.ac ccTLD
.ac is the country-code top-level domain for Ascension Island, part of the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. Though officially tied to Ascension Island, it is widely used globally by educational institutions due to its association with the word 'academic'. Registration is open to anyone without geographic restrictions.
open to anyone worldwide, with no residency or local presence requirements
.ac Domain Overview
The .ac extension is a country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) in the Domain Name System (DNS). It is managed by Internet Computer Bureau Limited. .ac was introduced in 1997. Registration prices start from USD 26.06 - 27.50.
Registration Info
Price range based on 2 registrars. Actual prices may vary.
Security Features
- DNSSEC
- CAA Record Support
Where to Register a .ac Domain — Price Comparison
Compare .ac domain registration and renewal prices across 2 registrars. Prices are in USD and updated daily.
| Registrar | Registration | Renewal | Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| porkbun Cheapest | $26.06 | $46.65 | $46.65 |
| dynadot | $27.50 | $49.50 | $49.50 |
Prices checked May 26, 2026. Prices exclude ICANN fees where applicable and may vary by registrar promotions or contract terms.
What Is the History of .ac?
The .ac domain was delegated in December 1997 to represent Ascension Island. While originally intended for local entities, its use evolved after registrars began promoting it for academic purposes due to its resemblance to 'ac' as an abbreviation for academic. It gained notable attention in 2013 when The Pirate Bay temporarily switched to thepiratebay.ac after a domain seizure.
Did you know?
The .ac TLD serves a specific purpose in the domain ecosystem, providing users with clear context about the websites using this extension.
What Is .ac Used For?
The .ac TLD is commonly used for the following purposes:
Educational institutions
Academic research organizations
University websites
Online learning platforms
Anti-cheat software domains
Alternative domain for tech and gaming services
Popular Websites
How Do I Register a .ac Domain?
Eligibility
No restrictions; open to individuals and organizations worldwide
Open Registration
The .ac TLD is available for registration through accredited domain registrars.
Registration Process
- Choose an accredited domain registrar that offers .ac domains
- Check domain availability using the registrar's search tool
- Complete the registration process and provide required information
- Pay the registration fee (typically USD 26.06 - 27.50)
- Manage your domain settings through your registrar's control panel
.ac vs Related Domain Extensions
How does .ac compare to similar top-level domains? This comparison covers pricing, type, and availability to help choose the right domain extension.
View the full TLD Directory to browse all 1,900+ top-level domains with pricing, registration density analysis, and DNSSEC adoption rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Is This .ac Data Compiled?
DNS Checker maintains a comprehensive TLD directory covering all 1,900+ active top-level domains. The data on this page combines multiple authoritative sources to provide information not found in standard TLD listings.
Zone File Analysis
Domain registration counts and density analysis are computed daily from TLD zone files, providing accurate registration statistics rather than estimates.
DNSSEC Adoption Tracking
DNSSEC deployment percentages are measured by scanning actual DNS records across all registered domains in each TLD zone.
Registrar Price Monitoring
Registration, renewal, and transfer prices are checked hourly across multiple accredited registrars and compared automatically.
Provider Market Share
DNS provider distribution is calculated from nameserver records, showing which hosting providers serve the most domains in each TLD.
Use DNS Checker tools to inspect any .ac domain: run a full DNS health check, check DNS propagation, look up WHOIS records, or verify email authentication.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is sourced from IANA, ICANN, and respective registry operator publications, then structured and formatted with the assistance of AI. While accuracy is a priority, details such as pricing, registration requirements, and policies may change. Always verify with the official registry or an accredited registrar before making registration decisions.