Check if a .al domain is available
A search takes a few seconds. Here is how to read the result, what it means when a name is taken or reserved, and what your alternatives are.
How to check a .al domain
The quickest way to find out whether a .al domain is free is the search box on this page. Type just the name, for example myshop, or the full name with the extension, such as myshop.al. Within a few seconds you see the status of the name in the .al registry.
A few tips for an accurate search:
- Use only plain Latin letters (a–z), digits and hyphens. The .al registry does not accept names with special characters such as ë and ç, so “shqipëria” is checked as “shqiperia”.
- Do not add “www” or “https://” in front of the name; they are not part of the domain.
- Also check the variants customers are likely to type by mistake: with and without a hyphen, singular and plural, or with a doubled letter.
The result also shows the status of .com.al, .net.al and .org.al at once, so you can compare options without running several searches.
What the result means
Every search ends with one of three statuses:
| Result | What it means | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Available | There is no active registration for this name in the .al registry. | Add it to the cart and complete the application. |
| Taken | The name has an active registration by someone else. | Check WHOIS or choose an alternative. |
| Cannot be registered | The name is on the list of reserved or prohibited names under the AKEP regulation. | Choose a different name. |
“Cannot be registered” is not a technical error. AKEP keeps a list of reserved names, which have a sensitive public use, and a list of prohibited names, which are considered unsuitable for public use. Our search flags these names so you do not waste time on an application that will not be approved. Read more about these lists in reserved and prohibited names.
Checks the search does not do for you
A name that is “available” in the registry is not always a name you can use without problems. Before ordering, run two more checks:
- Trademarks at DPPI. Trademark and patent names approved by the General Directorate of Industrial Property that exactly match a domain name under .al are reserved for the trademark owner and cannot be registered by anyone else. Check the DPPI online register before you apply.
- Documents. The application is verified by AKEP. Make sure you have your identity document ready (for individuals) or the QKB extract (for companies). The full list is in required documents.
The search does not reserve the name either. The name becomes yours only after you complete the order and the application is approved by AKEP.
WHOIS: who holds a taken domain
If the name is taken, you can see the basic information through WHOIS: whether the domain is registered, when it was registered, when it expires and which registrar manages it. For .al domains only limited information is shown, because the registrant's personal data is protected under Law No. 9887 dated 10.03.2008 “On the protection of personal data”. You can use the WHOIS lookup on upflare.com or read the guide .al WHOIS.
If the name is taken: your alternatives
A taken name is not a dead end. The most practical options are:
- Another extension under .al. .com.al is the first alternative for commercial businesses, .org.al for organisations and associations, .net.al for technology projects. All of them keep the Albanian identity and cost €9.99 per year, while .al costs €8.99 per year. Prices exclude VAT.
- A variant of the name. Add the city, the activity or a short word: “myshop” can become “myshoptirana”. Keep the name short and easy to say out loud.
- Wait for it to be released. Under the regulation, a .al domain that is not put into use for a 1-year period from the registration or renewal date may become free. This does not happen immediately, so do not build your plan on it.
If you are short of ideas for variants, try the AI domain search on upflare.com, or read how to choose a domain name. For the differences between extensions see .al vs .com.al.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a .al domain is available?
What does "cannot be registered" mean?
Does the search tell me the name is not a registered trademark?
The name is taken but the website does not work. Can I get it?
Does the search reserve the name for me?
Check your name now
See in seconds whether .al, .com.al, .net.al or .org.al are available.