About .ht domain
.ht is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Haiti. It was delegated in March 1997 and is operated by the Réseau de Développement Durable d’Haïti (RDDH), also known as the Consortium FDS/RDDH. This domain extension is a ccTLD managed locally, and registrations are available directly at the second level, as well as under various predefined third-level categories.
Who can register .ht domain
Registration for a .ht domain name is open to any applicant worldwide, with no requirement to be a Haitian citizen or to have a legal presence in Haiti. There are no general geographic or organizational restrictions for most categories. However, the registry prohibits the registration of certain reserved terms, including names of countries, international organizations, and terms related to Haitian historical and cultural heritage, without appropriate justification.
How to register .ht domain
- Search for your desired .ht domain name on the website of an ICANN-accredited registrar that offers this extension, checking both second-level (e.g.,
example.ht) and available third-level categories (e.g., .com.ht or .perso.ht).
- Compare pricing, registration terms, and add-on services like WHOIS privacy from different registrars; note that .ht domains typically have a minimum registration period of one year.
- Complete the checkout process with your chosen registrar, providing accurate registrant contact information as it will be subject to verification.
- After purchase, configure your domain's DNS settings through your registrar's control panel to point to your hosting provider and ensure your contact details are validated to avoid suspension.
Typical uses of .ht domain
The .ht extension is commonly used by entities connected to Haiti, including local businesses, non-profit organizations, and individuals seeking a distinct national identity online. Companies often choose .com.ht for commercial ventures, while .org.ht is popular for non-profits and NGOs operating within the country. Individuals and families may use .perso.ht for personal websites. Beyond Haiti, the extension is also registered by some global entities for brand protection or to create memorable domain hacks.
Tips for registering .ht domain
- The minimum registration period for a .ht domain is one year, with renewals available annually.
- WHOIS privacy services may be available through some registrars, but you should confirm this during the purchase process.
- The registry prohibits domain names that start or end with a hyphen, and accented characters are not permitted in registrations.
- Certain terms are reserved and cannot be registered without justification, including the names of countries, international organizations, and terms related to Haiti's public order or cultural heritage.
Frequently asked questions about .ht domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .ht domain?
As of today, .ht domains start from $103.27/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $199.00/yr across 11 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .ht domains?
NameBeta tracks 11 registrars that support .ht domain registration, with the cheapest option at $103.27/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .ht domain?
The registry for .ht domains is Consortium FDS/RDDH.
Who can register a .ht domain?
While there are no residency or citizenship requirements to register a .ht domain, the registry enforces specific naming restrictions. Applicants cannot register domain names that match reserved terms, such as names of countries from the ISO-3166-1 list, international organizations, or terms related to Haitian heritage, without providing proper justification. These rules apply equally to all applicants, regardless of location.
Can I transfer a .ht domain between registrars?
Transferring a .ht domain between registrars follows the standard ICANN transfer policy, which requires the domain to be unlocked and an authorization code to be obtained from the current registrar. The domain must be more than 60 days old and not within a redemption grace period to be eligible. Initiating the transfer at the gaining registrar will start the process, which typically completes within five to seven days if not rejected by the current holder.
What are the different categories of .ht domains I can register?
The .ht namespace is subdivided into several third-level categories for different entity types. For commercial or for-profit entities, options include .com.ht, .shop.ht, and .firm.ht. Non-profit and public service entities can use .org.ht, .asso.ht, or .edu.ht. Individuals and families have the .perso.ht category. There is also the option to register directly at the second level (.ht), which is typically intended for larger companies.
Are there any special rules for the characters I can use in a .ht domain name?
Yes, .ht domain names can only contain letters A-Z (case insensitive), numbers 0-9, and the hyphen. Accented characters are prohibited; if submitted, they will be converted to their base letter (e.g., "ë" becomes "e"). Domain names cannot begin or end with a hyphen. Each label (the part between dots) can be up to 63 characters, and the full domain name can be up to 255 characters in length.
What happens if I try to register a prohibited or reserved .ht domain name?
The registry will reject any application for a domain name that matches a prohibited term. The prohibited list includes terms related to public order, the functioning of the Internet, names of countries and international organizations, and specific Haitian terms like "Haiti" and names of its territorial communities. Synonyms or common etymological roots of these terms are also rejected unless the applicant can provide appropriate justification as outlined in the official naming charter.
