.ai domain registration: the full walkthrough

Step 1. Search availability

Enter the exact .ai name at Cloudflare, Porkbun, or Namecheap. The registrar checks the registry in real time and shows status (available, taken, premium-priced).

Step 2. Confirm 2-year pricing

Verify the displayed price covers the mandatory 2-year minimum, not just year one. Total at checkout should be $140–$400 — anything outside that range is unusual.

Step 3. Add to cart and check out

Provide registrant contact details. WHOIS privacy is included or available cheaply at all reputable registrars. Pay by card or PayPal.

Step 4. Configure DNS

In the registrar dashboard, point name servers at your DNS provider (Cloudflare DNS, Route 53, Vercel, etc.) or use the registrar's built-in DNS. Standard A/AAAA/CNAME/MX/TXT records work normally.

Step 5. Verify and use

.ai propagation is typically under 30 minutes. Once your A record resolves, the domain is fully usable for web, email, and any other standard service.

Which registrar to pick

Cloudflare for cheapest renewals (at-cost), Porkbun for cleanest UX, Namecheap for support and familiarity. Avoid GoDaddy if you care about renewal pricing. Full comparison in our registrar shootout.

What to do immediately after registration

Three things: enable WHOIS privacy, enable registrar lock (prevents unauthorized transfer), and set a 2FA method on your registrar account. Premium .ai are stolen via social engineering on registrar accounts more often than via technical exploits.

Frequently asked questions

How do I register a .ai domain?

Visit any major registrar (Cloudflare, Porkbun, Namecheap), search the exact name, add to cart, and check out. Total time is about 5 minutes. The .ai registry charges in 2-year minimum increments, so the first transaction is $140–$400.

Are there requirements to register a .ai domain?

No. Unlike some country-code TLDs, .ai has no nationality, residency, or local-presence requirement. Anyone in any country can register through any participating registrar.

How long is .ai registered for?

Minimum 2 years per the Anguilla registry. You can register for longer (up to 10 years at most registrars) at the per-year rate. Renewals also come in 2-year minimum increments.

Can I register a .ai domain for 1 year?

No. The .ai registry requires a 2-year minimum at both initial registration and renewal. There is no 1-year option at any registrar.

What happens if I let my .ai domain expire?

After expiration there is a roughly 30-day grace period where you can renew at normal price, then a 30-day redemption period at a higher fee ($100–$300+), then the name returns to the registry pool. Premium .ai that lapses is usually re-registered within hours.

Do .ai domains support WHOIS privacy?

Yes. All major registrars offer WHOIS privacy on .ai, either included or for a small annual fee. The Anguilla registry permits proxy registration.