Published: 17.10.2026
The .as extension is the country-code domain of American Samoa, an unincorporated territory of the United States in the South Pacific. Its capital is Pago Pago, and Samoan and English are the languages used on the islands. Local shops, tourism operators, schools and community projects use the ending to show their link to the territory. Use the availability form that follows this text to see whether your name in .as is still free.
Check if a .as domain is available .as Check
A short history
The zone has grown gradually as local businesses and community groups have moved online, and it remains small compared with the large national endings. Its use is naturally modest given the size of the territory, and projects that present the islands and their culture to the wider world are among its most fitting users.
Who runs it
A registry operator keeps the database of .as names and sets the registration rules. Registrars sell names to customers and send the orders on to the registry. Because the terms are set for this territory, the current published rules are the place to check holder eligibility, documents and renewal before you order.
Rules in practice
- Holder conditions: the registry may set rules on who can hold a .as name, so check them before you pay.
- Contact details: the data must be accurate, and it may be checked when the registry or the registrar asks for it.
- Characters: names use letters, digits and hyphens, within the length limits of the registry.
- Renewal: a lapsed name may be picked up by someone else, so keep the expiry date and the contact address under control.
Who uses .as
- Tourism and travel operators that serve visitors to the islands.
- Shops, restaurants and service providers based in the territory.
- Schools, churches, community groups and cultural projects with a local audience.
- Organisations abroad that work with partners in the Pacific and want a clear regional link.
Strengths
- The ending links the site to American Samoa at once, which helps local visitors recognise it.
- The name is short and easy to say on a phone call, on a sign or on a boat.
- Two-letter endings are quick to type and fit neatly on printed materials.
Things to keep in mind
- The letters also form the common English word as, which can make a name read oddly in a sentence or in a spoken advert.
- The zone is tied to a single territory, so a business with a wider audience may also want a generic address.
- Visitors from abroad may not recognise the ending, so print the full address on every card and sign.
- Short names are often taken, so prepare two or three alternatives before you start.
Tips before you register
- Check the name in .com and decide whether both addresses are worth owning.
- Enter the holder details exactly as they appear in your official documents.
- Publish the site in English and in Samoan if your audience uses both languages, and add a clear contact page.
- Set up SPF, DKIM and DMARC records before the domain sends any e-mail.
- Enable two-factor login at the registrar and keep the renewal reminder active.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to live in American Samoa to register a .as name? Holder conditions may apply and can depend on your situation, so check the current terms at the time of the order.
Does .as help a site appear in local search results? It is one geographic signal. Clear local content, a fast site and genuine links usually matter more.
Can a site in English use .as? Yes. The ending does not fix the language, but a site for local visitors may also benefit from Samoan content.
