About .pg domain
.pg is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated for Papua New Guinea. The registry is operated by the PNG DNS Administration within the Vice Chancellors Office of The Papua New Guinea University of Technology. It was delegated in September 1991. This extension is a restricted ccTLD, with registrations only available at the third level beneath specific second-level labels.
Who can register .pg domain
Registration is open to companies and individuals, but all applicants must demonstrate a local presence or legitimate interests in Papua New Guinea. Applications from entities operating solely from overseas without any local connection are not granted. Registrants must warrant a bona fide intention to use the domain regularly and that its use does not infringe on third-party rights.
How to register .pg domain
.pg domains are not allocated through standard commercial registrars in an open market. The allocation process is managed directly by the PNG DNS Administration. Applicants must submit a formal application to the registry, demonstrating their local presence or interests and agreeing to the registry's policy statement. The registry reviews applications and decides on delegation, with successful registrations being placed under approved second-level domains like .com.pg or .org.pg.
Typical uses of .pg domain
The .pg extension is primarily used by entities with a connection to Papua New Guinea. Common registrants include local businesses, educational institutions (using .ac.pg or .edu.pg), government bodies (.gov.pg), and non-profit organizations (.org.pg) operating within the country. It is chosen by these users to establish a clear, locally recognized online identity that signals their presence and operations within Papua New Guinea, differentiating them from global or regional alternatives.
Tips for registering .pg domain
- Registrations are only available at the third level beneath specific second-level domains such as .com.pg, .net.pg, .ac.pg, .gov.pg, .mil.pg, and .org.pg.
- All applicants must warrant a bona fide intention to use the domain name on a regular basis and that its use is lawful and non-infringing.
- The registry's dispute policy is similar to pre-2000 Network Solutions practices, where a trademark owner's objection can place a domain on hold unless the registrant demonstrates their own rights or obtains a favorable court ruling.
- Domain names must be between 4 and 63 characters in length.
Frequently asked questions about .pg domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .pg domain?
As of today, .pg domains start from $260.00/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $260.00/yr across 1 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .pg domains?
NameBeta tracks 1 registrars that support .pg domain registration, with the cheapest option at $260.00/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .pg domain?
The registry for .pg domains is PNG DNS Administration, Vice Chancellors Office, The Papua New Guinea University of Technology.
Who can register a .pg domain?
Eligibility requires demonstrating a local presence or interests in Papua New Guinea. This typically means having a physical office, operations, or a substantive business relationship within the country. Individuals and companies can apply, but the registry will not grant domains to entities operating solely from overseas without any local connection, as the policy is designed to serve the local community.
Can I transfer a .pg domain between registrars?
The process for transferring a .pg domain name between registrants is governed directly by the registry's policies, not a standard inter-registrar transfer protocol. Since there is no open commercial registrar market for this ccTLD, any change in registrant likely requires a new application or a formal update with the PNG DNS Administration, subject to the same local presence verification.
What is the dispute resolution policy for .pg domains?
The dispute policy is not based on the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP). Instead, it resembles the older Network Solutions policy from before 2000. If a trademark owner objects to a registration, the domain can be placed on hold. The registrant can then demonstrate their own trademark rights and post a bond, or seek a court ruling in their favor to have the hold released.
Can I register a .pg domain name directly at the second level (like example.pg)?
No, direct second-level registrations are not available. All registrations are made at the third level beneath designated second-level labels. You must choose an appropriate category such as .com.pg for commercial entities, .org.pg for organizations, .ac.pg or .edu.pg for academic institutions, or .gov.pg for government bodies when applying for your domain name.
What are the character requirements for a .pg domain name?
A .pg domain name must be at least 4 characters long and cannot exceed 63 characters. This length restriction applies to the third-level label you choose (the part before .com.pg, for instance). The name must consist of allowed characters as per standard domain name rules, and the registry's application form will require you to warrant its lawful and non-infringing use.
