Published: 17.10.2026
The .ms extension is the country-code domain assigned to Montserrat, a small volcanic island in the Leeward Islands of the Caribbean that is a British Overseas Territory. Island businesses, community groups, schools and visitor services use a .ms name to show their roots on the island. Use the availability form just below this text to see whether your name in .ms is still available.
Check if a .ms domain is available .ms Check
A short history
The .ms code was assigned to the island in the early years of the internet, when the network was used mainly by government offices, schools and a small number of technology users. As local organisations, guesthouses and media began to publish their own sites, the zone became a familiar address for island life. Today its use is closely tied to the island's own community, including its businesses, schools and clubs.
Who runs it
A registry operator runs the zone, maintaining the list of names and the rules for registering them. Registrars sell names to customers and forward the orders. The operator publishes its conditions, which may cover holder eligibility, contact details and renewal, so read the current terms before you pay.
Rules in practice
- Holder conditions: the operator may set rules on who can hold a .ms name, so check whether you qualify before you order.
- Contact data: the holder details need to be exact, and the registrar may request a confirmation.
- Characters: names use letters, digits and hyphens, within the usual length limits for domain labels.
- Renewal: a lapsed name can be taken by someone else, so enable auto-renewal and keep the contact address active.
Who uses .ms
- Guesthouses, villas, dive and boat operators, and restaurants that welcome visitors to the island.
- Community groups, clubs and local charities that share news and events.
- Schools, training providers and cultural organisations that serve island residents.
- Island-based consultants, builders and craftspeople who work with local clients and visitors.
Strengths
- The ending points clearly to the island, which helps visitors and residents recognise a local business or group.
- A short name with a clear place reference works well on posters, boat notices and visitor leaflets.
- English is the official language on the island, so content in English can reach residents and visitors directly.
Things to keep in mind
- The zone refers to one small island, so a business that serves customers abroad may also want a generic address.
- Visitors from elsewhere may not know the ending, so show the full address on printed materials.
- Internet services on a small island can vary with the location and the provider, so test your site from several places.
- Operator rules can change, so review them when you renew.
Tips before you register
- Check the same name in .com and in the social accounts your community already uses.
- Use the official name of your group or company, and keep the holder details consistent with your records.
- Publish a clear contact page, opening times and a privacy notice.
- Set up SPF, DKIM and DMARC records before sending newsletters or booking confirmations.
- Turn on auto-renewal and give access to two responsible members of the group.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to live on the island to register a .ms name? The operator's conditions decide this, and they may depend on your situation, so check the current terms before you order.
Does a .ms address help a local website appear in search results? It helps show the audience, but clear local content, regular updates and genuine links usually matter more.
Can a non-profit group use .ms? The answer depends on the operator's current policies, so confirm the rules for groups and organisations before you register.
