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    5. .is

    Register .is Domain

    Compare 11 registrarsFrom $66.98/yrPrices updated 10 hours ago

    Compare .is domain prices

    RegistrarPriceRenew PriceWHOIS PrivacyPayment Methods
    NamecheapNamecheap
    $66.98Cheapest
    $79.98
    		Free
    Credit or Debit CardPayPalAlipayCryptocurrency
    NetimNetim
    $71.84
    $71.84Cheapest renewal
    		Free
    Credit or Debit CardPayPalBank TransferUnionPayCryptocurrency
    EuroDNSEuroDNS
    $148.73
    —
    		Paid
    Credit or Debit CardPayPalBank Transfer
    101domain101domain
    $125.99
    $164.99
    		Paid
    Credit or Debit CardPayPalBank Transfer
    GandiGandi
    $364.00
    $615.98
    		Free
    Credit or Debit CardPayPalBank TransferCryptocurrency
    iWantMyNameiWantMyName
    $137.50
    $154.99
    		Free
    Credit or Debit Card
    Europe RegistryEurope Registry
    $109.99
    $125.71
    		Free
    Credit or Debit CardBank Transfer
    MarcariaMarcaria
    $85.00
    —
    		Not offered
    Credit or Debit CardPayPalBank Transfer
    EpikEpik
    $79.95
    $79.95
    		Free
    Credit or Debit CardPayPalBank Transfer
    MonikerMoniker
    $94.95
    $105.00
    		Paid
    Credit or Debit CardPayPalApple PayGoogle PayBank TransferAlipayUnionPay
    EraNetEraNet
    $270.30
    $270.30
    		Paid
    Credit or Debit CardPayPalAlipayUnionPay
    Type
    Country-code top-level domain
    Territory
    Iceland
    Registry
    ISNIC - Internet á Íslandi hf.
    Launched
    DNSSEC
    Supported
    IDN
    Not supported

    About .is domain

    .is is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Iceland, managed by the private corporation ISNIC (Internet á Íslandi hf.). It was one of the earliest domain registrations on the internet, with the first domain delegated in December 1986. The extension is notable for its open registration policy and its direct second-level registrations, meaning domains are registered as example.is without a required third-level label like .co or .com.

    Who can register .is domain

    Registration for .is domains is open to all individuals and companies globally, with no requirement to be a resident of Iceland or have a local presence. There are no special restrictions based on nationality or geographic location. The registry does not impose verification or documentation requirements for most registrants, making it a straightforward option for international buyers.

    How to register .is domain

    1. Search for your desired .is domain name on a registrar's website to confirm its availability, keeping in mind the technical rules: names can include standard letters, numbers, hyphens, and specific Icelandic characters like á or ð, but cannot start or end with a hyphen.
    2. Compare pricing, renewal terms, and add-on services like WHOIS privacy from various accredited registrars, as policies and bundled features can differ between providers.
    3. Complete the checkout process, providing accurate contact information for the registration; you can typically register a .is domain for a term of up to five years.
    4. After purchase, verify your contact email to activate the domain and proceed to configure your DNS settings, such as nameservers, through your registrar's control panel to point the domain to your website or service.

    Typical uses of .is domain

    The .is extension is very popular within Iceland, used by local businesses, institutions like the University of Iceland, and individuals to establish a clear Icelandic online identity. Internationally, the TLD is also chosen for its semantic appeal in English, where "is" can be incorporated into brand names or phrases (e.g., this.is, truth.is), and by entities seeking a neutral or secure domain space, as it has been historically recognized for its strong security practices. While it is open globally, its core user base remains connected to Iceland.

    Tips for registering .is domain

    • Domains can be registered for a maximum term of five years, offering longer-term registration stability compared to some other TLDs.
    • The registry has suspended domains in the past for failure to provide accurate contact information, underscoring the importance of maintaining valid WHOIS details.
    • Certain second-level names like net.is and gov.is are reserved by the registry and are not available for public registration.
    • For disputes, the ISNIC Board of Appeals can order a domain transfer if it is found to be confusingly similar to a pre-existing Icelandic trademark, registered in bad faith, and without a legitimate interest.

    Frequently asked questions about .is domain

    How much does it cost to register and renew a .is domain?As of today, .is domains start from $66.98/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $364.00/yr across 11 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.
    Which registrars support .is domains?NameBeta tracks 11 registrars that support .is domain registration, with the cheapest option at $66.98/yr. Full list on this page.
    Who operates .is domain?The registry for .is domains is ISNIC - Internet á Íslandi hf..
    Who can register a .is domain?

    While there are no residency or citizenship requirements, registrants must provide valid contact information during the sign-up process. The registry, ISNIC, actively enforces its rules regarding accurate WHOIS data, and domains have been suspended for failing to fulfill this standard procedure. This open-but-regulated approach makes .is accessible worldwide while maintaining registry oversight.

    Can I transfer a .is domain between registrars?

    Transferring a .is domain to a new registrar follows standard inter-registrar transfer protocols, typically requiring you to unlock the domain at your current registrar and obtain an authorization code. It's important to ensure the domain is not within a lock period from a recent registration or previous transfer and that your contact email is up-to-date to receive transfer confirmation requests. The new registrar will initiate the transfer process with the ISNIC registry.

    What characters are allowed in a .is domain name?

    Domain names can contain letters a-z, numbers 0-9, and hyphens, as well as the Icelandic characters á, é, ý, ú, í, ó, þ, æ, ö, and ð. A domain cannot begin or end with a hyphen, and a hyphen cannot be in both the third and fourth character positions. The total maximum length is 66 characters for ASCII names, or 59 characters if Icelandic special characters are used.

    How are trademark disputes handled for .is domains?

    Disputes based on intellectual property rights are handled by the ISNIC Board of Appeals. A domain may be transferred if it is similar to a trademark registered with the Icelandic Intellectual Property Office before the domain was registered, if the domain owner lacks a legitimate interest, and if the domain was registered in bad faith. Bad faith includes registering primarily to sell it for a high price or to block a competitor.

    Can a .is domain be suspended after registration?

    Yes, ISNIC has the authority to suspend domains. While there is no general content restriction, suspensions have occurred for specific legal violations, such as hosting material from proscribed terrorist organizations, or for procedural failures, most notably not providing a valid physical address as required by the registration rules.