About .sv domain
.sv is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) assigned to El Salvador. It is managed and sponsored by SVNet, the national registry, which has administered the extension since its delegation on 4 November 1994. Registrations are accepted directly at the second level or beneath a set of defined second-level labels such as .com.sv, .org.sv, and .edu.sv. The extension follows UDRP dispute resolution policies for handling domain name conflicts. Beyond its geographic use, .sv has attracted some interest as an abbreviation for Silicon Valley.
Who can register .sv domain
Registration of a .sv domain requires that the registrant have a local contact in El Salvador. The extension is intended primarily for entities connected with El Salvador, though it is not exclusively limited to residents or businesses incorporated there. Registrations must not reference official aspects of the country without proper authorization, and names that could imply formal government or national representation will not be accepted. Names that are offensive, misleading to internet users, or that replicate reserved terms such as "IANA" or "InterNIC" are also ineligible.
How to register .sv domain
Search for your desired .sv domain name through a registrar that supports this ccTLD. You can register directly at the second level (e.g., yourbrand.sv) or under a structured second-level label such as .com.sv or .org.sv, so decide which format best suits your entity type before searching.
Compare the registrars offering .sv registrations, reviewing their pricing, renewal terms, and support options. Because .sv is a ccTLD with specific local-contact requirements, confirm that your chosen registrar can facilitate or document the required local presence on your behalf.
Complete the checkout process by providing accurate registrant details, including a valid local contact in El Salvador as required by SVNet policy. Double-check that your chosen domain name does not include restricted terms or imply official national representation, as such registrations may be rejected.
After registration, verify your contact details are accurate and configure your DNS settings to point to your hosting provider or nameservers. Keep your WHOIS contact information up to date, as SVNet policies require accuracy in registrant data.
Typical uses of .sv domain
The .sv extension is most commonly used by businesses, organizations, and individuals with a presence in or connection to El Salvador, serving as a clear geographic signal of local identity. Commercial companies register under .com.sv, non-profits under .org.sv, and educational institutions under .edu.sv, making the structured second-level system well suited to organized, sector-specific branding. Beyond El Salvador, some technology companies and startups have adopted .sv as a shorthand abbreviation for Silicon Valley, giving the extension a secondary identity in the tech world. Registrants in both contexts value .sv for its brevity and the dual-purpose recognition it can carry.
Tips for registering .sv domain
- .sv requires a local contact in El Salvador; ensure your registrar can provide or facilitate this requirement before completing your purchase, as failure to meet it may result in registration rejection.
- Domain names under .sv must begin with a letter and should closely resemble the name, abbreviation, or acronym of the registering entity — purely generic or descriptive names may face scrutiny.
- Avoid including particles such as "sal," "es," or "sv" within the domain name itself, as the registry considers the .sv suffix already sufficient to indicate geographic connection.
- Names that could be confused with official national institutions or that imply government authorization require explicit permission from the relevant authority before registration will be approved.
- The registry applies UDRP dispute resolution, so trademark holders have a recognized mechanism to challenge registrations made in bad faith — registering a name that conflicts with an established trademark carries real risk.