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.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
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.
Price range based on 2 registrars. Actual prices may vary.
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 April 11, 2026. Prices exclude ICANN fees where applicable and may vary by registrar promotions or contract terms.
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.
The .ac TLD serves a specific purpose in the domain ecosystem, providing users with clear context about the websites using this extension.
The .ac TLD is commonly used for the following purposes:
No restrictions; open to individuals and organizations worldwide
The .ac TLD is available for registration through accredited domain registrars.
How does .ac compare to similar top-level domains? This comparison covers pricing, type, and availability to help choose the right domain extension.
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DNSChkr 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.
Domain registration counts and density analysis are computed daily from TLD zone files, providing accurate registration statistics rather than estimates.
DNSSEC deployment percentages are measured by scanning actual DNS records across all registered domains in each TLD zone.
Registration, renewal, and transfer prices are checked hourly across multiple accredited registrars and compared automatically.
DNS provider distribution is calculated from nameserver records, showing which hosting providers serve the most domains in each TLD.
Use DNSChkr 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.