.gov.af Domain Names Overview
The .gov.af domain extension is the country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) designated for Afghanistan, specifically for government entities. It is administered by the Afghanistan Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ATRA) and is intended for official use by Afghan government institutions. Given its specialized nature, registration is restricted to verified government bodies, ensuring that only legitimate entities can utilize this domain. The extension reflects the digital identity of Afghanistan’s governmental operations, providing a secure and authoritative online presence. Due to the political situation in Afghanistan, registration and management of .gov.af domains may involve additional scrutiny, but services remain available for qualified applicants. The domain supports Afghanistan’s efforts to maintain an organized and secure digital infrastructure for its public sector.
.gov.af Domain Names Facts
The .gov.af domain has specific registration requirements, including mandatory local presence in Afghanistan. Registrations are available for terms ranging from 1 to 5 years, with a processing time of approximately 24 hours. The domain length must be between 3 and 63 characters, and Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) are not supported. Applicants must provide a company registration number along with a passport number for verification. Unlike some other domains, prior rights are not required, but documentation such as a business license and passport copy is mandatory. Renewals follow the same term options as initial registrations, with a 14-day grace period for late renewals. Domain restoration and early deletion are possible, though transfers require email-based procedures. Despite political challenges, .gov.af remains operational for eligible entities.
.gov.af Domain Names Uses
The .gov.af domain is exclusively used by Afghan government institutions to establish an official online presence. This includes ministries, agencies, and other public sector organizations that require a verified digital identity. The domain ensures authenticity, helping citizens and international entities distinguish legitimate government websites from fraudulent ones. It is commonly used for official communications, public service announcements, and digital governance initiatives. Given the strict registration requirements, .gov.af domains are trusted sources for legal documents, policies, and governmental updates. The extension also supports Afghanistan’s e-governance efforts, enabling secure interactions between the government and the public. Despite geopolitical instability, maintaining this domain is crucial for preserving institutional credibility and facilitating transparent governance in Afghanistan.
Frequently Asked Questions for .gov.af Domains
What is a .gov.af domain name?
A .gov.af domain name is the official ccTLD for Afghan government entities, reserved exclusively for verified public sector organizations. It signifies an authoritative online presence and is managed by ATRA. The domain helps establish trust and authenticity for government websites, ensuring that only legitimate institutions can use it. Due to Afghanistan’s political situation, registration may involve additional verification steps, but the domain remains operational for qualified applicants.
How do I buy a .gov.af domain name?
To register a .gov.af domain, applicants must provide a company registration number and a passport copy, along with a business license. The process requires local presence in Afghanistan and is restricted to government entities. Registrations can be submitted for terms of 1 to 5 years, with processing typically completed within 24 hours. Due to the specialized nature of this domain, interested parties should contact the registry or an authorized registrar for detailed instructions.
Are there requirements for .gov.af domain name registration?
Yes, .gov.af registration mandates local presence in Afghanistan and submission of a company registration number and passport copy. The domain length must be between 3 and 63 characters, and IDNs are not supported. Documentation such as a business license is required, and registrations are limited to government entities. Renewals follow the same term options as initial registrations, with a 14-day grace period for late renewals.
.gov.af Registry Rules and Policies
You consent to be bound by the Registry's Terms and Conditions by registering a .gov.af domain name. The registration, renewal, transfer, and use of domain names within this registry are governed by these terms. Before completing your registration, it is mandatory that you read these terms carefully. Please see our Registry Terms and Conditions for more details. Your domain name may be suspended or deleted without a refund if you don't follow these terms.