About .st domain
.st is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for São Tomé and Príncipe. It was delegated in November 1997 and is operated by the Bahnhof ST Registry, with Tecnisys as the sponsor. The extension is marketed globally as a general-use domain product, with registrations made directly at the second level. Its registry operates under its own terms and conditions, which include a dispute policy where the registry judges disputes for a fee.
Who can register .st domain
Registration for .st domains is open to any individual or corporation worldwide, with no geographic restrictions. There are no specific verification or documentation requirements for eligibility. Registrants must only warrant that the domain registration does not infringe on third-party rights, is not for an unlawful purpose, and will not be used for activities like spamming. Some second-level domains like .gov.st or .edu.st are reserved for specific entities within São Tomé and Príncipe, but the primary .st extension is unrestricted.
How to register .st domain
- Search for your desired .st domain name using a domain registrar's search tool, noting that names can be between 2 and 23 characters and cannot begin or end with a dash.
- Compare prices and features from various accredited registrars, as .st domains are sold commercially; consider add-ons like WHOIS privacy if offered.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate contact information and agreeing to the registry's terms, which include warranties against infringement and unlawful use.
- After purchase, verify your contact details and configure your DNS settings to point the domain to your hosting provider or website.
Typical uses of .st domain
The .st extension is commonly used both within São Tomé and Príncipe and globally for creative and commercial purposes. Domestically, it serves entities connected to the country. Internationally, it is heavily marketed for domain hacks to spell words ending in "st" (like "ho.st" or "toa.st"), as an abbreviation for "street" or "state," and for URL shortening services. Companies and individuals choose .st for its brevity and the branding opportunities its unique letter combination provides.
Tips for registering .st domain
- Domain names must be between 2 and 23 characters; single-letter names are reserved by the registry.
- Names cannot begin or end with a hyphen, and spaces or special characters are not permitted.
- The registry's terms require registrants to warrant the domain is not registered for infringement, unlawful purposes, or abuse like spamming.
- Disputes are handled by the registry itself, which will judge cases for a fee and also obeys relevant court orders.
Frequently asked questions about .st domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .st domain?
As of today, .st domains start from $8.10/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $146.49/yr across 11 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .st domains?
NameBeta tracks 11 registrars that support .st domain registration, with the cheapest option at $8.10/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .st domain?
The registry for .st domains is Tecnisys.
Who can register a .st domain?
Registration is open globally to individuals and corporations without restriction. While anyone can register a standard .st domain, certain reserved second-level domains like .gov.st or .edu.st are intended for specific entities within São Tomé and Príncipe, such as government bodies or educational institutions. The primary requirement is agreeing to the registry's terms, which include warranties about lawful use and non-infringement.
Can I transfer a .st domain between registrars?
Transferring a .st domain between registrars follows the standard inter-registrar transfer process, typically requiring an authorization code from the current registrar. You must ensure the domain is unlocked and that WHOIS privacy services are disabled to facilitate the transfer request. The registry does not impose specific transfer restrictions beyond standard ICANN policies, but the domain must be active and not within a redemption grace period.
What are the character rules for a .st domain name?
Domain names can be between 2 and 23 characters in length, as single-letter names are reserved by the registry. Names are not case-sensitive and will be treated as lowercase. They cannot begin or end with a hyphen, and the use of spaces or any special characters beyond standard alphanumerics and hyphens (in the middle of the name) is not permitted.
How are disputes over .st domain names handled?
The .st registry operates its own dispute resolution process. The registry will judge disputes itself for a fee, as outlined in its terms and conditions. Additionally, the registry states it will obey court orders from relevant jurisdictions. This means legal action can also be pursued, but the registry provides an internal, fee-based arbitration option for conflicting claims.
Are there any content or usage restrictions for .st domains?
Yes, by registering a .st domain, you warrant that it will not be used for an unlawful purpose or to violate any applicable laws, including regulations against spamming or abusing services. The registry's terms explicitly prohibit using the domain in connection with sending unsolicited bulk email or other forms of network abuse. There are no specific content mandates, but all use must be lawful.
Can I register a domain hack using .st?
Absolutely. The .st registry actively markets the extension for this purpose, and it is a very common use case. Domain hacks creatively use the "st" suffix to complete words, such as "fa.st" or "bea.st," which can provide memorable and brandable web addresses. This global, creative application is a key reason for the TLD's popularity beyond its country of origin.
