, which include trademarked terms from Albania's official directory.
Can I transfer a .al domain between registrars?
Transferring a .al domain between registrars follows standard inter-registrar transfer procedures, typically requiring an authorization code from the current registrar. The process is subject to the registry's policies, and the domain must be unlocked and not within a redemption period. It is advisable to confirm transfer specifics with both the gaining and losing registrars, as requirements can vary.
What names are prohibited for .al registration?
The registry publishes a list of prohibited domain names that cannot be registered. This list includes words and phrases considered blasphemous, insulting, racist, or otherwise sensitive for public use. Additionally, names that are registered trademarks in Albania's official patent directory are also restricted from registration.
Are there any special character rules for .al domains?
Domain names can only contain letters A-Z, numbers 0-9, and the hyphen. Names cannot consist of a single character, start or end with a hyphen, or exceed 63 characters. The registry has not enabled registration using internationalized domain name (IDN) characters, so only standard ASCII characters are permitted.
What happens if I don't keep my WHOIS contact details accurate?
The registry mandates that accredited registrars verify and update WHOIS contact information for all new registrations and any modifications to the registrant contact. Failure to maintain accurate details could lead to the suspension or loss of the domain, as the registry disclaims legal responsibility for disputes and requires the registrant to be solely responsible.
Can I register a .al domain directly with the registry?
No, registrations must be performed through an AKEP-accredited registrar. The registry recommends using one of its accredited partners, but there are also many international registrars that resell .al domains. You cannot register a domain directly through the AKEP website; you must use an intermediary registrar service.
