REGISTRAR'S ROLE FAQ
1 - What is the registrar's role?
Registrars act as the interface between the public, applicants and registrants on the one hand, and the registry on the other. They apply on behalf of applicants to register .ag domain names in the registry, and provide registration renewal, transfer and information update services for registrants.
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2 - How can I find a registrar?
Registrants have access to a full list of accredited registrars' names and their web addresses on this site.
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3 - What is the nature of the relationship between registrars and Nic AG?
The relationship between registrars and Nic AG will be that of independent contractors as defined in the standard Registrar Agreement signed by Nic AG and each registrar. This Agreement will be for an initial one-year term, unless otherwise terminated, and may be extended for successive periods of one year upon automatic renewal of the registrar by Nic AG.
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4 - Whose responsibility is it to manage the relationship with registrants (.ag domain name holders)?
In accordance with Nic AG's Minimum Services Guidelines, which are part of the accreditation requirements available in the Procedures, Policies and accreditation Requirements for Registrars document, registrars will be responsible for providing all customer service, billing and technical support and other necessary services to registrants. This will include advising the registrants of the status of such services from time to time, in order to enable registrants to register domain names and to renew, maintain, modify or transfer domain name registrations in the .ag registry.
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5 - What is the nature of the relationship between registrars and applicants/registrants?
A registrar must enter into a contract with an applicant/registrant on whose behalf it acts. The terms and conditions of this contract/agreement are at the discretion of the registrar provided they include the minimum contractual terms outlined in Nic AG's agreement with the registrar.
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6 - Who sets the fees for Nic AG-Accredited registrars?
All Accredited registrars pay a similar fee to Nic AG (depending on the total number of domains registered by that registrar) for registering a domain name. The minimum period for new registrations will be for two years and the cost to the registrar is fixed (depending on the total number of domains registered by that registrar) for this two-year registration. Registrars are then free to set their own pricing policy.
It is, however, important to note that Nic AG has set up a competitive registrar system whereby there is no limit to the number of registrars it will certify. It is expected that this competitive environment will keep prices reasonable. Registrants are therefore invited to "shop around" for the registrar that best suits their needs.
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7 - Why does Nic AG have to charge Registrars fees for domain name registrations?
The main factors that explain why Nic AG has to charge fees for registering domain names is based upon the fact that a majority of the .ag user community wanted a professionally operated real-time registry. This is what Nic AG was tasked with implementing. This implies ongoing costs for staff, offices, equipment and overhead.
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8 - How can a registration be transferred from one registrar to another?
To transfer a registration, a registrant must select a new Accredited registrar. The new registrar will initiate the request with Nic AG on behalf of the registrant. The request must be confirmed by the registrant in accordance with Nic AG's registration rules. Nic AG will charge the new registrar a fee pursuant to the fee schedule for a change of registrar. Nic AG will extend the registration period for the registration by one year. The old registrar is permitted to charge the registrant an administrative fee.
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9 - How does one modify the registration information contained in the WHOIS?
As per the registration rules, registrants should request modifications from their Accredited registrar.
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BECOMING A REGISTRAR FAQ
10 - What is a registrar?
A registrar is an individual or entity that is Accredited by Nic AG to apply on behalf of applicants and registrants to register, transfer, renew or modify .ag domain names in the registry.
Registrars will provide services to applicants to register domain names in the .ag domain, will provide registration information update services for registrants, and will be entitled to bill registrants for these services.
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11 - Who can become a registrar?
In order to be Accredited as a registrar, a person or business entity must meet the accreditation Requirements, which are included in Procedures, policies and accreditation reguirements for becoming a registrar. The requirements include paying applicable fees; providing services as per the minimum service requirements; signing a Registrar Agreement; knowing Nic AG'sregistration rules and the domain system in general; and having the technical capabilities to process requests.
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12 - How do I become a Nic AG Accredited registrar?
The process for becoming a Nic AG Accredited registrar is outlined in detail in the document Procedures, policies and accreditation requirements for becoming a registrar, which can be found in the Registrar Documents section of this site.
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13 - How much will it cost to become a registrar?
There is a one-time Accreditation Deposit of US $5,000 required of most registrars against which registration, renewal, transfer and other fees may be deducted if these fees are unpaid. Nic AG's Fee Schedule is available in the document Registrar Agreement, which is available in the Registrar Documents section of this site.
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14 - Will registrars need to set up their own systems?
Yes, registrars will be responsible for setting up their own systems to request domain name registrations on behalf of applicants. Nic AG will provide the tools and documents that the registrar may use to connect to the automated system, but it the responsibility of the registrar to obtain the necessary expertise and pay all costs for the connection.
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15 - When will registrars start processing registrations?
Registrars will start processing registrations when they are both Accredited by Nic AG and operationally ready to provide services. It is the registrar's responsibility to notify Nic AG when it is ready to offer services.
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16 - How many registrars will Nic AG certify? Is there a limit?
There is no limit to the number of registrars Nic AG will certify. Nic AG cannot predict how many registrars will be Accredited. However, the requirements to become Accredited by Nic AG are expected to generate a competitive environment.
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17 - What is Nic AG's role in promoting registrars?
At the registrar's request, on the application for accreditation, the registrars' name and its url will be listed at www.nic.ag, as per the Listing Policy in the documents of the registrars section of this site.
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18 - Is there a cut-off date for becoming a Nic AG Accredited registrar?
There is no cut-off date.
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