How to get a .ai domain

Step 1: Pick a registrar that supports .ai

Not every registrar resells the .ai TLD. The reliable ones are Namecheap, Porkbun, 101domain, Gandi, GoDaddy, and Cloudflare (currently in beta for .ai). Pricing varies by ~20%; Porkbun and Namecheap typically lead on sticker price, Cloudflare on renewals when available.

Step 2: Check availability

Search the exact .ai name you want on your chosen registrar. If it returns 'available', you can register it immediately. If it shows as taken, skip to Step 5 — the only path forward is the aftermarket.

Step 3: Register for at least two years

The .ai registry enforces a 2-year minimum on new registrations. Retail pricing runs $75-$110 per year, so expect to pay $150-$220 upfront. Registration completes in seconds once payment clears.

Step 4: Configure DNS

Once the domain is in your registrar account, set nameservers (or use the registrar's DNS) to point it at your website host. MX records for email, A/CNAME for web, TXT for verification. Propagation is global within minutes.

Step 5: If it is taken, the aftermarket

If the name is already registered, you have three options: contact the owner directly via WHOIS (usually a cold email), list interest on a marketplace like Sedo or Atom, or hire a broker for anonymous outreach with comp-anchored offers and escrow. Premium .ai names trade from $5,000 into the millions.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get an .ai domain?

Pick a registrar that supports the .ai TLD (Namecheap, Porkbun, 101domain, Gandi, GoDaddy, or Cloudflare's .ai beta), search for the exact name you want, add it to cart, and pay for at least two years. Registration is instant and you receive DNS control immediately.

How do I get a .ai domain if it is already registered?

If the name is taken, the registrar will show it as unavailable. From there your only path is the aftermarket: contact the current registrant directly via WHOIS, list on a marketplace like Sedo or Atom, or hire a broker who handles outreach, comp-anchored offers, and escrow. Premium .ai names typically trade between $5,000 and several million.

How to get ai domain name on the cheapest registrar?

Porkbun and Namecheap are usually the lowest sticker price for new .ai registrations, around $75–$90 per year. Sale pricing rotates frequently. Cloudflare's .ai beta has occasionally undercut on at-cost renewals. Always compare two-year totals (the registry enforces 2-year minimums) rather than first-year promo pricing.

Do I need to be in Anguilla to register a .ai domain?

No. The .ai registry has no nationality, residency, or local-presence requirement. Anyone anywhere can register through a supported registrar — the same way you would register a .com or .io.

How long does it take to get a .ai domain?

Registration is instant. Once payment clears, the domain is in your registrar account and DNS changes propagate globally within minutes. There is no manual review or approval queue at the .ai registry for standard registrations.

Can I get a .ai domain for free?

No. The .ai registry charges the registrar a wholesale fee per name, so retail prices start around $75 per year with a two-year minimum (~$150 upfront). No reputable registrar offers free .ai. Beware of phishing pages that claim otherwise.