To register a .ai domain name: (1) Find an available name using Namecheckly's specialized TLD scanner, (2) Choose a registry-accredited registrar like Namecheap, (3) Pay the registration fee (typically $59–$99/year), noting that .ai domains must be registered for a minimum of 2 years, (4) Add WHOIS privacy to protect your identity.
How to Register a .AI Domain Name: Pricing & Rules (2026)
If you are building an artificial intelligence startup in 2026, a .ai domain name is no longer optional. It has become the gold standard extension for the tech sector, replacing .io as the go-to domain for startups.
However, .ai domains operate under a different set of rules and price points compared to standard .com domains.
In this guide, we explain everything you need to know to register your .ai domain safely, without paying premium reseller markups.
1. What is a .AI Domain?
Technically, .ai is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) representing Anguilla, a small British territory in the Caribbean.
However, seeing the massive demand from the tech industry, the Anguillan government opened the registry to the public. Today, Google treats .ai as a generic TLD (gTLD), meaning search results will target users worldwide, not just in Anguilla.
2. The Strict 2-Year Registration Rule
This is the most common surprise for new buyers at checkout: you cannot buy a .ai domain for 1 year.
The central registry of Anguilla enforces a strict 2-year minimum registration and renewal period.
- If you see a registrar listing
.aidomains for $59/year, your total checkout price will be $118 because it will force a 2-year term. - Similarly, when you renew the domain, you must renew it for a minimum of 2 years at a time.
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3. How Much Does a .AI Domain Cost?
Because the wholesale price set by Anguilla is high, .ai domains are significantly more expensive than .com domains.
- Wholesale Price: The wholesale registry cost is $100 per 2-year block ($50/year).
- Retail Registrars: Registrars add a small markup. Namecheap typically charges $59–$79/year, meaning checkout will cost $118–$158 for 2 years.
- Beware of Scams: Some resellers charge up to $150/year. Make sure you use a reputable, ICANN-accredited registrar like Namecheap to avoid markups.
4. How to Register Your .AI Domain: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Search and Verify Availability
Do not buy a domain name until you know the name is clean.
- Go to Namecheckly and search your AI name idea.
- Namecheckly will check
.ai,.com, and.ioavailability simultaneously. - It will also verify if the name is available on X (Twitter), GitHub, YouTube, and the iOS App Store (crucial for launching your software).
Step 2: Choose a Registrar and Check Out
Once you find an available name, click the registration link to go to Namecheap. Add the domain to your cart and proceed to checkout. Remember that the price reflects a 2-year registration block.
Step 3: Add Free WHOIS Privacy
Make sure "WHOIS Privacy Protection" is checked (Namecheap provides this for free). This hides your personal email, phone number, and home address from automated scrapers who harvest registrar databases to send spam emails.
Step 4: Configure DNS
Once registered, update your nameservers or add DNS records (A records, CNAMEs, TXT records) to point to your AI web app host (such as Netlify, Vercel, or Lovable).
.AI vs. .COM: Which is Better for Your Tech Startup?
- Choose
.aiif you are launching an AI-first SaaS product, machine learning tool, or API. It communicates your core technology to investors and users instantly. - Choose
.comif you are building a generic consumer service, e-commerce brand, or need a traditional domain that is easily recognized by non-tech audiences.
Ready to launch your AI startup? Run a search on Namecheckly to find your available .ai name, then secure it instantly on Namecheap!
