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    5. .aq

    Register .aq Domain

    Compare 4 registrarsFrom $104.99/yrPrices updated 9 hours ago

    Compare .aq domain prices

    RegistrarPriceRenew PriceWHOIS PrivacyPayment Methods
    EuroDNSEuroDNS
    $149.29
    $35.92Cheapest renewal
    		Paid
    Credit or Debit CardPayPalBank Transfer
    101domain101domain
    $104.99Cheapest
    $127.50
    		Paid
    Credit or Debit CardPayPalBank Transfer
    GandiGandi
    $169.00
    $287.98
    		Free
    Credit or Debit CardPayPalBank TransferCryptocurrency
    MarcariaMarcaria
    $105.00
    —
    		Not offered
    Credit or Debit CardPayPalBank Transfer
    Type
    Country-code top-level domain
    Territory
    Antarctica
    Registry
    Antarctica Network Information Centre
    Operator
    Antarctica Network Information Centre Limited
    Launched
    DNSSEC
    Not supported
    IDN
    Not supported

    About .aq domain

    .aq is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) assigned to Antarctica, delegated on February 26, 1992. It is administered by Antarctica Network Information Centre Limited, operating out of Christchurch, New Zealand, with Mott and Associates serving as sponsor. Unlike most ccTLDs, .aq is not sold through commercial registrars — registration is handled directly by the registry and is granted free of charge. Each registration term lasts 24 months, and the registry operates without a public website or WHOIS service.

    Who can register .aq domain

    Registration of .aq is strictly restricted and not open to the general public. Eligible registrants fall into two categories: organizations or individuals with a demonstrable physical presence in Antarctica, or governmental organizations that are signatories to the Antarctic Treaty. Physical presence can be satisfied by owning or operating unattended installations on the continent, or through short-term visits by the registrant or their employees — the latter requiring a letter signed by the officer in charge of the relevant base or expedition. As a general rule, each registrant is allocated only a single .aq domain name.

    How to register .aq domain

    Because .aq is not issued through commercial registrars, there is no standard checkout process available on domain marketplaces. Registration is handled exclusively by contacting Antarctica Network Information Centre Limited directly, using the official registration form. Applicants must provide documentation demonstrating their eligibility — either proof of physical presence in Antarctica or evidence of governmental signatory status under the Antarctic Treaty. Once approved, the domain is granted free of charge for a 24-month term, after which the registrant must renew through the same direct process.

    Typical uses of .aq domain

    .aq domains are most commonly used by scientific research stations, expeditions, and governmental bodies operating in or directly supporting work in Antarctica. Organizations choose this extension to signal a direct, credible connection to Antarctic operations — it carries a level of authenticity that generic TLDs cannot replicate. Because eligibility is tightly controlled, a .aq domain functions as an implicit credential, immediately communicating that the registrant has a verified, legitimate relationship with the continent and its governing framework.

    Tips for registering .aq domain

    • Registration is free of charge, but each eligible registrant is typically limited to a single .aq domain name, so choose your domain name carefully before applying.
    • Each registration term is 24 months; plan ahead for renewal to avoid losing your domain, as the renewal process also goes through the registry directly rather than an automated registrar system.
    • There is no public WHOIS service for .aq, which means domain ownership lookups are not available through standard tools.
    • No formal dispute resolution policy exists for .aq, so trademark or conflict disputes do not have a defined registry-level process to rely on.
    • Documentation requirements are real and enforced — short-term visit applicants must supply a letter signed by the officer in charge of the base or expedition, so gather supporting materials before submitting your application.

    Frequently asked questions about .aq domain

    How much does it cost to register and renew a .aq domain?As of today, .aq domains start from $104.99/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $169.00/yr across 4 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.
    Which registrars support .aq domains?NameBeta tracks 4 registrars that support .aq domain registration, with the cheapest option at $104.99/yr. Full list on this page.
    Who operates .aq domain?The registry for .aq domains is Antarctica Network Information Centre, administered by Antarctica Network Information Centre Limited.
    Who can register a .aq domain?

    Eligibility is limited to two groups: entities with a verifiable physical presence in Antarctica, and governmental organizations that are signatories to the Antarctic Treaty. Physical presence is interpreted broadly enough to include unattended equipment installations as well as short-term personnel visits, but each case requires supporting documentation submitted directly to the registry. There is no self-service registration path — the registry evaluates each application individually.

    Can I transfer a .aq domain between registrars?

    Because .aq domains are not registered through commercial registrars, the standard inter-registrar transfer process used for most TLDs does not apply. Any changes to registration details or administrative contacts must be handled by communicating directly with Antarctica Network Information Centre Limited. There is no automated transfer system, EPP transfer codes, or registrar-to-registrar transfer mechanism associated with this TLD.

    Is there a dispute resolution policy for .aq domains?

    The .aq registry does not have a formal dispute resolution policy in place. This means that mechanisms such as the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) or the Uniform Rapid Suspension system (URS) are not available for .aq disputes. Anyone with a trademark concern or a conflict over a .aq domain would need to pursue resolution outside of any registry-administered process.

    Can an organization register more than one .aq domain?

    As a general rule, the registry allocates only a single .aq domain name per registrant. This policy reflects the registry's intent to keep the namespace closely tied to genuine operational entities rather than allowing broad portfolio registrations. If your organization has a specific need for multiple domains, you would need to make that case directly to Antarctica Network Information Centre Limited, though approval is not guaranteed.

    What happens when a .aq domain expires?

    Since .aq registrations are managed directly by the registry rather than through commercial registrar platforms, there are no standard grace period or redemption period policies published for this TLD. Registrants should proactively contact Antarctica Network Information Centre Limited before their 24-month term ends to arrange renewal. Failing to renew in time risks losing the domain with no automated recovery mechanism available.