How to get a .ai domain in 2026: new, premium or expired
Anyone, in any country, can own a .ai domain. There is no need to live in or have a company in Anguilla, whose country code .ai is. What you pay, and how fast you get your name, depends on which of three routes you take.
1. Register a new .ai domain
If nobody owns the name yet, you can register it through any accredited registrar. A .ai registration has a two-year minimum, and since March 2026 registrars pay $160 wholesale for those two years, plus their own markup. This is the cheapest route, but the short, one-word names were taken years ago. See how much a .ai domain costs.
2. Buy a premium .ai domain from its owner
For a short, memorable name, you buy it from the person or company that owns it. This is the premium market, where names sell from a few thousand dollars to six or seven figures. The safe way to do it:
- Make an offer, or agree on a price with the owner.
- Pay through an escrow service, never directly to the seller.
- The owner transfers the domain to your registrar account, usually within 1–5 days.
- Escrow releases the payment once you are listed as the new owner.
That is exactly how every sale on 4ai works. Browse premium .ai domains, or read how to buy a .ai domain step by step.
3. Bid on an expired .ai domain
When owners do not renew, .ai names go to auction. Expired-name auctions have produced bargains and records alike: Blockchain.ai sold for $405,000 in an expired-name auction in 2026. Auctions need patience and a firm budget. Read about how expiring .ai auctions work now.
Which route is right for you?
- Tight budget, flexible name: register a new two-word or invented name.
- You want a short, strong brand now: buy a premium name by offer.
- You can wait and watch: follow expired-name auctions.
Not sure what a name is worth? Try our .ai domain value estimator.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a .ai domain?
Register a new name through an accredited registrar (two-year minimum), buy a premium name from its owner by offer and escrow, or bid on an expired .ai name at auction.
Can anyone buy a .ai domain?
Yes. .ai is the country code of Anguilla, but there are no residency requirements. Individuals and companies in any country can own one.
How long does it take to get a .ai domain?
A new registration is active within minutes. Buying a premium name from its owner usually takes 1 to 5 days, including escrow and the transfer.
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