Specifics of registering and managing .ir domains

Step-by-step guide to registering .ir domains, creating an IRNIC ID, transferring ownership, renewing, and fixing common errors. Specific tips every Iranian website manager should know.

7 min Updated 6 Sep 2026

Why is the .ir domain different from other domains?

Registering and managing the .ir domain, unlike generic domains like .com or .net, is done directly under the supervision of IRNIC. This organization, as the official registry for Iran's country-code domain, has its own specific rules and processes that you won't find anywhere else. If you intend to register a .ir domain for your business or personal website, you need to be familiar with these differences; otherwise, you might face issues along the way, such as rejected requests or losing ownership.

The most important difference is the need for an IRNIC user ID. Without this ID, you can neither register a new domain nor manage an existing one. This ID acts like a central user account to which all your .ir domains are connected. In this article, we will review the process of registering, managing, and transferring ownership of .ir domains step by step and point out the most common mistakes users make.

Creating an IRNIC ID; The First and Most Important Step

Before taking any action to register a .ir domain, you must create a user ID on the IRNIC system. This process usually takes between 1 to 3 business days, so if you're in a hurry, start today.

Steps to Register on IRNIC

  1. Go to the website https://www.nic.ir and select the "Register" option.
  2. Fill out the form with accurate and real information. For individuals, the national ID number is required, and for legal entities, the company's national ID is mandatory.
  3. Enter a valid email address; all subsequent correspondence from IRNIC will be sent to this email.
  4. After submitting the form, an activation code will be sent to your email. Click on the activation link.
  5. Now you need to upload your documents: a scanned copy of your national ID card (for individuals) or the official gazette and incorporation notice (for legal entities).
  6. Wait for final approval. Once approved, you will receive a user ID (like example_irnic) and a password.

Important Note: The registered information must exactly match the uploaded documents. Any discrepancy, even in a single letter of the name, will cause the request to be rejected.

Common Mistake: Many users use a temporary or inactive email for registration. If you don't have access to the registered email, you won't be able to recover your password and will effectively lose control of your domain. Always use an email you will have access to for years.

The .ir Domain Registration Process; From Search to Activation

After having an IRNIC ID, you can start registering a .ir domain. This process has subtle differences compared to registering international domains, which you'll see below.

Steps to Register a Domain

  1. Log in to the IRNIC panel and select the "Register New Domain" option.
  2. Search for your desired domain name. Note that .ir domains can only be registered with Latin characters (a-z, 0-9, and hyphens). Hyphens cannot be at the beginning or end of the name.
  3. After finding an available name, complete the registration form. You must choose the domain type: .ir for general use or .co.ir for companies and commercial organizations.
  4. Enter the initial DNS settings. If you don't have hosting yet, you can use temporary DNS and change it later.
  5. Pay the registration fee. The price of .ir domains is set by IRNIC and is usually annual.
  6. Wait for activation. This process usually takes less than 24 hours, but in some cases, it may take up to 72 hours.

Difference Between .ir and .co.ir Domains

The .ir domain is suitable for general and personal use, and any individual or legal entity can register it. However, the .co.ir domain is only issued to legal entities (companies, institutions, and organizations) and requires providing registration documents. If you want a domain for a personal brand or blog, .ir is a better choice.

Managing DNS and Technical Settings for .ir Domains

One of the areas where Iranian users usually have trouble is DNS configuration. IRNIC has a simple but functional DNS management panel through which you can manage various records.

Essential Records for Every Domain

  • A Record: To connect the domain to the server's IP address. Example: example.ir. 3600 IN A 185.10.10.10
  • AAAA Record: For connecting to an IPv6 address (optional but recommended).
  • MX Record: For email service. Example: example.ir. 3600 IN MX 10 mail.example.ir.
  • CNAME Record: For subdomains like www or blog.
  • TXT Record: For ownership verification, SPF, and DKIM.

To change the main DNS of your domain, you need to go to the "DNS Server" section in the IRNIC panel and enter the DNS server names of your hosting provider. For example, if you use ServerNet, you can enter their suggested DNS. But if you want to use IRNIC's default DNS, you can simply enter the records directly in IRNIC's DNS management panel.

Common Troubleshooting: If your website doesn't load after changing DNS, the problem is likely DNS propagation. This process can take between 2 to 48 hours. To check the status, use the following command:

dig example.ir +trace
nslookup example.ir 8.8.8.8

If the output shows that the domain points to the correct IP, you just need to wait. Otherwise, recheck your settings.

Transferring .ir Domain Ownership; A Sensitive and Detailed Process

Transferring ownership of a .ir domain is one of the most complex processes. Unlike international domains that use a transfer code (EPP Code), in IRNIC, this process is done manually with the approval of both parties.

Steps for Ownership Transfer

  1. The seller (current owner) must log in to their IRNIC panel and select the "Transfer Ownership" option for the desired domain.
  2. Enter the buyer's IRNIC user ID. Note that the buyer must already have an active IRNIC ID.
  3. The transfer request is sent to the buyer. The buyer must log in to their panel and approve the request.
  4. After approval, IRNIC reviews the documents of both parties. This review may take several business days.
  5. After final approval, the domain is transferred to the buyer's account.

Security Note: Never give your IRNIC ID and password to the buyer or seller. The transfer must only be done through the official IRNIC panel. If someone asks you to provide your IRNIC password, rest assured they intend to commit fraud.

Common Mistake: Many people, when buying a .ir domain from someone else, only change the DNS and think they own the domain. This is very dangerous because the original owner can still transfer the domain to someone else or delete it. Always perform the ownership transfer officially through IRNIC.

Renewing .ir Domains and Preventing Expiration

Timely renewal of a .ir domain is critically important. Unlike some international registrars, IRNIC does not have long grace periods.

Renewal Timeline

  • You can renew your domain from 30 days before expiration.
  • On the expiration day, if you haven't renewed, the domain goes into Suspend status, and your website and email will stop working.
  • IRNIC usually gives 30 days to renew expired domains. After this period, the domain is released, and anyone else can register it.
  • After release, the domain enters the "deletion" cycle and may not be registrable for up to 6 months.

To prevent this problem, make sure to enable auto-renewal. If you've registered your domain through a hosting company like ServerNet, you can usually enable auto-renewal in your user panel. Also, take IRNIC's reminder emails seriously and make sure the email registered with IRNIC is always active.

Frequently Asked Questions and Common Issues

Can I transfer my .ir domain outside of Iran?

No. .ir domains are only managed by IRNIC, and there is no possibility of transferring to a foreign registrar. Even if you use a foreign hosting company, domain registration and management must be done through IRNIC or its authorized representatives in Iran.

Why was my domain registration request rejected?

The most common reasons for rejection include: discrepancies between information and documents, use of prohibited names (such as government names or registered trademarks), and deficiencies in uploaded documents. If your request is rejected, read IRNIC's message carefully and fix the issue.

Can I pay for a .ir domain with a foreign bank card?

No. IRNIC only accepts payments through Iranian banking gateways. If you are outside Iran, you must use an intermediary or an Iranian hosting company for payment.

Summary

Managing a .ir domain, although it may seem complex at first glance, is completely manageable by understanding IRNIC's rules and following the mentioned tips. Let's review the most important points again:

  • Always register accurate and real information with IRNIC and keep your email active.
  • Don't postpone domain renewal to the last days; enable auto-renewal.
  • For ownership transfer, only use the official IRNIC process and never share your password with others.
  • Configure DNS settings carefully and use tools like dig for troubleshooting.

If you're looking for a reliable hosting for your .ir domain, companies like ServerNet offer domain registration and hosting services in an integrated manner, which can simplify technical management for you. But in any case, being aware of IRNIC's processes is a responsibility that no one can do on your behalf.

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