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AM Domain Names and Gold License Plates

In this article, we explain how  .AM domain names and domain names in general are a close comparison to license plates.  Why they are both valuable in comparison to price, and meaning.

April 26, 2024

License Plates and Domains

License plates and domain names fulfill comparable roles in distinct realms of identification and representation. In Armenia, individuals engaged in business, those in positions of authority, and those with the financial means can acquire “Gold” number license plates through auctions. 

These plates are sought after for reasons of identity, prestige, and commercial endeavors. This phenomenon finds parallels in the domain name landscape of Armenia. Even the . AM country code top-level domain (ccTLD) has its equivalent of “Golden” status, termed as “Premium” domains. Just as individuals vie for “Golden” license plates, there is a fervent pursuit for “Premium” domain names. 

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These domains, akin to their vehicular counterparts, command significant prices and are valued for their uniqueness. The acquisition of a “Premium” domain mirrors the acquisition of a “Golden” license plate, both symbolizing status and exclusivity in their respective domains of representation and identification.

What are “Gold” or “Golden” license plates in Armenia?

A “Golden” license plate is a vanity license plate or customized vehicle registration plate featuring a unique combination of letters, numbers, or symbols chosen by the vehicle owner. These plates typically convey personal messages, such as names, nicknames, or slogans, allowing drivers to express individuality or affiliations through their vehicle’s license plate.

What is a Premium Domain?

A Premium Domain, prized for its perceived value, relevance, and memorability, typically features concise, catchy terms, commanding higher prices than standard domains. Sought after for branding, marketing, and investment, these addresses attract increased traffic and revenue potential, making them coveted assets in the digital landscape for businesses and individuals alike.

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How Do They Compare?

Below is a comparison list showcasing the similarity between domain names and license plates. While license plates represent vehicles and entities, domain names symbolize digital entities, yet both are integral to identity and communication in their domains.

Domain Name

Identification

Domain names: Domain names are used to identify and locate resources on the internet, such as websites, servers, or specific web pages.

License Plate

Identification

License plates: License plates are primarily used for identifying vehicles and ensuring compliance with regulations such as vehicle registration, taxation, and law enforcement.

Administration and Regulation

Domain names: Domain names are administered by domain name registrars accredited by organizations like ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) or country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) authorities.

Administration and Regulation

License plates: The issuance and regulation of license plates are typically handled by governmental bodies such as departments of motor vehicles (DMV) or similar authorities in different countries.

Characters and Formatting

Domain names: Domain names consist of a series of characters separated by dots, with the last part indicating the top-level domain (TLD), such as .com, .org, .net, or a country code (e.g., .am for Armenia).

Characters and Formatting

License plates: License plates often have a combination of letters, numbers, and sometimes special characters. The format can vary significantly between different regions and countries.

Ownership

Domain names: Domain names are purchased or registered by individuals, businesses, or organizations through domain registrars. The ownership of a domain name can be transferred between parties and is typically renewable on an annual basis.

Ownership

License plates: License plates are usually issued by authorities to vehicle owners and are unique to each vehicle. The ownership of a license plate is tied to the vehicle registration.

Cost

Domain names: The cost of registering a domain name varies depending on factors such as the domain registrar, the popularity of the domain name, and the chosen TLD. Some domain names can be registered for very low costs, while others, especially those with popular keywords or short, memorable names, can be quite expensive.

Cost

License plates: The cost of obtaining a license plate is often included in vehicle registration fees and may vary depending on factors such as the type of vehicle, jurisdiction, and any additional customization options such as vanity license plates, or also known in Armenia as a “Gold” license plates that demand high cost.

Expiration or Renewal

Domain names: Domain names must be renewed periodically, usually on an annual basis. Failure to renew a domain name can result in its expiration, after which it may become available for registration by others.

Expiration or Renewal

License plates: License plates typically do not expire but remain valid as long as the vehicle registration is up to date. However, they may need to be replaced if they become damaged or if the vehicle owner transfers ownership to another party.

While license plates and domain names serve different functions and operate under different systems, they both play crucial roles in identification, representation, and navigation within their respective domains – the physical realm of vehicles and the digital realm of the internet.

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Cost Figures

Below is a comparison list showcasing pricing between domain names and license plates.  The comparison shows how both are close in similarity in the way they are priced for common registration, premium/golden, and auction.

Domain Name

.AM Domain Cost (Common)

Domain names: Domain names with the .AM ccTLD extension on average cost approximately $22 to $31 USD (8,900.00 to 12,000 AMD) direct from local Armenia registrars.

License Plate

License Plate Cost (Common )

License plates: For common use are priced at $30 to $31 USD (12,000 AMD).

.AM Domain Cost (Premium&Auction)

Domain names: Domain names with the .AM ccTLD extension on average can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars for premium and auctioned domain names. For example 9.am sold for $169,000 (approx. 65,585,520 AMD, Super.am sold for $2,146 (approx.832,819 AMD ,  and 888.am sold for $9,800 (approx. 3,803,184 AMD). Information can be found on Namebio.com.

 

License Plate Cost (Golden &Auction )

License plates: For common use are priced at $33,500 and up (13,000,000+ AMD). Information on license plate auctions can be found at

https://auction.mia.gov.am/

 

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