About .ar domain
.ar is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated for Argentina. It was introduced in September 1987 and is operated by NIC Argentina under the sponsorship of the Argentine government. The TLD is actively managed with a defined registration policy and structure, including both open and restricted second-level domains. Direct registrations under .ar (e.g., example.ar) have been permitted since 2020, expanding its traditional third-level registration model.
Who can register .ar domain
Registration is open to both residents and non-residents, but a local administrative contact within Argentina is required. Argentinian residents must provide a valid CUIT/CUIL tax identification number. Non-resident individuals or legal entities must validate their identity through the registry's prescribed process. Specific second-level domains like .gob.ar, .mil.ar, and .org.ar have additional eligibility criteria, often requiring proof of organizational status or specific licenses.
How to register .ar domain
- Search and Select: Use a registrar's search tool to check the availability of your desired domain name under .ar or a relevant second-level domain like .com.ar. Consider the specific eligibility rules for the chosen subdomain before proceeding.
- Provide Documentation: During the checkout process, you will need to submit the required eligibility documentation. For individuals, this is typically a CUIT/CUIL number; for legal entities, business registration proof is needed. A local administrative contact with an Argentine address must also be designated.
- Complete Registration and Payment: Submit your application and pay the registration fee to your chosen accredited registrar. The registry, NIC Argentina, will then review your submitted documentation for compliance with their policies.
- Configure DNS: Once your application is approved by the registry, you can access your domain management panel through the registrar to configure DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point your domain to your website or email service.
Typical uses of .ar domain
The .ar extension is predominantly used by individuals, businesses, and organizations connected with Argentina. It serves as the primary national identifier online, commonly chosen by local companies (.com.ar), educational institutions (.edu.ar), and government bodies (.gob.ar) to establish a clear local presence and trust with an Argentine audience. Entities in specific sectors like tourism (.tur.ar) or insurance (.seg.ar) also utilize specialized subdomains to signal their licensed status within the country.
Tips for registering .ar domain
- Registrations are available for terms ranging from one to ten years, with renewal possible before expiration.
- A local administrative contact with a verifiable address in Argentina is mandatory for all registrations, regardless of the registrant's own location.
- Domain names can include Spanish and Portuguese alphabet characters, such as
ñ,ç, and accented vowels, and must be between 1 and 50 characters in length. - Certain second-level domains like .tur.ar and .seg.ar require registrants to hold a specific license from the relevant Argentine authority in addition to standard eligibility checks.