About .pw domain
.pw is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated to the Republic of Palau in 1997. It is operated by the Micronesia Investment and Development Corporation, with Radix Registry managing its technical operations. The TLD was relaunched as an open-use domain in 2013, marketed globally as a namespace for professional web identities. Its management includes policies for reserved names and a standard UDRP for dispute resolution.
Who can register .pw domain
Registration for .pw domains is open to anyone worldwide with no geographic restrictions. There are no residency, citizenship, or organizational requirements to register a domain. No supporting documentation or verification is needed during the registration process. Individuals, businesses, and organizations from any country are eligible to register a .pw domain name.
How to register .pw domain
- Search for your desired .pw domain name's availability using a domain registrar's search tool, checking for potential conflicts with reserved names like single characters or geographical terms.
- Compare pricing, registration term lengths, and add-on services like WHOIS privacy from various accredited registrars that offer .pw domains.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate contact information as required by the registry's policies.
- After purchase, verify your contact details via email and configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point to your hosting provider.
Typical uses of .pw domain
The .pw extension is commonly used as a global domain for professionals, businesses, and personal projects, leveraging its marketing as "Professional Web." It serves as a versatile alternative to crowded legacy TLDs, appealing to those seeking short, memorable web addresses. While originally for Palau, its open registration policy has led to widespread international adoption for websites, blogs, and online portfolios. Some users also adopt it for its acronymic potential, such as for "Public Wallet" or "Personal Website" projects.
Tips for registering .pw domain
- The registry reserves certain names, including single and double-character domains, geographical names, and premium names, which are allocated through auctions or special sales.
- Standard dispute resolution follows the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) for trademark conflicts.
- The registry maintains an anti-abuse policy and has historically deactivated domains found to be sources of spam or malicious activity.
- Registrations are available directly at the second level (e.g., example.pw) and also through specific second-level domains like .co.pw or .or.pw.
Frequently asked questions about .pw domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .pw domain?
As of today, .pw domains start from $1.49/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $51.47/yr across 27 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .pw domains?
NameBeta tracks 27 registrars that support .pw domain registration, with the cheapest option at $1.49/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .pw domain?
The registry for .pw domains is Radix, administered by Micronesia Investment and Development Corporation.
Who can register a .pw domain?
There are absolutely no eligibility restrictions based on location, nationality, or type of entity. Any individual, company, or organization from any part of the world can register a .pw domain. You do not need to provide proof of residence in Palau or any other form of documentation to complete the registration. The process is as straightforward as registering a generic top-level domain like .com.
Can I transfer a .pw domain between registrars?
Transferring a .pw domain between registrars follows standard ICANN transfer procedures. You must initiate the transfer at the gaining registrar, ensure the domain is unlocked at the current registrar, and obtain the correct authorization code (EPP code). The domain must be more than 60 days old and not within a redemption grace period to be eligible for transfer. The registry does not impose additional transfer restrictions beyond these common rules.
Are there any names I cannot register?
Yes, the .pw registry maintains a reserved names list. This includes all one and two-character domain names, labels with hyphens in specific positions, and geographical names. Names related to ICANN, IANA, and all existing TLDs are also reserved. Additionally, the registry sets aside certain premium domains for allocation through auctions or special sales rather than standard registration.
What happens if my .pw domain is used for spam?
The registry operator enforces a strict anti-abuse policy with zero tolerance for spam. If a domain is reported and verified to be a source of spam or malicious activity, the registry can suspend or deactivate it. Historically, the registry has taken action by deactivating thousands of domains found in violation. It is important to secure your domain and maintain good security practices to prevent unauthorized use.
Can I register a domain under second-level categories like .co.pw?
Yes, alongside direct second-level registrations (example.pw), the registry also offers registrations under specific second-level domains. These include .co.pw for commercial entities, .or.pw for organizations, .ed.pw for educational institutions, .go.pw for government, .ne.pw for networks, and .belau.pw. These provide additional naming options, though they are less commonly used than the direct .pw registrations.
