About .aw domain
The .aw domain is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated to Aruba. It is administered and operated by the telecommunications company SETAR, with its delegation dating back to 20 February 1996. The registry manages registrations directly at the second level and also offers the .com.aw subdomain for commercial entities.
Who can register .aw domain
Registration of a .aw domain is restricted. A domain name can only be registered in the name of a person running a one-man business or executing a profession, a partnership, a corporation, an association, a legal entity, or an institution that is registered in Aruba. The applicant must provide proof of this local registration or legal status to complete the registration process.
How to register .aw domain
- First, use the registry's official website or an authorized registrar to search for your desired .aw domain name's availability, checking both the second level and the .com.aw subdomain.
- If available, you will need to prepare and submit the required documentation proving your eligible status as a registered entity or professional in Aruba to the registrar or registry.
- Complete the application and payment process through the authorized channel, which is typically SETARNET's website or a designated partner.
- After submission, SETAR will review your application and documentation; upon approval, you can then configure your domain's DNS settings through the provided management panel.
Typical uses of .aw domain
The .aw domain extension is primarily used by businesses, professionals, and organizations that are formally registered within Aruba. Commercial entities often opt for the .com.aw subdomain to clearly signal their commercial purpose, while individual professionals may use .pro.aw. It is chosen by these local entities to establish a clear, trusted, and geographically specific online presence tied directly to the Aruban market, distinguishing them from generic global extensions.
Tips for registering .aw domain
- Registrations require a minimum of two years, and the domain name must contain at least four characters.
- The registry, SETAR, reserves the right to reject names that may cause confusion, violate law or ethics, or infringe on intellectual property.
- The use of the domain for distributing unsolicited advertisement (spam) or for bulk automated registration queries is explicitly prohibited.
- Disputes over domain names are subject to the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP).
Frequently asked questions about .aw domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .aw domain?
As of today, .aw domains start from $197.00/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $240.49/yr across 2 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .aw domains?
NameBeta tracks 2 registrars that support .aw domain registration, with the cheapest option at $197.00/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .aw domain?
The registry for .aw domains is SETAR.
Who can register a .aw domain?
Registration is limited to entities with a formal legal presence in Aruba. This includes registered businesses, corporations, partnerships, associations, and individual professionals. You will need to provide official documentation, such as a business registration certificate from the Aruban Chamber of Commerce, to prove your eligibility during the application process.
Can I transfer a .aw domain between registrars?
Transferring a .aw domain to a different registrar involves contacting your current registrar to obtain an authorization code and ensuring the domain is unlocked. The new registrar will initiate the transfer process, which typically requires re-verification of the registrant's eligibility with SETAR. Transfers are subject to the registry's policies and cannot be completed within a specified lock period after registration or a previous transfer.
What documentation is needed to register a .aw domain?
You must provide proof of your legal registration in Aruba. For companies, this is usually a copy of the registration with the Aruban Chamber of Commerce. For individual professionals or one-man businesses, documentation proving your professional status and local registration is required. The registry reviews this documentation as part of the application approval process.
Are there any specific naming restrictions for .aw domains?
Yes, the registry enforces several naming rules. Domain names must be at least four characters long. Names that are deceptive, violate law or public order, infringe on trademarks, or contain Aruban place-names (unless registered by the government) can be rejected. SETAR also maintains a list of reserved names that are excluded from registration.
What is the difference between .aw and .com.aw?
.aw allows for direct registration at the second level (e.g., example.aw). The .com.aw is a specific second-level domain intended for commercial entities, providing an additional option for businesses to signal their commercial nature (e.g., shop.com.aw). Both require the same local eligibility criteria for registration.
